Cockfather Illustrated's Hot List for August 2nd, 2007

In the first version of Cockfather Illustrated's Hot List, we will take a look at several "hot" prospects on the Gamecocks recruiting board. "Hot" means that the player could be either making a decision soon or shaking up things in the recruiting process.

1) DL D'Angelo McCray 6'4 290 4.7 Jacksonville, FL- This jumbo-athlete is currently rated as the 4th best strong-side defensive end prospect in the country according to Rivals.com. McCray had earlier committed to the Florida Gators, but backed off of that commitment late last week. South Carolina has jumped into the mix and is a very appealing alternative to McCray for several reasons. McCray grew up following Florida football under Steve Spurrier. The idea of playing for coach Spurrier at South Carolina is very appealing to McCray. McCray also wants to go where his services are needed immediately. Rated as the 43rd best player in America, McCray realizes their is a great opportunity to play early at South Carolina. McCray also wants to continue his football career with his high school teammate Troy Pollard. The 5'8 180 pound Running back with 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash is very similar to current USC running back Bobby Wallace. Pollard could also play slot receiver and return kicks at the collegiate level. Steve Spurrier, Jr. and Brad Lawing are recruiting McCray for the Gamecocks.

2) WR Jason Barnes 6'4 197 4.45 Charlotte, NC - Perhaps the most underrated wide receiver on South Carolina's board is this Independence High School product. Sources close to USC's program think that Barnes could be the best pure wide receiver USC is recruiting. The big WR was extremely impressive at the Athens, GA Nike Camp in April. Barnes possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and hands. Look for Barnes to reach 4 star status during his senior season and blow up at the Shrine Bowl. An announcement is set for Friday on Barnes college decision, and as of tonight, all indications are it will be South Carolina. Fred Chatham and Steve Spurrier, Jr. are recruiting Barnes for the Gamecocks.

3) QB Stephen Garcia 6'3 205 4.7 Tampa, FL - Fresh off an an impressive appearance at the Elite 11 QB camp, Garcia and his parents will be on campus this weekend as South Carolina opens fall practice. This will be Garcia's second trip to Columbia, but the first time his parents have made the trip. USC has lead for months and will push for an early decision from Garcia during this trip. An early decision would be beneficial for both Stephen and the Gamecocks. For Stephen, he could get his college decision out of the way and soley concentrate on his senior season. For USC, they get their prized QB commitment, and a big bump in recruiting momentum. David Reaves is recruiting Garcia for the Gamecocks.

4) CB Jamire Williams 6'0 180 4.4 Jacksonville, FL - Fresh off an impressive appearance at Florida's "Friday Night Lights", Williams did receive an offer from the Gators late last week. However, news broke over the weekend that despite that offer, South Carolina was the clear leader and that a decision could be imminent. Williams backed off that stance publicly, but Cockfather Illustrated believes that the high 3 star CB could fall for the Gamecocks anytime between now and September 9th. That is the date Williams and several other Jacksonville area prospects will be making unofficial visits to USC. Steve Spurrier, Jr. is recruiting Williams for the Gamecocks.

5) DE Cortez Myles 6'3 255 4.7 Madison, MS - The 4 star prospect continues to favor South Carolina and could commit before the start of the 2006 season. Myles projects as a defensive tackle on the collegiate level and is exactly what Brad Lawing is looking for in that, the Mississippi product is a big defensive end that can run, but has the body type to grow into an inside player that will maintain excellent speed. Robert Gillespie and Brad Lawing are recruiting Myles for the Gamecocks.

6) DE Carlos Dunlap 6'6 240 4.7 Fort Dorchester High School - The 4 star defensive line prospect is not publicly tipping his hand, but according to multiple sources, Dunlap favors USC and his father would prefer that Carlos make his announcement before Labor Day. The Rivals.com 250 selection is a prime candidate to move into the Rivals 100 by seasons end with a strong senior season. Brad Lawing and Steve Spurrier, Jr. are recruiting Dunlap for the Gamecocks.

7) FS/SS Arkee Smith 6'1 190 4.5 Jacksonville, FL - The teammate of CB Jamire Williams at First Coast High School, Smith has flown under the recruiting radar for much of the summer. The big safety was impressive at USC's summer camp and received a scholarship on the spot. Williams has great size and speed and could play either safety position at the next level. Smith was also rumored to have been close to committing to USC over the weekend and is another player that could commit at any time. Steve Spurrier, Jr. is recruiting for the Gamecocks

8) WR Matt Clements 6'2 185 4.34 Naples, FL - A pure speed receiever is just what Steve Spurrier needs for his offense, and Clements would be the perfect fit. The 6'2 Barron Collier High School product is a major burner. Clements film is reminiscent of former USC and current Minnesota Vikings receiver Troy Williamson. Clements will play QB this season, but is a natural wide receiver. Clements has favored USC for much of the recruiting process and would like to have his decision out of the way within the next month. USC will have to hold off a strong push from Ohio State to secure Clements commitment. Robet Gillespie and Steve Spurrier, Jr. are recruiting for the Gamecocks.

9) CB Gary Gray 5'10 165 4.5 Richland Northeast High School - The 5 star rated prospect from Columbia was USC's first commitment for the class of 2007 but backed off that commitment and will make official visits to both USC and Notre Dame. Gray was originially scheduled to take his offical visit to USC for the Georiga game on September 9th. But today, USC's coaches asked Gray to reschedule for the weekend of the Auburn game. This will not only give USC the last shot at Gray before he makes his second verbal commitment, but it will give the USC staff all day to spend with the local prospect. Cockfather Illustrated still projects Gray to re-commit to USC shortly after that visit.