Updated Red-shirt Projections

Today Cockfather Illustrated updates the projected red-shirt list, and which newcomers will play this season.

QB-Chris Smelley- with a strong showing in the first scrimmage, Smelley is poised to pass Cade Thompson as the primary back-up to Blake Mitchell. Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier described his newest pupil as "special" after Saturday's scrimmage. The 6'3 210 pound Tuscaloosa native throws a beautiful ball and appears ready to play right now. Perhaps a more appropriate question is, how long can Blake Mitchell hold Smelley off?

FB Clark Gaston - at one point it appeared the mid-year enrollee would be a starter at FB, but incumbant Lanard Stafford was held him off. SC State transfer Cody Lucas has also been impressive and is running ahead of gasotn. at this point, it appears he will be red-shirted.

WR-Moe Brown- perhaps the biggest surprise on the offensive side of the ball thus far in fall camp, The Westside High School product will see significant playing time barring injury, and is in the mix to be a punt returner.

WR Chris Hail- a great looking athlete that could play on either side of the football, Hail is headed for a red-shirt season.

OT Hutch Eckerson- early returns on Eckerson's performance have been excellent. A source close to the program told Cockfather Illustrated that he is the best of the freshman class, and displays a nasty attitude. The 6'6 290 Lumberton, NC native will likely back-up at both tackle positions.

OG Kevin Young- perhaps the most physically ready to play of the freshman class, Young could take over the starting right guard spot from James Thompson. The biggest drawback with Young, as is the case with most freshmen, is that he is struggling mentally to pick-up the system. If Young catches on, as we expect him to, he will play significant snaps this fall.

OG Garrett Anderson- another good looking prospect that could play guard or tackle. USC would like to red-shirt the Shrine Bowl performer, but with USC's depth as thin as it is, it is doubtful Anderson will red-shirt.

OT Heath Batchelor- perhaps the most physically impressive of the freshmen linemen, Batchelor showed up measuring 6'7 311 pounds, and a very athletic build. The Haleyville, AL native is battling some knee problems and appears headed for a red-shirt season.

OG-Seaver Brown - The 6'6 310 pound Brown was USC's first OL commitment last fall. The Clearwater, FL native will be red-shirted this fall and appears to have a bright future ahead of him at USC.

OC Pierre Andrews- The 6'3 285 pound Independence High School star will be red-shirted while he adjust to playing the center position. Andrews played primarily guard and tackle during his high school career.

DE Eric Norwood - the 6'2 260 pound pass rusher has been very impressive in fall camp. Norwood displays an unbelievably quick first step off the edge and is on schedule to see significant snaps this fall. One source told Cockfather Illustrated on Saturday that Norwood would be a star at USC. He wants to be a great player. He stays after practice to work on his techniques and assignments.

DE Terrance Campbell- The 6'3 268 pound South Cobb HS star certainly passes the eye ball test. with his frame, Campbell is destined to grow into a defensive tackle. He could carry 290 pounds with no problem. Look for him to red-shirt this fall and move inside during spring practice.

DT Kenrick Ellis - The Jamaican native may be the biggest freshman I have ever seen at USC. weighing in a 349 pounds when he reported, Ellis has now "trimmed down" to 330 pounds. He appears destined for a red-shirt year while he continues to re-shape his body. Ellis still has a great future ahead of him if he continues lose weight and maintain his positive attitude.

DT Joel Reaves- although undersized at DT, Reaves is currently running ahead of Stanley Doughty at the back-up NG position behind sophomore Nathan Pepper. It is doubtful Reaves will red-shirt.

DE Casper Brinkley- the junior college transfer has been more than impressive thus far in fall camp, and is a likely starter at one of the defensive end positions. The 6'3 250 pound Thomson, GA native has excellent speed and shows a knack for being around the ball.

LB Jasper Brinkley - will anchor the Gamecock defense from his MLB position. The twin brother of Casper Brinkley, Jasper arrived at USC in January, and was impressive in winter workouts and caught the eye of USC's defensive coaches early in spring practice.

LB Rodney Paulk - was extremely impressive in USC's opening scrimmage this past Saturday. Paulk has exceptional quickness and has worked hard over the summer to push his weight to around 210 pounds. He is the likely back-up to Marvin Sapp at the Stinger LB position and could also play in USC's nickel package.

LB Vandaral Shackleford- has battled some minor injuries and appears headed for a red-shirt season.

CB Captain Munnerlyn - perhaps the biggest surprise of fall camp, the Mobile, AL native has shown excellent speed, and coverage skills. Munnerlyn has also shown a physical nature in press coverage. Munnerlyn will avoid a red-shirt and should see significant playing tome both on defense and special teams.

FS Darian Stewart- with Brandon Isaac's uncertain availability for the upcoming season, Stewart is the likely starter at free safety. The Huntsville, AL newcomer has been impressive, and is physically ready to play.

FS Nick Prochak - the former Spartanburg High School quarterback is one of the most impressive athletes in the freshman class. How fast he progresses in fall camp will determine if he red-shirts or not. Currently, he is the back-up to Darian Stewart at FS.

ROV Emmanuel Cook- a likely contributor on special teams, Cook is also the current back-up to Chris Hampton, and should see action on defense as well. The former 6A Mr. Football has outstanding speed, and is physical at the point of attack.