Renaldo Balkman, 2006 first round draft pick of the New York Nicks. Played parts of three seasons for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He averaged a whopping 9.6 points per game, while averaging 25.7 minutes per game. Hmmm, lets see now, why would a first round draft pick average only 25.7 minutes per contest? Could it be because he played on a team so loaded with talent that he could only play that many minutes? Or could it be that he often dogged it and his coach benched him due to lack of effort and respect? Balkman led the Gamecocks to back-to-back N.I.T. Championships. Wait, is that really an accurate statement? I think not. Balkman has never led USC in anything except most time benched for lack of effort and being uncoachable.
It is unfathomable to think that a storied organization such as the New York Nicks could make a player that didn't show up for nearly two-thirds of his teams games a millionaire. Clearly these are not the Nicks of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Earl"The Pearl" Monroe, and Bill Bradley. These are now the Nicks of Isaiah "The Clueless" Thomas. Maybe Bobby Knight did hit him with a chair too many times.
Why should I celebrate Balkman? Do I celebrate a five game span where Balkman looked and played like Superman versus so many disappointments, so many missed lay-ups, so many missed free throws, and a multitude of turnovers? Why should I celebrate a guy that was not eligible to play high school basketball in the state of Florida as a sophomore or junior or senior? It was only after Balkman transferred to the IMG academy that he became eligible. Then after finding out he wasn't "academic minded", he was shipped to Laurinburg Prep, the Alma Mater of Rocket Scientist Chris Washburn, "Mr. 480 SAT". Laurinburg is not noted for being an academically minded prep school, but rather one that "gets it done" in regards to it's basketball players. After all, Washburn made it to N.C. State didn't he? Even then, Balkman was not cleared by USC's compliance office. Only after taking courses at Midlands Tech was Balkman finally cleared to begin team activities several weeks after fall practice had begun.
There is no question that Balkman is an exceptional athlete. When he is on his game, he plays with great energy and excitement. He runs the floor, he jumps high and slam dunks with the best of them. He can block shots, rebound, start the fast break and finish with a rim thundering dunk. But only on certain nights did Balkman don his cape. For most of his career kryptonite was present in the arenas in which he played.
What great accomplishments did he achieve for my alma mater? Did he ever lead USC to the promised land? The answers are not indicative of a 1st round NBA draft pick, especially to a storied organization such as the New York Nicks. The truth is Balkman was a pain in the posterior for Dave Odom for three seasons. The truth is that Balkman was almost kicked off the team several times. The truth is that the coaching staff did not want him back after the 2005 SEC tournament.
The truth is The N.I.T. does not stand for the Not Important tournament for Renaldo Balkman. He used the NIT to regain favor with the coaching staff in 2005 and then again used the N.I.T to springboard himself to the NBA. Boy was I wrong. The N.I.T was good for something, the career of Renaldo Balkman.
Now Odom has over-scheduled his team, because he trusted Renaldo Balkman would return for his senior season. Now USC is left without a rebounder, and finds itself returning only two starters heading into the 2006-07 campaign. USC will be outmatched in games versus Southern Cal, Kansas, Pitt, Clemson and other strong non-conference opponents, just like Renaldo will fin himself outmatched physically most nights next season. And not just for 30 games like college, but closer to 100 games counting the pre-season. Don't worry Renaldo, that will be all. Your season will end just like they did at USC, not making the real post-season.
So, good bye and good luck Renaldo, and thanks for the memories. Too bad there wasn't more of them.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
How will Michael Bowman's commitment impact the WR board?
Should Michael Bowman commit to USC this week as expected, what will that mean for the WR board? USC wants to sign five WR's in this class. Other names at the top of the board include Mark Barnes, Jason Barnes, Matt Clements, Dion Lecorn, Willie White, and DJ Donley. USC has two prep school placements, Jeremy Davis and Keith Graham, that are both expected to sign in February.
There are many scenario's that could play out during the course of the season. There are also many other top-notch WR prospects that USC is involved with. If today was signing day, this is how CockfatherIllustrated projects the WR class. In addition to Bowman, USC signs Jason Barnes, Dion Lecorn, Matt Clements, Keith Graham, Jeremy Davis and Mark Barnes. Both Davis and M Barnes move to safety, which is really their best position. Another possibility is that USC decides to pass on Keith Graham if both Mark and Jason Barnes commit to USC. I do think that Jeremy Davis will definitely be signed as an athlete and most likely be used as a FS. I believe Mark Barnes would make a phenomenal SS.
One thing that works in USC's favor is that most of the top prospects on their board at WR are announcing very early in the process. So there is also the process of elimination factor involved. For instance, if Jason Barnes chooses UNC, then problem solved on Keith Graham, and possibly Mark Barnes as a safety. Should Dion Lecorn choose Florida, problem solved. Same with Matt Clements if he chooses Auburn. The problem that exists is that as of today, all those players have USC as their leader and USC's coaches feel good about getting a commitment from them.
As of today, the odd man out would appear to be Keith Graham. I asked a source very close to the situation what happens if Graham blows up at Fork Union this fall. My source said, we will take him and sort it all out. Thus the possibility that M Barnes and Jeremy Davis wind up in the secondary. clearly this is a better problem than having to scramble on signing day for Kentucky commitment LaMarcus Blackwell, a two- star player with only one offer.
Okay, that's my opinion. Please discuss and list your opinions in the comments section under this post! Go Gamecocks!
There are many scenario's that could play out during the course of the season. There are also many other top-notch WR prospects that USC is involved with. If today was signing day, this is how CockfatherIllustrated projects the WR class. In addition to Bowman, USC signs Jason Barnes, Dion Lecorn, Matt Clements, Keith Graham, Jeremy Davis and Mark Barnes. Both Davis and M Barnes move to safety, which is really their best position. Another possibility is that USC decides to pass on Keith Graham if both Mark and Jason Barnes commit to USC. I do think that Jeremy Davis will definitely be signed as an athlete and most likely be used as a FS. I believe Mark Barnes would make a phenomenal SS.
One thing that works in USC's favor is that most of the top prospects on their board at WR are announcing very early in the process. So there is also the process of elimination factor involved. For instance, if Jason Barnes chooses UNC, then problem solved on Keith Graham, and possibly Mark Barnes as a safety. Should Dion Lecorn choose Florida, problem solved. Same with Matt Clements if he chooses Auburn. The problem that exists is that as of today, all those players have USC as their leader and USC's coaches feel good about getting a commitment from them.
As of today, the odd man out would appear to be Keith Graham. I asked a source very close to the situation what happens if Graham blows up at Fork Union this fall. My source said, we will take him and sort it all out. Thus the possibility that M Barnes and Jeremy Davis wind up in the secondary. clearly this is a better problem than having to scramble on signing day for Kentucky commitment LaMarcus Blackwell, a two- star player with only one offer.
Okay, that's my opinion. Please discuss and list your opinions in the comments section under this post! Go Gamecocks!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Prospect Stock Report: WR Matt Clements
This is the first in series of weekly reports in which we will report on one prospect who's stock is on the rise. It is fitting that the first such Stock Report is on Baron Collier High School WR Matt Clements. Perhaps no single prospect is becoming more talked about in Gamecock recruiting circles more than the Naples, FL wide receiver prospect. Rated a 4 star prospect by scout.com, and the no. 3 WR prospect in the state of Florida by Bill Buchalter of The Orlando Sentinel, Clements currently holds offers from Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, South Carolina, West Virginia, Indiana, and Iowa State. As the season approaches Clements should see his offer sheet grow during his senior season.
The 6'1 180 pound speedster has that rare comination of size, speed and hands that make him an elite prospect. Clements has been clocked at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and set school records this past spring in both the 400 m(49.0 sec.) and the high jump(6'4). These skills have made Clements a top priority for Steve Spurrier Jr. and the South Carolina Gamecocks. In fact, USC currently holds the edge for Clements signature, and he could issue a verbal commitment before the end of summer to South Carolina.
In a recent story published on GamecockCentreal.com, Clements told rivals recruiting analyst Tony Morrell that USC is the team to beat. "South Carolina is my No. 1 school now," the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Clements said. "They have just done the best job of showing me how much they want me to be a part of their program. They run a big-time offense, and it seems like I could really make an impact there if I went there." USC has done an excellent job recruiting Clements as both RB Coach Robert Gillespie and Steve Spurrier Jr. Have been working overtime to land Clements commitment. It appears their efforts could be rewarded.
Matt Clements stock is definitely on the rise. Will he be a Gamecock? Stay tuned!
The 6'1 180 pound speedster has that rare comination of size, speed and hands that make him an elite prospect. Clements has been clocked at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and set school records this past spring in both the 400 m(49.0 sec.) and the high jump(6'4). These skills have made Clements a top priority for Steve Spurrier Jr. and the South Carolina Gamecocks. In fact, USC currently holds the edge for Clements signature, and he could issue a verbal commitment before the end of summer to South Carolina.
In a recent story published on GamecockCentreal.com, Clements told rivals recruiting analyst Tony Morrell that USC is the team to beat. "South Carolina is my No. 1 school now," the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Clements said. "They have just done the best job of showing me how much they want me to be a part of their program. They run a big-time offense, and it seems like I could really make an impact there if I went there." USC has done an excellent job recruiting Clements as both RB Coach Robert Gillespie and Steve Spurrier Jr. Have been working overtime to land Clements commitment. It appears their efforts could be rewarded.
Matt Clements stock is definitely on the rise. Will he be a Gamecock? Stay tuned!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Cockfather Illustrated's 2007 Ten Most Wanted List
I know it is early, but it's not really that early to compile a top 10 or 10 most wanted list for football recruiting. USC already has 3 names that would have been on an earlier list, in commitments Gary Gray, Quintin Richardson, and Brian Maddox.
There are two glaring needs for this recruiting class, quality defensive linemen and big-time wide receivers. I think USC is in great shape to fill those needs, much like last years class filled a need in bringing in several big-time OL prospects, such as Garrett Anderson, Kevin Young, Hutch Eckerson, and Clarence Bailey.
This is the summer 10 most wanted list, and the list will be updated as USC becomes involved with more prospects. They will be listed in alphabetical order.
WR Jason Barnes 6'4 196 4.46 Charlotte, NC- Barnes is the next in the line of big-time WR prospects from Independence High School. He should emerge as one of the top WR prospects in the nation in 2006. Rivals.com Analyst JC Shurburtt said "Jason Barnes has as much ability and potential as any player in the nation at his position." Barnes was outstanding at the Athens, GA Nike Combine and was noticed there by USC assistant coach David Reaves. Fred Chatham is recruiting Barnes for the Gamecocks. The primary competition for his services comes from North Carolina. Jason and his family were just on campus at USC over the weekend and according to multiple sources, Jason is close to giving USC his verbal commitment. Fred Chatham's longtime friendship with Ind'ce head coach Tommy Knotts and the fact that USC was the first to offer should benefit the gamecocks.
ATH Mark Barnes 6'2 193 4.6 Richland Northeast High School- A teammate of USC commitment Gary Gray, Barnes is one of the top rated athletes in the country. Barnes could star on the college level as either a WR or FS. He possesses excellent instincts and football speed. As a junior, Barnes had 25 receptions for 545 yards, a 21.8 average per reception, and 5 TD's. On defense, Barnes recorded 83 tackles with 5 int's and 9 pass break-ups. USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves is recruiting Mark for the Gamecocks. Barnes has been long considered a USC lock since last summer when the soon to be senior wanted to commit to the Gamecocks during fall practice. Notre Dame, Southern Cal, and Virginia Tech appear to be the schools other than USC that interest Mark the most. I look for Barnes to ultimately commit to USC after taking a few trips this fall. IF he is selected, Barnes could commit to USC on NBC during the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio, TX in mid-January.
DE Carlos Dunlap 6'6 240 4.7 Fort Dorchester High School- although Dunlap did not take any spring visits or attend any combines, he still rates as one of the top DL prospects in the nation, and could make his way into the Rivals 100 with a strong senior season. New USC DL coach Brad Lawing is recruiting for the Gamecocks and the primary competition for Dunlap's signature will be Georgia and Florida. Carlos is only 16 years old, so he could still have a major growth spurt left that could send him into the interior DL in college.
QB Stephen Garcia 6'2 202 4.7 Tampa, FL- recently selected to the Elite 11 QB camp for 2007, Garcia would rate at the top of almost every schools QB board. He is big, athletic, and make plays with his arm on the run. He is also a very intelligent young man. All of these qualities have intrigued the OBC. I really think Syvelle Newton opened Spurrier's eyes to a different dimension his offense can undertake: a mobile QB that can make plays and challenge defenses in a different way. As a junior, Garcia passed for over 2800 yards and 28 TD's. He also rushed for over 700 yards and scored 8 TD's. Stephen's family has a longstanding relationship with the USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves, and USC is in strong position with Garcia entering the month of July. A verbal commitment should happen by the beginning of football season. An added benefit for USC is that Garcia is a mid-year graduate and will be able to enroll in January of 2007.
WR/RB Dion Lecorn 6'0 205 4.48 Ocala, FL- Lecorn is the top target of Texas commitment John Brantley, and is considered one of the top WR prospects in the southeast. Dion is a thick, physical WR prospect that could also see some action as a RB at the next level. He is only 16 years old and speculation is that he could easily fill out at 225 pounds or more. As a junior, Lecorn had 59 receptions for over 1100 yards and 11 TD's. Steve Spurrier, Jr is recruiting for the Gamecocks. Lecorn has a final two of USC and FLorida. He could make a decision by the end of summer. Sources indicate that USC currently holds the lead for this talented prospect, but the key will be getting Lecorn on campus in order to secure his commitment.
DE/TE Cliff Matthews 6'4 225 4.6 Cheraw HS- Matthews had his coming out party at the Gainesville, FL Nile Combine in May. His performance there thrust him into the Rivals 100 heading into the summer months. As a junior, this jumbo-athlete had 66 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries. Matthews is also an exceptional basketball player and could play both sports at the next level. He is being recruited by USC assistant David Reaves. The primary competition appears to be Georgia and Clemson, but USC is the clear leader. Barring a last second change of heart, Matthews should commit to USC by the start of football season.
DT Alfred McCullough 6'3 297 4.9 Athens, AL- McCullough is one of the premier defensive tackles in the southeast, and is ranked 26th at his position nationally by rivals.com. As a junior, McCullough registered 67 total tackles, 16 TFL, and 11 sacks. He boasts a 340 pound bench press and a squat of 525 pounds. Ron Cooper is recuiting for the Gamecocks, and USC enters the month of July in McCullough's top two, along with the in-state Alabama Crimson Tide. McCullough could make a decision this summer, and a trip to Richland County is not out of the question. "Steve Spurrier is a great football coach. They've got a good staff and they need defensive linemen. I might be taking a visit there. Me and coach (Ron) Cooper have talked about that." It will be hard to beat the Crimson Tide for McCullough's services, but a major key is getting him on campus before he makes a decision.
DE Travian Robertson 6'4 230 4.58 Laurinburg, NC- Perhaps the top rated prospect on USC's board regardless of position, Robertson could possibly be the most ready to play prospect USC is recruiting. Despite missing all but two games of his junior season with a torn ACL, Robertson turned in a 4.58 40 yard dash at a shrine bowl combine this spring. Also adding to the intrigue of Robertson is the fact that he will graduate fr 6'3 297om high school in December, thus enrolling at his school of choice in January of 2007. USC assistants Brad Lawing and Fred Chatham are recruiting for the Gamecocks. Robertson has reportedly narrowed his choices to USC, NC State, and Clemson. A decision is expected by the end of July. According to Multiple sources, USC is clearly the team to beat at the present time.
ATH Golden Tate 5'11 175 4.4 Hendersonville, TN- Tate is a multi-dimensional player that could play a versatile role in the USC offense. As a junior he had 305 carries for 2191 yards and 26 TD's. Tate also caught 76 passes for 1648 yards and 21 TD's. On defense, he recorded 10 INT's and also had 25 pass breakups. Steve Spurrier, Jr. is recruiting Tate for the Gamecocks. The main competition for Tate's services come from FL, FSU, MIA, AL, AUB, and ND. Tate currently hold offers from USC, AL, AUB, OM, MSU, and VY. USC's best chance to land Tate will depend on the big 3 in FL and ND not offering. USC likes Tate as a slot WR, but I could easily see him as a shut down CB as well.
DT Ian Williams 6'2 295 5.1 Longwood, FL- Williams could be the top DT prospect on USC's board. He is currently rates as a 4 star prospect by rivals.com and is rated the number 25 DT nationally. Williams has a bench press of 350 pounds and squats540 pounds. Robert Gillespie is recruiting for the Gamecocks, who currently reside firmly in Williams top 6, along with Florida, Notre Dame, Clemson, Auburn, and Tennessee. Williams is intruiged with the possibilty of playing for USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier.South Carolina "They are in the same boat as Notre Dame. Those are two new coaches with coach Weis at Notre Dame and Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. They are both trying to bring up those programs and get top notch recruits. They're trying to win a national championship." As a junior, Williams totaled 82 tackles, with 23 TFL and 3 sacks. Currently Williams favors the Florida Gators, but is not ready to make a decision anytime soon. He will likely take all five offical visits after his senior season.
Again, this is a summer list. There will be other prospects that could emerge in the 10 most wanted as the season progresses. As you can see, USC has an excellent shot at landing several of these prospects.
There are two glaring needs for this recruiting class, quality defensive linemen and big-time wide receivers. I think USC is in great shape to fill those needs, much like last years class filled a need in bringing in several big-time OL prospects, such as Garrett Anderson, Kevin Young, Hutch Eckerson, and Clarence Bailey.
This is the summer 10 most wanted list, and the list will be updated as USC becomes involved with more prospects. They will be listed in alphabetical order.
WR Jason Barnes 6'4 196 4.46 Charlotte, NC- Barnes is the next in the line of big-time WR prospects from Independence High School. He should emerge as one of the top WR prospects in the nation in 2006. Rivals.com Analyst JC Shurburtt said "Jason Barnes has as much ability and potential as any player in the nation at his position." Barnes was outstanding at the Athens, GA Nike Combine and was noticed there by USC assistant coach David Reaves. Fred Chatham is recruiting Barnes for the Gamecocks. The primary competition for his services comes from North Carolina. Jason and his family were just on campus at USC over the weekend and according to multiple sources, Jason is close to giving USC his verbal commitment. Fred Chatham's longtime friendship with Ind'ce head coach Tommy Knotts and the fact that USC was the first to offer should benefit the gamecocks.
ATH Mark Barnes 6'2 193 4.6 Richland Northeast High School- A teammate of USC commitment Gary Gray, Barnes is one of the top rated athletes in the country. Barnes could star on the college level as either a WR or FS. He possesses excellent instincts and football speed. As a junior, Barnes had 25 receptions for 545 yards, a 21.8 average per reception, and 5 TD's. On defense, Barnes recorded 83 tackles with 5 int's and 9 pass break-ups. USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves is recruiting Mark for the Gamecocks. Barnes has been long considered a USC lock since last summer when the soon to be senior wanted to commit to the Gamecocks during fall practice. Notre Dame, Southern Cal, and Virginia Tech appear to be the schools other than USC that interest Mark the most. I look for Barnes to ultimately commit to USC after taking a few trips this fall. IF he is selected, Barnes could commit to USC on NBC during the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio, TX in mid-January.
DE Carlos Dunlap 6'6 240 4.7 Fort Dorchester High School- although Dunlap did not take any spring visits or attend any combines, he still rates as one of the top DL prospects in the nation, and could make his way into the Rivals 100 with a strong senior season. New USC DL coach Brad Lawing is recruiting for the Gamecocks and the primary competition for Dunlap's signature will be Georgia and Florida. Carlos is only 16 years old, so he could still have a major growth spurt left that could send him into the interior DL in college.
QB Stephen Garcia 6'2 202 4.7 Tampa, FL- recently selected to the Elite 11 QB camp for 2007, Garcia would rate at the top of almost every schools QB board. He is big, athletic, and make plays with his arm on the run. He is also a very intelligent young man. All of these qualities have intrigued the OBC. I really think Syvelle Newton opened Spurrier's eyes to a different dimension his offense can undertake: a mobile QB that can make plays and challenge defenses in a different way. As a junior, Garcia passed for over 2800 yards and 28 TD's. He also rushed for over 700 yards and scored 8 TD's. Stephen's family has a longstanding relationship with the USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves, and USC is in strong position with Garcia entering the month of July. A verbal commitment should happen by the beginning of football season. An added benefit for USC is that Garcia is a mid-year graduate and will be able to enroll in January of 2007.
WR/RB Dion Lecorn 6'0 205 4.48 Ocala, FL- Lecorn is the top target of Texas commitment John Brantley, and is considered one of the top WR prospects in the southeast. Dion is a thick, physical WR prospect that could also see some action as a RB at the next level. He is only 16 years old and speculation is that he could easily fill out at 225 pounds or more. As a junior, Lecorn had 59 receptions for over 1100 yards and 11 TD's. Steve Spurrier, Jr is recruiting for the Gamecocks. Lecorn has a final two of USC and FLorida. He could make a decision by the end of summer. Sources indicate that USC currently holds the lead for this talented prospect, but the key will be getting Lecorn on campus in order to secure his commitment.
DE/TE Cliff Matthews 6'4 225 4.6 Cheraw HS- Matthews had his coming out party at the Gainesville, FL Nile Combine in May. His performance there thrust him into the Rivals 100 heading into the summer months. As a junior, this jumbo-athlete had 66 tackles, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries. Matthews is also an exceptional basketball player and could play both sports at the next level. He is being recruited by USC assistant David Reaves. The primary competition appears to be Georgia and Clemson, but USC is the clear leader. Barring a last second change of heart, Matthews should commit to USC by the start of football season.
DT Alfred McCullough 6'3 297 4.9 Athens, AL- McCullough is one of the premier defensive tackles in the southeast, and is ranked 26th at his position nationally by rivals.com. As a junior, McCullough registered 67 total tackles, 16 TFL, and 11 sacks. He boasts a 340 pound bench press and a squat of 525 pounds. Ron Cooper is recuiting for the Gamecocks, and USC enters the month of July in McCullough's top two, along with the in-state Alabama Crimson Tide. McCullough could make a decision this summer, and a trip to Richland County is not out of the question. "Steve Spurrier is a great football coach. They've got a good staff and they need defensive linemen. I might be taking a visit there. Me and coach (Ron) Cooper have talked about that." It will be hard to beat the Crimson Tide for McCullough's services, but a major key is getting him on campus before he makes a decision.
DE Travian Robertson 6'4 230 4.58 Laurinburg, NC- Perhaps the top rated prospect on USC's board regardless of position, Robertson could possibly be the most ready to play prospect USC is recruiting. Despite missing all but two games of his junior season with a torn ACL, Robertson turned in a 4.58 40 yard dash at a shrine bowl combine this spring. Also adding to the intrigue of Robertson is the fact that he will graduate fr 6'3 297om high school in December, thus enrolling at his school of choice in January of 2007. USC assistants Brad Lawing and Fred Chatham are recruiting for the Gamecocks. Robertson has reportedly narrowed his choices to USC, NC State, and Clemson. A decision is expected by the end of July. According to Multiple sources, USC is clearly the team to beat at the present time.
ATH Golden Tate 5'11 175 4.4 Hendersonville, TN- Tate is a multi-dimensional player that could play a versatile role in the USC offense. As a junior he had 305 carries for 2191 yards and 26 TD's. Tate also caught 76 passes for 1648 yards and 21 TD's. On defense, he recorded 10 INT's and also had 25 pass breakups. Steve Spurrier, Jr. is recruiting Tate for the Gamecocks. The main competition for Tate's services come from FL, FSU, MIA, AL, AUB, and ND. Tate currently hold offers from USC, AL, AUB, OM, MSU, and VY. USC's best chance to land Tate will depend on the big 3 in FL and ND not offering. USC likes Tate as a slot WR, but I could easily see him as a shut down CB as well.
DT Ian Williams 6'2 295 5.1 Longwood, FL- Williams could be the top DT prospect on USC's board. He is currently rates as a 4 star prospect by rivals.com and is rated the number 25 DT nationally. Williams has a bench press of 350 pounds and squats540 pounds. Robert Gillespie is recruiting for the Gamecocks, who currently reside firmly in Williams top 6, along with Florida, Notre Dame, Clemson, Auburn, and Tennessee. Williams is intruiged with the possibilty of playing for USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier.South Carolina "They are in the same boat as Notre Dame. Those are two new coaches with coach Weis at Notre Dame and Steve Spurrier at South Carolina. They are both trying to bring up those programs and get top notch recruits. They're trying to win a national championship." As a junior, Williams totaled 82 tackles, with 23 TFL and 3 sacks. Currently Williams favors the Florida Gators, but is not ready to make a decision anytime soon. He will likely take all five offical visits after his senior season.
Again, this is a summer list. There will be other prospects that could emerge in the 10 most wanted as the season progresses. As you can see, USC has an excellent shot at landing several of these prospects.
Summer workouts
Obviously Steve Spurrier hs a method to his madness. He was not pleased with the attendance of several football players at the "voluntary workouts" so he called a team meeting to deliver a message. We must remember, Spurrier is a perfectionist. He demands perfection, as in PERFECT attendance. There are 8-10 players that have been missing some workouts. I was told by a player last week that 5 guys were consistently missing, and there are a few others that are not attending every workout.
Is there need for the gamecock nation to be upset? Not really. While it would be great if every player attended all the workouts, there are still a few guys that don't get it. For the most part attendance is great and the players are working even harder than last summer. Strength coach Mark Smith has developed a great program for the players and they are buying in. This is the case at just about every program. Hopefully the guys that need to step it up will and there will be positive peer pressure on these players to get it together and make it to every single workout.
What will make a difference is when there is competition at every position. When there is competition at every position, that is motivation enough for every player to bust his ass during the summer months to improve and win a starting position. USC is lacking key numbers at some positions to encourage competition. Also, there are just a few bad seeds in the program. Some of these players are left over from the Holtz era and some were in The OBC's first recruiting class, which has already lost half of it's 4 Star recruits in TE Jonathan Hannah and DE Shea McKeen. There are only two 4 Star recruits left, CB Carlos Thomas and WR OJ Murdock. So far neither has shown the off-season work ethic the coaches want to see. Thomas is critical to the gamecocks defensive unit, as he could develop in to one of the top cover corners in the SEC. Murdock is a speed receiver that USC needs in it's passing game to stretch defenses and take some pressure off of All-American Sidney Rice.
I have been told that if Spurrier didn't get their attention in the team meeting and subsequent press conference, he will go public with the names at a later date. Stay tuned to see what happens. I will be talking with a good source this week to find out the latest on workouts.
Is there need for the gamecock nation to be upset? Not really. While it would be great if every player attended all the workouts, there are still a few guys that don't get it. For the most part attendance is great and the players are working even harder than last summer. Strength coach Mark Smith has developed a great program for the players and they are buying in. This is the case at just about every program. Hopefully the guys that need to step it up will and there will be positive peer pressure on these players to get it together and make it to every single workout.
What will make a difference is when there is competition at every position. When there is competition at every position, that is motivation enough for every player to bust his ass during the summer months to improve and win a starting position. USC is lacking key numbers at some positions to encourage competition. Also, there are just a few bad seeds in the program. Some of these players are left over from the Holtz era and some were in The OBC's first recruiting class, which has already lost half of it's 4 Star recruits in TE Jonathan Hannah and DE Shea McKeen. There are only two 4 Star recruits left, CB Carlos Thomas and WR OJ Murdock. So far neither has shown the off-season work ethic the coaches want to see. Thomas is critical to the gamecocks defensive unit, as he could develop in to one of the top cover corners in the SEC. Murdock is a speed receiver that USC needs in it's passing game to stretch defenses and take some pressure off of All-American Sidney Rice.
I have been told that if Spurrier didn't get their attention in the team meeting and subsequent press conference, he will go public with the names at a later date. Stay tuned to see what happens. I will be talking with a good source this week to find out the latest on workouts.
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