Why Spurrier Wins and Taylor Rank got to Play

[Pacificock]

There are lots of things you have to do in order to win consistently, but I observe two fundamentals that drive the rest for Coach Spurrier: First, he does not bend his principles of winning. His actions say that if a choice must be made between holding to his principles and personnel, he choses the former. I think he's right, because great talent (especially when it's young) has to be taught and managed, particularly to be effective in a team environment. If it can't be, you're better off without it. Second, the best players get to play. His system is a pure meritocracy and everyone in it knows this. It's the ultimate what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, which I believe gives you your best chance to win consistently, especially if everyone understands and accepts that condition. You screw up, you're out! Did you hear Blake? He said he's going to work as hard as he can to get his next chance and make it count. Syvelle talks about winning being the big driver too, and his willingness to go where most needed to win. These boys understand it. Taylor got to play because he's been working hard and the opportunity presented itself. The rules remain the same. He'll get to play in the future, as will others, based on merit. Success beeds itself. Do well and you play, do bad and someone else gets a chance.

I sincerely appreciate all the support folks have shown for Taylor and as it's been said, I am very proud, but I would like to add a couple of comments about his capabilities some of which most may not be aware. It's sometimes hard to see because of his glaring white skin, but he is very fast. He was the SW Washington Regional 100 meter dash champion of his senior year and although he didn't place in the state tournament, he was among the ranked (no pun intended) competitors and his 4x100 team placed third. He's not OJ/Mike West fast, but he's run under 11 seconds multiple times and runs under 4.5 in the 40 regularly. Also, for what it's worth, you simply can't play tailback in the SEC anymore unless you're fast. It's a prerequisite because of the speed of today's linebackers. Heart is nice, but it doesn't get you to the line of scrimmage any faster.

On the strength front, Taylor has always excelled. I think you'd be very surprised to find out where he stands among the backs in testing. Just as a note, when he went to the Northern California Nike camp (the biggest in California), he was the only player to test in the top ten in three of the four categories (VJ, Bench and 40) for backs. He has a differnt style and an unusual stride, but it gets it done.

Thanks to Coach Spurrier and Coach Gillespie for sticking with him and letting him play a little bit. And thanks again to everyone whose rooting for him. I hope we all get to see him play more often.

[Jurisprudent]

Thanks for the post. Taylor looked very impressive on the field last night, but I was even more impressed by his composure in the post game interview. He seemed to really understand the whole system, wanted to make the best of his opportunity, and yet didn't seem to harbor any ill will for the fact that he hasn't been able to play. You raised a good one. I hope that he will keep battling and working hard - I'm sure that if he does, tomorrow night won't be the last time we see him.

[lawdog100]

I see that you are Taylor Rank's father! That's great. You have much to be proud of today. I heard Todd Ellis discussing your own connection with Coach Spurrier last night as I was listening to the radio broadcast.

I hope we get to see more of your son in the future. He's a redshirt freshman, if I'm not mistaken, so I'm sure he's got alot to look forward to.

Congratulations again, and best of luck to your son and the rest of the Gamecocks.

[coachbr1]

Proud father and should be congrats. I am also proud of your son, thank you and thanks for his effort last evening.

[cockyhoskins]

Thanks for the post PacifiCock! I was very happy for you while watching Taylor play last night. I know you were proud of him.

[COCKDIESEL]

Good to See you Pacificock wasn't sure if you were still lingering around or not. I know you must be very proud of Taylor today just like all Gamecock fans around the world are right now.:clap:

[lakefire]

He played a good game. Hopefully we get to see more of him in the future. What did Taylor have to say about the game to you?

[lakemurraycock]

It is good to see someone play with that much heart. You should be very proud. He is a great asset to our team.

[LegalCock]

Heck, he not only got to play, he got to START and he was the leading rusher and featured back!

[LeeSC]

I have to admit that I was VERY unaware/ignorant of your son's abilities.

I sincerely hope that his effort and desire to play infects the rest of the team. I think there are many fans in the Gamecock Nation who wish we could put 22 Taylor Ranks on the field for the game.

[cack™]

thanks Pacific ... i'm glad Taylor decided to stay at Carolina ... and i wish him nothing but the best ... we're all pulling for him here

[garnet4ever]

I too enjoyed seeing Taylor last ... he looked like he was taking advantage of his playing time last night ... I look forward to seeing him play more in the future ... thanks for the post Pacificock ... great to have some "REAL" insider information

:clap:

[gamecockfinatic2007]

i loved every minute watching taylor play last night. he got the ball ran hard until the play was over. he blocked well when he had to and ran really well. love to see more of him in the future. i know me and my dad where like wow this guy has sum spunk. reminded me or ryan brewer. taylor just a little small but hes only a redshirt freshman, cant wait to see him again.

[willy]

Thanks for the post. Taylor looked very impressive on the field last night, but I was even more impressed by his composure in the post game interview. He seemed to really understand the whole system, wanted to make the best of his opportunity, and yet didn't seem to harbor any ill will for the fact that he hasn't been able to play. You raised a good one. I hope that he will keep battling and working hard - I'm sure that if he does, tomorrow night won't be the last time we see him.

I certainly don't think that we have seen the last of Taylor Rank this year.

[Dr. Cock]

I think Taylor proved that he can be a reliable and solid back for years to come. This will NOT be his last career start... I can promise you that!

[Spurticus]

Thanx for posting that Pacificock. It was a pleasure getting to see Taylor get his chance, and more so to see what he did when given the opertunity. It was appropreate that he got a chance on the night when so many other Gamecocks got their first chance to start, and on a night where individual records were set and tied. I know this was against a team that we should have won big, but it was a special night that will be remembered by so many Gamecock fans. Taylor added to that night with his first start, and a 100 yard game to add to the events of the night. I'm glad he decided to stay here in Columbia and play for the Gamecocks. I think we'll see many more outstanding performances by Taylor before he graduates.

[maxx71]

Emmit Smith was not the fastesTB in the NFL. Doubt if he could have broke 4.6. But he had great vision, balance, strength, and determination. Rank is a blue collar type of guy who can make a contribution to the team. When you get your chance you have to take advantage of it.

[McLovin]

The thing I like most about Taylor is how he holds the ball once he hits the line...with two hands like you should...also how he doesnt get so caught up in trying to make a LB look stupid by dancing everywhere like some players on our team, but by lowering his shoulder and powering forward, which is proven to be a winning quality among backs in the SEC.

[AtlGAMECOCK]

I am just glad that Taylor decided to stay, I just enjoyed watching how hard he was working for the yards he got, I think he made MIke try harder.I love the fact that he finally got to show his stuff, I have been waiting to see him play since he did decide to stay.

[poke]

Thanks for the notes Pacificock! I am REALLY glad that Taylor decided to stay on at USC. He some very unique attributes that really show on the field! Also, he has the character that we need at USC while we change the culture that has prevailed for many years. He will be a great leader for us on the team!

The best is yet to come for Taylor and USC both!

[GapoGamecock51]

Pacific Cock,


Please pass along to taylor that I said congratulations on his first 100 yd game. Tell him we are supporting him and glad to see he is proud to be a Gamecock through his hard work overall and his hard work on this field against FAU.


God bless


Gapo

[GamecockLawyer]

You must be one proud papa, Pacific Cock! Everyone around me was remarking about how well Taylor was running. I hope he'll get a chance to show us some more of that great ability he has. It's always inspiring to see someone get their first start and make the most of it. I know he's impressed you for awhile, but now Taylor has impressed a bunch of Gamecock fans!

Tell Taylor that everyone here at CockyTalk congratulates him, and we're cheering for him to run hard on Thursday!

:clap:

[Spur's Addiction]

He had an awesome perfromance. Didn't realize his fathers visits Cockytalk.

[Gamerooster]

Well said. And, please pass on our congratulations and thanks to Taylor. We're all glad he's a Gamecock.

[SUPERSTRUT]

I like a back that will square up with the LB and drop the BOOM on him.

Give your son a big "ol rooster crow" and tell him we can't wait to see him in the backfield again.
:football:

[FoghornLeghornCock]

It is one thing to work hard and get a chance to play it is another to prove to all you mean to take advantage of that opportunity. Well done Taylor.

[Get Cocky]

play and he looked fast. We talked about him a lot post tailgating. He looks very fast and has a quick first and second step. Also a hard runner. R/S freshman...I look forward to seeing him in the future in garnet and black.

[Hotspur]

I've watched Taylor in practices and wished for some time that we would see him featured in a game. He looked great out there and I can't wait to see him take on another opponent. I really like that he'll put his head down and run through the defender. Good luck, Taylor. Go Gamecocks!

[Barry_gamecock]

Some things that stood out to me about Taylor Rank against FAU. Forgive me if these things have already been said I didnt read everyone else's post.

He does some things really well that I think could cause him to end up being a consistent starter for us. The two things I noticed was that he really guards the ball well and he has an extremely low pad level when goes through the line and when he meets a defender. That low pad level allows him to fall forward when he hits a defender and it also aids him in protecting the football. I also noticed he speed on that 40 something yard run. He was noticeable faster than the defensive guys and would have taken it all the way if not for a guy getting an angle on him. I think he definitely has more breakaway speed than mike davis. While Cory Boyd has more explosiveness and I think (though not totally sure) that Cory is faster and more shifty, Cory also has had trouble holding on to the ball. I dont know what kind of receiver rank is but Cory is strong there too. I look forward to seeing Rank play against Auburn. That will definitely be a whole new measuring stick...however...if the O-line doesnt block it wont matter if we have Barry Sanders back there.

[SNEEZ]

I say when we are up against a stout DL we let him explode out of the backfield and charge down the DLs throat!

[Forkcock]

Pacificock, great post. We're proud of Taylor too. Go Cocks! BTW, I'm going to be in Sacramento, CA Thursday night. Let all the West Coast Cock fan's know that you'll have some more company.

[cockyhoskins]

It is one thing to work hard and get a chance to play it is another to prove to all you mean to take advantage of that opportunity. Well done Taylor.

True

[gamecocker]

I think we will see alot more of Taylor! And I think he's going to bring us some excitement in the near future.

[SpuR48]

Anyone remember that one run he had near the end where he fell forward about 3 yards? I was very impressed by that. He was meaning to put his force into the defender the guy kinda dodged him lol (from where I was sitting) Nice to see a RB who can punish the defenders for trying to take him down. Very Boyd-esque. I'd like to see a whole lot more of that guy!!

[theuscerock]

the future looks bright for Rank and the Gamecocks! I'm glad he got the chance on Saturday and cant wait to see him in the upcoming years!