Cockytalk Practice Report: 8/7/08

[Spurticus]

Practice Number Six: 8/7/08

Well, the rain put a damper on things for most of the night, and even though it cleared out and the majority of the workout was rain free, a light fog rolled in and the air got cooler and the team just never got into a rhythm tonight.
There were some good plays run, and a few exceptionally good plays, but mostly just the team going through the motions on this last open workout.

With a light rain falling, the team practiced Field Goals and Punting Drills and then lined up for stretching. They were back to their normal set of drills tonight, but this was the first full night in full pads. On the far field the Offensive line did some hitting on the sleds, while the Running backs ran through several minutes of just taking handoffs and getting to the openings with guys standing in a line with pads, for a little contact. On the far end (South End) of the far field, the Quarterbacks threw to the WRs running through the “Tree”. All of the Quarterbacks looked good doing this, on both the shorter range and deeper routes. This drill however is run with no defensive coverage.

On the near field (East) the Linebackers and the Defensive backs ran the Interception Drill on the North End (closest to the gate) and on the South end, the Defensive Linemen were doing agility drills and some work on the pads. During these drills the rain got very heavy for about 15 minutes and the thin crowd that was their kept anticipating the signal to call practice, but Coach Spurrier seemed determined to get this one in tonight, so he stood toe-to-toe with Mother Nature AND WON.

The rain subsided and the rest of the night was damp and cool, and it seemed to have an effect on the rest of practice. After the drills, Tommy Beecher, Chris Smelley and Stephen Garcia lined up with the Receivers and the Defensive Backs on the South End of the West Field to run Red Zone (20 yards in) 2-on-2s. The Skel Drills were also run from the 20 yard line, so the emphasis tonight was to practice scoring in the Red Zone. Chris Smelley, even though still not consistent, did have his best showing of the Summer, and threw several balls with some zip. Only a couple were in the End zone, and there was still the occasional Highly thrown pass from Chris, but a much better showing for him all around. He threw a nice post route to Joe Hills during the Skel Drill with Hills tightly covered by Addison Williams. The ball was thrown high and to the back of the endzone where if Hills didn’t catch it, it would be thrown out of bounds. Joe didn’t have to leave his feet, but stretched out to pull it in for the TD.
Stephen Garcia who had a good practice Wednesday night, didn’t look quite as sharp tonight, but then again neither did Tommy Beecher. Tommy didn’t take as many reps tonight as he normally does, but was a little off on his timing throwing behind a couple of his open receivers. To be fair to all the QBs though, there were several dropped passes by some guys who were open, but didn’t bring the passes in. Joe Hills, CC Whitlock, Freddie Brown, Moe Brown and DL Moore all had at least one dropped ball that was very catchable, if not directly in their hands. A lot of this could well have been the drastic change in the weather conditions that team had not been used to working in. This will be a good thing in the long run however, because there could a few games played in the ran or dampness this fall, so best to experience it now and see how the team reacts to it, so as to be ready for it when / if it dose come this fall.

Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley led the team through a few reps of 11-on-11 from the South End of the near field coming back to the long side of the field. Beecher finished off his evening hitting three consecutive strikes, two to Kenny McKinley and one to Freddie Brown. Chris Smelley again, missing on a couple of open guys, managed to find some receivers who had beaten the coverage’s. Chris had maybe his best pass of the summer right before his round of reps were over, when he scrambled to his left to avoid a heavy rush, and threw a very nice deep ball to Kenny McKinley who ran an Out and up pattern up the left sideline. Kenny beat Antonio Allen by about two yards, and Chris dropped the ball into Kenny’s hands to the inside, and hit him in stride. Very nice looking play by Chris and Kenny both.

The practice ended tonight with a light scrimmage. The ball was placed on the South Twenty yard line, and the down markers came out. Aramis Hillary was given the offense to run the first set of plays, and Hillary did a very nice job moving the offense from the South Twenty to the North 16 before the drive stalled out. During this drive the defense added some heavy pressure to actually try to drop the QB behind the line, but Hillary managed to elude the rush two or three times and scrambled until he found an open receiver. Once to Moe Brown on a 12 yard completion, and once to Hills for a nice 8 yard Reception. The best play of this drive however was on a third and 6 play. Hillary scrambled to his left, and stopped and threw back across the field on what looked to be a designed WR Screen from far across the field, Looked like a lateral pass to Joe Hills. Joe brought the pass down and turned upfield and ran 25 yards until he was met by Stoney Woodson. This put the ball in the North Red zone, but the drive stalled out when Hillary Threw an incompletion on a fourth and 6 play.

Reid McCollum got his chance to run the offense after this. The ball was placed on the North 20. Reid went two consecutive drives of three and out, and on his third attempt to move the offense, He threw complete on a short Hitch pattern to Joe Hills who had to sky to bring in a high pass, just as he feet were down and set to run, the was drilled in the belt buckle by Chris Culliver who came up from the free safety spot, and knocked the ball from Hills gripe, while almost knocking Joe’s head from his shoulders. The Defense recovered the fumbled ball, and so ended McCollum’s first chance at moving the Offense.

Stephen Garcia ended the evening with a few reps with the offense. Stephen started out making some very nice plays, finding Freddie Brown on an out route, that Freddie Brought down and did the Ballet move to keep his feet in bounds. This play gained about 13 yards. After a run by Eric Baker, Stephen went back to pass and was forced out of the pocket and scrambled upfield for about 10 yards. Garcia did this on one other occasion and looks good when he has to pull the ball down and run. However, he didn’t look quite as sharp when he had to throw the ball, as both his attempts ended in stalled drives on incomplete passes on fourth down.

There were a couple of other players who had really good nights during the practice tonight. Taylor Rank had two runs during the 11-on-11, both runs gained over 20 yards, and were carries up the gut. Rank made a nice cut on his first one as he was about to get hit by Shaq Wilson, but broke to the outside to elude Wilson a d picked up an additional 8-10 yards.
Brian Maddox had a few good runs tonight as well. He also had a 20+ yard carry up the middle eluding John Guerry and Marc Barnes.
Jason Barnes continues to have steady but not flashy workouts. He did drop one ball that hit him in the hands, but at the time there was a light rain falling. Everything else near him was brought in for nice gains.
Chris Culliver had a very good night from the safety spot, breaking up several passes and almost breaking up Joe Hills.
Stoney Woodson was also around a lot of balls, and almost had an interception of a low thrown Garcia pass.

Unless there is a scrimmage that is opened to the public between now and August 28th, this is the last practice report of 2008. I’ve enjoyed doing these again, and I appreciate all the nice comment you guys have about them.
I like what the team is doing and how the looked and performed this Spring and fall.
I’d like to urge everyone to get behind Tommy Beecher. The man has come a long LONG way since last November and seems to have it all together right now. I’m very impressed with the progress of our WRs and our offensive line. This is the first time in three plus seasons that I haven’t seen our O/Lineman being pushed into the backfield when the ball is snapped. We have a solid unit there that will get better as the season goes along. I can see this team making a lot of nice plays. I truly feel you will see the most talented team of Gamecocks we have EVER put on the field. This is the strongest and the fastest team I personally have ever seen. I hope the team’s minds have been developed as well as their bodies, because the games are won in the heart and in the head more so than with arms and legs. If we have the game down mentally, we will be a dangerous ball team this season . . .Three weeks from now, we’ll know for sure. Good Luck to Coach Spurrier, his staff and the team.

[TheGuitarCock]

Thanks Spurt. It was great reading them.

Hopefully, We can get atleast one more scrimage open sometime in the future.

[usc1]

Beauty.

[Gamecock Lifer]

Top notch as always Spurt!! You tha MAN!! :thumbsup:

[Cockfucius]

Thanks Spurticus. You are the information gatekeeper for many of us. Without you, we won't get it.

[cofcgamecock9]

Great report Spurticus. However, I must say that I get frustrated reading about our 11 on 11 drills or scrimmage no matter what happens.

For example, you talk about how Aramis came out and moved the offense from the South 20 to the North 16. Well that is of course good for the offense and I am glad for Aramis. But then I think, well what is our much hyped defense doing letting a true freshman move the ball like that??

I know rationally, that you just want balance in these scrimmages between the offense in defense. But in reality, I am never happy because if I read that the offense did very well, then I worry about the defense. If I read that the defense did extremely well, then I worry about the offense.

:club:

[MEGA]

Thanks SPURTICUS for the practice report its something we all look forward to !! Thanks for all you do !!

[BigSpur325]

Thanks for all the reports Spurt!!! you are the man....your reports are the best on the internet! CANT WAIT FOR THE 28TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scrub146]

Thanks Spurt, will certainly miss those reports!

[Spurticus]

Great report Spurticus. However, I must say that I get frustrated reading about our 11 on 11 drills or scrimmage no matter what happens.

For example, you talk about how Aramis came out and moved the offense from the South 20 to the North 16. Well that is of course good for the offense and I am glad for Aramis. But then I think, well what is our much hyped defense doing letting a true freshman move the ball like that??

I know rationally, that you just want balance in these scrimmages between the offense in defense. But in reality, I am never happy because if I read that the offense did very well, then I worry about the defense. If I read that the defense did extremely well, then I worry about the offense.

:club:


Wasn't against the first unit Defense
Coaches were using Third deep guys And freshmen players on both sides of the ball, with a few of the fist unit guys thrown in here and there.

[atrain3067]

Thanks Spurticus, for this report and for all the work you've put in this fall on these bad boys. I know I speak for all of us when I say we truly appreciate all the effort. One quick question: any news of an injury to Mike Davis? Some reports indicated a shoulder injury for Mike, what do you know about it?

[Cockmobile]

Thanks so much for that great report. You do an outstanding job. I was very encouraged with your remarks regarding the OL. :clap:
Any more news on the Mike Davis injury?? Again, thanks so much!!

[talon]

Thanks Spurt. I can't make practice so I love the info.

[Bigmo-cock]

How did King Look at O-line getting full contact?

[TheRealDeal]

Thanks for the reports spurt. I am really excited about the physical play from our defense thus far. I am really excited about seeing Culliver play, I think he is gonna be special.

[atrain3067]

How did King Look at O-line getting full contact?

Yeah, and the whole OL vs. DL matchup in pads. How did the units look against each other Spurt?

[clemson sucks]

You da man Spurt. I enjoyed reading these.

[MEGA]

Thanks Spurticus, for this report and for all the work you've put in this fall on these bad boys. I know I speak for all of us when I say we truly appreciate all the effort. One quick question: any news of an injury to Mike Davis? Some reports indicated a shoulder injury for Mike, what do you know about it?

You are right sweetie, he has us all spoiled , this is something I look forward to every year !!

[SNEEZ]

First off, THANKS SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS!!!

4 questions:

Garcia scrambled some...how did this look as everyone else in Gamecock nation feels he is a scrambler...i dont buy it but does he know HOW to run the ball as a QB, if you get my meaning

Chris Culliver, does he look like he's earned a starting spot and does he seem to have that same aggression as E Cook as a hard hitter? bc in pratice it seems his name is mentioned in aggression

The LB's...I haven't heard Jasper or Eric Norwoods name too much, what is going on with these two?

Is Jarriel King going to make as big an impact on the OL as it was projected he'd have made on a DL?

[Bleedin'Garnet]

Thanks Spurt

[Mr. W]

Excellent! I too believe this can be the best Carolina football team ever. We may not go 10-2, but if we played the 1984 schedule, we would play for the National Championship.

[SNEEZ]

also what was the deal with Mike Davis' injury we heard about??

[The Yancey]

Thanks for the good work!

[2000grad]

Thanks for the awesome practice report and it was great to meet you today.

[Spurticus]

Thanks Spurticus, for this report and for all the work you've put in this fall on these bad boys. I know I speak for all of us when I say we truly appreciate all the effort. One quick question: any news of an injury to Mike Davis? Some reports indicated a shoulder injury for Mike, what do you know about it?

Haven't heard anything, but it would make sense. . . seems it must not have been known to a few people. I couldn't find Mike on the field tonight with or without pads. I don't know how bad it is, but I hope it doesn't keep him out of the NC State Game.

[Spurticus]

How did King Look at O-line getting full contact?


Like a bulldozer going over a tin utility building !!!

They used him in the 11-on-11 with the Freshmen and Third unit guys, and you could tell the Defensive line was under matched against him.

[Spurticus]

You are right sweetie, he has us all spoiled , this is something I look forward to every year !!

I look forward to them too. I'm gonna miss not being out there, but can't wait to see what the team looks like when they go out onto the field at the end of the month. . . . now they begin the REAL Practice !

[MEGA]

I look forward to them too. I'm gonna miss not being out there, but can't wait to see what the team looks like when they go out onto the field at the end of the month. . . . now they begin the REAL Practice !


You and me both !! :football:

[TheGuitarCock]

I think we all pitch in and get Spurt a Condo at Carolina Walk up top and he can do his reports from up there! :lol:

[2000grad]

I look forward to them too. I'm gonna miss not being out there, but can't wait to see what the team looks like when they go out onto the field at the end of the month. . . . now they begin the REAL Practice !

You can spend some time with the grandkids. That is something that is so precious.

[big cock fan]

jariel king looked very solid tonite but i only saw him go up against devin taylor who he basically man handled. i really wanted to see him up against cliff or travian or even geathers.

Hutch looks very very solid and so does the rest of our first unit oline. kyle nunn impressed me and man he is huge.

I just dont see how jordin is going to start over clifton, clifton was like cliff mathrews chasing running backs downfied and he was everywhere. this guy should be first string.

ried has a very strong arm is i think is very impressive for a true freshmen. the recievers really were not getting that open tonite imo. hills looks very good and so does kenny and those are my top two of the nite.

maddox looked very good as did baker.

norwood still layed the wood a few times when he probably shouldnt have, man that guy is ready to rip someones head off as is jasper. they were both sitting out alot of the scrimigeing.

chris looked very solid, he doesent always throw a pretty pass but man he put it in the right place no matter if it was a duck or not.

aramis is soooo quick as he juked like three kids out before he rolled out and completed a pass. i think we have a bright future between he and reid.
whitlock did some very good things out there, they all look like they are running very good routes but i dont think they could cut out of them well with the wet conditions and therefore they were not getting open as much.

may i add kenny is da man.

chris' arm looked very strong tonite

some of the guys are taller then listed

devin taylor when he gaines weight could end up the biggest sleeper of the years class

garcia tried to run one option and was met abruptly at the line by norwood. then when he scrambled he looked very good gaining some good yards.

and i will say the two players that have impressed me the much has to be captain and culliver. both of those guys are just ripped and so so so fast.

culliver is going to be a star this year in my opinion.

they were working on some three safety set with culliver in there as the third safety and he and e cook were back and stewart was playing close to the line picking up the rb or te.

that was my frist practice this year and i was vey impressed with this team, we finally have the look of an SEC football team. now lets go WIN!!!


:woo::woo::woo::woo::woo::woo::woo::woo::woo:

[MEGA]

I think we all pitch in and get Spurt a Condo at Carolina Walk up top and he can do his reports from up there! :lol:


I would be in favor of that , call it SPURTICUS..... THE COCK OF THE WALK !! :woo:

[CoverTwo]

I'm really looking forward to seeing Reid and Aramis develop as QB's.

[Cockmobile]

I look forward to them too. I'm gonna miss not being out there, but can't wait to see what the team looks like when they go out onto the field at the end of the month. . . . now they begin the REAL Practice !

I'm going to miss you not being out there because I sure enjoy your detailed reporting. Boy, King sounds like a Sherman Tank, huh? Exciting stuff......

[Spurticus]

First off, THANKS SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS!!!

4 questions:

Garcia scrambled some...how did this look as everyone else in Gamecock nation feels he is a scrambler...i dont buy it but does he know HOW to run the ball as a QB, if you get my meaning

Chris Culliver, does he look like he's earned a starting spot and does he seem to have that same aggression as E Cook as a hard hitter? bc in pratice it seems his name is mentioned in aggression

The LB's...I haven't heard Jasper or Eric Norwoods name too much, what is going on with these two?

Is Jarriel King going to make as big an impact on the OL as it was projected he'd have made on a DL?

Garcia looked good scrambling, but for those who see this as a sign that we're going to use him to run the ball, don't think this is going to happen.
Garcia looked good scrambling, but it wasn't designed plays. He pulled the ball down and ran it because there was no one open. .. . I compare this to when Hillary was in. There was no one open, and he simply moved laterally and dodged the rush until someone came open and delivered a stike. This happend a couple of times when he was in. . . . He isn't that fast, but he is very elusive in the backfield, and knows how to buy time. Not saying what Garcia did is any less empressive mind you, just saying one seems to continue to think (Hillary) while the other just tucks and runs.

Chris I don't think will start, but Chris will be on the field a lot this fall. I still think Stewart, Cook, Munnerlyn and Thomas are our best four DBs right now. Chris will be a furture starter and one hell of a DB, but I don't see it happening this season if all four mentioned above stay healthy.

Nothing bad. . . they are game ready and still as good as always. Norwood is being used as sort of a Down Linebacker. . . A Defensive End that can pull out and play either run or Run/Pass support. . . I think I see what they're doing with him and I like the way it's developing

He'll make an Impact on the OL for sure. I think that's were he'll play this season. When some of the youger guys start to develop (Nunn, Broadhead, Johnson etc. . . ) it's possible they'll switch him to DE, but I think he's going to be an Offensiv Tackle this year

[Spurticus]

I think we all pitch in and get Spurt a Condo at Carolina Walk up top and he can do his reports from up there! :lol:

I accept . . . . Y'all make that happen !

:lol:

[TheGuitarCock]

I accept . . . . Y'all make that happen !

:lol:


I'm setting up a Pay Pal account now!:lol: Maybe by 2020 we'll have you a Condo up there. Now, We're gonna be needing videos, pics, reports, fashion reports, how fast they walk to the stadium, ect. every day.

:rotfl:Seriously, Thanks for all of them. It takes a lot of time to get out there every night and type this up. I appriciate it.

Also, Do you know where JoeMo went to work at? Not for that "site" we can't mention is it?

[Spurticus]

You guys post any questions you've got here. I'll check back you them in the morning. . . I'm turning in for now

:wink:

[MEGA]

You guys post any questions you've got here. I'll check back you them in the morning. . . I'm turning in for now

:wink:

Good night Rick , rest well !!

[CockySpurrier85]

Thanks Spurt for your objective insight!!!

[Stonecoldcock]

Spurt, who is the other DE that runs with the 2nd team besides Clifton.

Everyone says Jarriel looks good on the OL, and that's great, and I understand we definately have an issue in the first 2 games if Hutch can't go and Meredith being out. However, if everyone comes back, and is healthy, looks like we'd be good to go on the O-line. Also, so much of O-line work is working as a unit, picking up blitzes covering for other guys, etc. This takes time, and Jarriel may manhandle a few 2nd teamers like they were children in 1 on 1's, but I doubt he's going to weld into a unit and learn the nuances of the position in a couple of weeks. Oline also don't get rotated as often as dlinemen generally, so it would seem dumb to have Jarriel sitting the bench waiting for an injury for PT at OT, when he would get steady PT on defense when he most likely could walk into the 2nd unit at DE.

I've eagerly waited for JK to get here, and was really looking forward to see him on defense. And if he isn't going to start all year on offense, I just can't help to feel we're wasting his talent.

[cocky09]

Thats good stuff spurt!! I really have a good feeling about this season as well. Thanks for the time and effort you put in these reports...they are a treat for us fans to read!

[morgan n' 7™]

Spurt, you've gone above and beyond for the Gamecock faithful. Thank you for all the hard work.

[MEGA]

Spurt, you've gone above and beyond for the Gamecock faithful. Thank you for all the hard work.


Just don't get to liking him more than you do me Jason !! :thumbsup:

[morgan n' 7™]

Just don't get to liking him more than you do me Jason !! :thumbsup: NEVER!:twisted:

[Renegade68]

"This is the first time in three plus seasons that I haven’t seen our O/Lineman being pushed into the backfield when the ball is snapped. We have a solid unit there that will get better as the season goes along. I can see this team making a lot of nice plays. I truly feel you will see the most talented team of Gamecocks we have EVER put on the field."

Thanks for the whole report although this is what I have been waiting to hear.. :thumbsup:

[morgan n' 7™]

"This is the first time in three plus seasons that I haven’t seen our O/Lineman being pushed into the backfield when the ball is snapped.
Thanks for the whole report although this is what I have been waiting to hear.. :thumbsup: I concur. That's the key to this season.

[CockRoche]

Our QB situation seems to be a little better than we feared. Hopefully, Tommy is a 'gamer' and can turn it up even more in front of 80,000. In the spirit of Lee Ermey: "You got a warface? Let me see your war face."

[morgan n' 7™]

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z12/turnerairforce/warface.gif

[CockRoche]

Awesome!

[Visormaniac]

:bow:

[Spurticus]

Spurt, who is the other DE that runs with the 2nd team besides Clifton.

Everyone says Jarriel looks good on the OL, and that's great, and I understand we definately have an issue in the first 2 games if Hutch can't go and Meredith being out. However, if everyone comes back, and is healthy, looks like we'd be good to go on the O-line. Also, so much of O-line work is working as a unit, picking up blitzes covering for other guys, etc. This takes time, and Jarriel may manhandle a few 2nd teamers like they were children in 1 on 1's, but I doubt he's going to weld into a unit and learn the nuances of the position in a couple of weeks. Oline also don't get rotated as often as dlinemen generally, so it would seem dumb to have Jarriel sitting the bench waiting for an injury for PT at OT, when he would get steady PT on defense when he most likely could walk into the 2nd unit at DE.

I've eagerly waited for JK to get here, and was really looking forward to see him on defense. And if he isn't going to start all year on offense, I just can't help to feel we're wasting his talent.

They are using a combination of players trying to find a solid number two guy. Most of the time they are still using Travian Robertson in that spot, but I think they want Byron McKnight to step up. He's getting a lot of reps lately with the second unit. I've seen Devon Taylor getting an increased number of reps as well, but I'd be shocked if Taylor sees the field this season. He has all the tools as well as the size to be a starting DE, but he would get eaten alive late in the season in this leauge. He has to put on some more muscle. Upper and lower body.

I don't see King's moving to the O/Line as a bad thing at all. We have enough talent and depth at DE to get us through the year. He have a need for some quality depth on the O/Line. Even if he doesn't start, which I'm not convinced he won't, he'll play a lot, and be a major contributor to getting that unit shored up. It has been a major disappointment for us the last three or four years, and Coach Spurrier is going to develop a Running Game some how. He's been saying that for three years but so far, we've been getting stuffed at the line of scrimmage when we try to run the ball. I think they had King in mind for the Offensive Line from the time they heard he'll be coming in this season. . . . I'd give it some time and see how the offensive line looks before saying it was not a good move.

[FoghornLeghornCock]

Thanks Spurticus for always being there for us, even sometimes rearranging your personal responsibilities to give us our Spurticus fix. Thanks for staying up late nights to type out these detailed reports. Thanks especially to Mrs Spurticus for being an understanding wife in her husbands time consuming second career as our STAR reporter.

I know everybody is afraid we may lose Jariel King to the offensive line. I heard mention recently that LSU has had a lot of success in converting both defensive linemen and TEs to offensive line. They look to have more aggressive linemen who are quicker. If Jariel King played on the defensive line chances are he might be in a rotation and not be on the fleld every down. If he locks down LT and protects our QBs blind side while playing every down he might have an even bigger impact on our team. The goal is to get as many quality players on the field as you can and play them a lot.

[USCSmiley]

Thanks so much for the report!! And thanks so much for your hard work for us(members) and for this site!!!:bow::cocky:

[Cocklover]

Thank you Spurticus for another wonderful report and for all the reports you've done! The mental game is definitely the one I worry about, you see the talent and you see them practicing well, but the mental part of it when its a real game is the most important. We'll see!! GO COCKS!!!

[toddsan]

Spurticus, How does Broadhead look in full pads?

[ShutTheSuccop]

Thanks spurticus for all your time and dedication...you, my friend, have a loyal fanbase!

[22cocky]

Thanks Spurt great info

[Coondog]

Thanks Spurt for another great report.

Didn't King play o-line in high school? I thought I read somewhere that coach Hunt wanted him for the o-line from day 1. I think he could be a great left tackle protecting the QB's blind side and opening up holes for the run. If he's as good as Hunt thinks he is we may never see him on defense, which to me is a good thing since we seem to be deep in the DE position and questionable on o-line.

[hellraiser24]

great report spurt. thank you for taking the time and effort to give us the info

[nicstockman]

I got a couple of Questions...


1. Chances are we will, at some point, HAVE to play in some sort of bad weather (rain most likely, but also just coldness can be tough to play in). I assume some of the dropped balls last night were because of the rain but how do you think we will react overall if/when this situation happens on gameday? Can we prepare? Will be able to adjust?

2. Practice time. Am I correct in saying that NCAA regulates the actually "practice time" and not necessarily the number of days we practice? IF SO, will we be able to eventually 'make up' the rained out practice? Just clear me up on that whole situation, please.


ok, so I guess that was several questions...but thanks Spurt for your reports! I Love em!

[retrick_s]

With the personnel we have and the relatively easier schedule this year...will this be the first year we get to see the "Cock'N'Fire" offense hitting on all cylinders??

[salvacock]

Thanks Spurticus. Every year, myself and many others look forward to these reports. You do an excellent job giving us great detail. It gets us fired up for the season. Now we will go into a pathetic thirst for more small bits of gamecock info until the Gamecocks take the field against NCS.
Thanks again.

[Stonecoldcock]

I know everybody is afraid we may lose Jariel King to the offensive line. I heard mention recently that LSU has had a lot of success in converting both defensive linemen and TEs to offensive line. They look to have more aggressive linemen who are quicker. If Jariel King played on the defensive line chances are he might be in a rotation and not be on the fleld every down. If he locks down LT and protects our QBs blind side while playing every down he might have an even bigger impact on our team. The goal is to get as many quality players on the field as you can and play them a lot.

I have no problem with King playing Oline if he starts. Oline is a tough position to learn, because you have more responsibilities than any other position to learn with the exception of QB. Every play they run, depending on the defensive formation, their blocking assignment can change. They have to adjust on the fly, and not only do their own assignment, but work as a unit. With only 4 weeks under his belt, there will be some growing pains, and he's going to mess up some assignments. But who knows he may outshine any growing pains learning the position because he is that talented. If he's gonna be there permanently, or will end up starting all year because he is that good, I have no problem. However, if he's there just to help out for the first 2 games, and then he's relegated to back up, I'd be disappointed, because even as a 2nd time DE, he would have more of an impact.

[Spurticus]

Spurticus, How does Broadhead look in full pads?

I think Ryan's bet for playing time this fall will be as a center. I do Know for a fact that Ryan wants to play tackle and feels utilize his ability better there than at Center or Guard. He has been used at each position, but right now, it seems they want him to become a center. I think he'll get some meaningful PT this fall, but I'm thinking it won't be at the position he'd like to play.

[Spurticus]

Thanks Spurt for another great report.

Didn't King play o-line in high school? I thought I read somewhere that coach Hunt wanted him for the o-line from day 1. I think he could be a great left tackle protecting the QB's blind side and opening up holes for the run. If he's as good as Hunt thinks he is we may never see him on defense, which to me is a good thing since we seem to be deep in the DE position and questionable on o-line.

Yes he did. There was a discussion back in 05 that he might come in as either, or could possibly be used both ways on occasion. I'm not sure that would be done now, as it would be too risky. It's not out of the question I guess, and we don't know what kinds of things they're going to do the next 20 days. I almost positive this season, he is going to stick with the O/Line.

[donbgamecock]

I think Ryan's bet for playing time this fall will be as a center. I do Know for a fact that Ryan wants to play tackle and feels utilize his ability better there than at Center or Guard. He has been used at each position, but right now, it seems they want him to become a center. I think he'll get some meaningful PT this fall, but I'm thinking it won't be at the position he'd like to play.

At least at center you get to touch the ball a lot. Not many Oline or Dline players can say that.:lol:

I am glad Ryan is going to finally get some pt. I don't know if everyone knows about him greyshirting. That is a real sign of someone being dedicated to the team.

[Spurticus]

I got a couple of Questions...


1. Chances are we will, at some point, HAVE to play in some sort of bad weather (rain most likely, but also just coldness can be tough to play in). I assume some of the dropped balls last night were because of the rain but how do you think we will react overall if/when this situation happens on gameday? Can we prepare? Will be able to adjust?

2. Practice time. Am I correct in saying that NCAA regulates the actually "practice time" and not necessarily the number of days we practice? IF SO, will we be able to eventually 'make up' the rained out practice? Just clear me up on that whole situation, please.


ok, so I guess that was several questions...but thanks Spurt for your reports! I Love em!


I think we'll do alright in the adverse weather conditions. I've never agreed with the thought that you have to prepare for rain, cold, windy etc. . . . during your workouts in preparation for the games this fall. A lot of coaches and fans think you do.
My feelings on this are that if you spend time preparing for adverse conditions (wind and rain) and then you get none during the first 4 or 5 games of the season, then you're conditioning your players for something that might deminish their skills in normal conditions that they are going to see far more of than the occasional rain storm or windy days. Cool weather is going to happen in most parts of the country, and just practicing in the slowing changing climate will get you conditioned for that. My overall feeling is this. . .When you play in adverse conditions your opponent is having to play in those same conditions. True athletisism will win out over some precived slight advantage you might have gotten 6 - 8 weeks ago when you decided to take your team out onto the field in the driving rain. The best team at playing in the rain, wind or cold will win, the same as the best team will win in perfect conditions.

I don't know the numbers, but I know there's a rule which regulates the amount of time during a week / month that a player can practice. I think this rule was put in place to help regulate the amount of time a two sport athlete is on the field, so that it doesn't hamper his schooling or his health. I'm guessing athletes who participate in one sport would have no problem staying under these numbers. . . .that's just my general understanding though. I don't know the exact rule

[crowcutta]

it almost sounds like you were saying we're running a 3-4 with norwood playing a hybrid de/lb role. or is he just playing closer to the edge of the line and we only have two other linebackers out there.
antonio allen is playing at safety?

[Spurticus]

With the personnel we have and the relatively easier schedule this year...will this be the first year we get to see the "Cock'N'Fire" offense hitting on all cylinders??

??? how long have you been alseep ?
:lol:

Just kidding there.

We are currently ranked as the 10th toughest schedule in the nation out of 116 Division I-A teams. We are the only team in the country that plays 4 teams ranked in the pre-season Top 10 (actually 4 in the Top 9). We don't have anything close to a relativly easy schedule.

[sc455]

we have the HARDEST back half in the country and that is unarguable. btw, thans spurt for those reports.

[Spurticus]

it almost sounds like you were saying we're running a 3-4 with norwood playing a hybrid de/lb role. or is he just playing closer to the edge of the line and we only have two other linebackers out there.
antonio allen is playing at safety?


I think you're going to see Johnson throw a lot of different looking fronts at our opponents this season to help throw off these teams that just pounded us on the ground the last couple of seasons. We got destroyed off our tackles by getting drawn inside then sealed off by the TEs and Tackles who were much bigger and more athletic than our DEs and OLBs.

I think your going to see Norwood an Darian Stewart line up as down linemen out side our Ends, either at the same time or alternating. And they can eigher stay there in certain run situations, or back out before the snap of the ball, into a more traditional LB spot. This should throw enough confusion into the DCs preping for the games, as in the past we just played zone defenses and assignment football with little or no pressure from the linebackers.
This front will allow for us to play run, run run from that look, and then Eric can come off of that down position, and rush the QB (blitz) from what amounts to an extra End on one side. Harder to defend if your a running back responsible for Blocking the blitzing LB. If you see the OLB down to help support the run three or four times, you assume he's going to play run, and sort of ignore him out there. . . .also, you can show that agian after you have blitzed from the outside (down position), get them thinking about it, then in say 3rd and long, show it again and have them think Blitz from the down position, then back him out and send Jap up the middle. . . .it gives you a lot of different combinations to throw at an offense

[Cockholio]

Great job Spurticus! It's sad that this is the last of the reports, but the good thing is that we're that much closer to the start of the season.


BTW, reponse to another poster on the thread, J King played both ways for North Charleston. He was solid on both sides of the ball, so it's not like this is his first experience ever playing on the O-Line, just his first experience playing O-Line in college. He was really good on defense against the opponents' kicking game by being able to get a push into the backfield and, with his big frame, cause problems for the kickers. I could see him and Mr. Geathers lined up in the middle defending FG's, but I believe he's at OT for good.

[scfan2001]

Thanks for your reports Spurticus! Now we must go into detox for a few weeks.

[scfanz]

Didn't King play some OT at Georgia Military? This isn't a totally new position for him. King is going to be a road grader. Look for some huge holes for Davis and Maddox.

[dshocker]

:sad:No more practice reports. Twenty days of waiting...:sad:

[Regalcock]

[quote=Spurticus;1090769]I think we'll do alright in the adverse weather conditions. I've never agreed with the thought that you have to prepare for rain, cold, windy etc. . . . during your workouts in preparation for the games this fall. A lot of coaches and fans think you do.
My feelings on this are that if you spend time preparing for adverse conditions (wind and rain) and then you get none during the first 4 or 5 games of the season, then you're conditioning your players for something that might deminish their skills in normal conditions that they are going to see far more of than the occasional rain storm or windy days. Cool weather is going to happen in most parts of the country, and just practicing in the slowing changing climate will get you conditioned for that. My overall feeling is this. . .When you play in adverse conditions your opponent is having to play in those same conditions. True athletisism will win out over some precived slight advantage you might have gotten 6 - 8 weeks ago when you decided to take your team out onto the field in the driving rain. The best team at playing in the rain, wind or cold will win, the same as the best team will win in perfect conditions.

/quote]



I love what you do for all of us on Cockytalk. Thanks again.:spurrier:

I will say I disagree with your assessment of not doing extra things to prepare for weather.

In the Superbowl in which Grossman dropped the snaps in the rain over and over, they asked Peyton Manning the following Monday why he did not have trouble with the wet ball like Rex and he explained that he would put balls in the coolers and make the centers practice snapping them to him at the end of practice. The lineman hated him for it. I bet they don't anymore.

You cannot really prepare for everything but if you can find a few little tricks to help, I think it is worth it.

[captainawesome]

Any word on Ladi Ajiboye? I think he had a hand injury but should be ready to go. Is there any concern at DT right now seeing that he hasn't really practiced much this summer and K. Ellis is gone? I hope Ladi will be good to go.

Does anyone think Clifton Geathers will start OVER Jordin Lindsey? I love seeing Jordin back out there, but if Clifton is a better player, I'd rather have him start. :/

Also, can anyone please tell me who exactly must sit out how many games... I can't keep track of that stuff.

[dreammachine]

THANKS TO YOU OH GREAT ONE!

YOUR MOST ACCURATE REPORTS HAVE MADE MY DAY!

I KNOW THAT YOU WILL HAVE A SEAT OF HONOR IN

GAMECOCK HEAVEN!

:woo::football::clap:

[CockyandProud]

Thanks again Spurt.

:clap::clap::clap:

[Spurticus]

Any word on Ladi Ajiboye? I think he had a hand injury but should be ready to go. Is there any concern at DT right now seeing that he hasn't really practiced much this summer and K. Ellis is gone? I hope Ladi will be good to go.

Does anyone think Clifton Geathers will start OVER Jordin Lindsey? I love seeing Jordin back out there, but if Clifton is a better player, I'd rather have him start. :/

Also, can anyone please tell me who exactly must sit out how many games... I can't keep track of that stuff.


Ladi was still wearing the cast last night. Haven't heard an update. I think I remember the day it was announced he'd hurt his hand, he'd miss the first two weeks of practice. That being the case, he should be back in at the end of next week or earlier the following week

No we have excellent depth at DT. . . . J.Williams will be a starter along with Ajiboye when he gets back, but Nate Pepper and Marque Hall are doing very well inside in Ladi's absence and can come in for the inside position and we won't miss a beat. We're loaded at the inside and outside front line on Defense.

IMO, I think Geather will start opening night. He is the best looking End in the Group now. I think he and Matthews start August 28th

All we know for a fact is that Jamon will miss the first two games of the season due to NCAA granting him the Med. Redshirt season. He played two games in the season that he was injuried, and must sit out two this fall. He'll be back in time for the UGA game.
Mike Davis will miss one game, but has not been determined which one. I think they're saying possibly the UAB game.

[retrick_s]

??? how long have you been alseep ?
:lol:

Just kidding there.

We are currently ranked as the 10th toughest schedule in the nation out of 116 Division I-A teams. We are the only team in the country that plays 4 teams ranked in the pre-season Top 10 (actually 4 in the Top 9). We don't have anything close to a relativly easy schedule.

So you are saying our schedule THIS YEAR is tougher than last years?

DateOpponentResultAug. 28NC State (http://ncstate.rivals.com/)8:00pm Sep. 4at Vanderbilt (http://vanderbilt.rivals.com/)8:30pm Sep. 13Georgia (http://uga.rivals.com/)3:30pm Sep. 20WoffordTBA Sep. 27UAB (http://uab.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 4at Ole Miss (http://olemiss.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 11at Kentucky (http://kentucky.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 18LSU (http://lsu.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 1Tennessee (http://tennessee.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 8Arkansas (http://arkansas.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 15at Florida (http://florida.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 29at Clemson (http://clemson.rivals.com/)TBA



Opponent*ResultRecordSept. 1, 2007Louisiana-Laf. (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=ULLAFAYTTE) (PPV)W28-14 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=27837&Team=SOCAROLINA)1-0Sept. 8, 2007at Georgia (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=GEORGIA) (ESPN2)W16-12 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=27933&Team=SOCAROLINA)2-0 (1-0)Sept. 15, 2007South Carolina St. (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=SOCARST) (PPV)W38-3 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28086&Team=SOCAROLINA)3-0Sept. 22, 2007at LSU (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=LSU) (CBS)L28-16 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28185&Team=SOCAROLINA)3-1 (1-1)Sept. 29, 2007Miss. State (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=MISSSTATE) (LF Sports)W38-21 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28312&Team=SOCAROLINA)4-1 (2-1)Oct. 4, 2007Kentucky (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=KENTUCKY) (ESPN)W38-23 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28420&Team=SOCAROLINA)5-1 (3-1)Oct. 13, 2007at North Carolina (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=UNC) (ABC)W21-15 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28543&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-1Oct. 20, 2007Vanderbilt (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=VANDERBILT) (PPV)L17-6 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28617&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-2 (3-2)Oct. 27, 2007at Tennessee (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=TENNESSEE) (ESPN)L27-24 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28775&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-3 (3-3)Nov. 3, 2007at Arkansas (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=ARKANSAS) (ESPN2)L48-36 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28855&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-4 (3-4)Nov. 10, 2007Florida (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=FLORIDA) (ESPN)L51-31 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28980&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-5 (3-5)Nov. 24, 2007Clemson (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=CLEMSON) (ESPN2)L23-21 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=29182&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-6

[Flameout12]

IMO, I think Geather will start opening night. He is the best looking End in the Group now. I think he and Matthews start August 28th.
Just wondering...are you saying Clifton looks better than Cliff at DE? Or is Clifton the 2nd guy?

And how do you rank these 2 guys in comparison to our DE guys from the last 3 years (we know Dusty has been here since '04)? Seems they are natuaral DEs.

[Spurticus]

So you are saying our schedule THIS YEAR is tougher than last years?

DateOpponentResultAug. 28NC State (http://ncstate.rivals.com/)8:00pm Sep. 4at Vanderbilt (http://vanderbilt.rivals.com/)8:30pm Sep. 13Georgia (http://uga.rivals.com/)3:30pm Sep. 20WoffordTBA Sep. 27UAB (http://uab.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 4at Ole Miss (http://olemiss.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 11at Kentucky (http://kentucky.rivals.com/)TBA Oct. 18LSU (http://lsu.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 1Tennessee (http://tennessee.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 8Arkansas (http://arkansas.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 15at Florida (http://florida.rivals.com/)TBA Nov. 29at Clemson (http://clemson.rivals.com/)TBA



Opponent*ResultRecordSept. 1, 2007Louisiana-Laf. (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=ULLAFAYTTE) (PPV)W28-14 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=27837&Team=SOCAROLINA)1-0Sept. 8, 2007at Georgia (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=GEORGIA) (ESPN2)W16-12 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=27933&Team=SOCAROLINA)2-0 (1-0)Sept. 15, 2007South Carolina St. (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=SOCARST) (PPV)W38-3 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28086&Team=SOCAROLINA)3-0Sept. 22, 2007at LSU (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=LSU) (CBS)L28-16 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28185&Team=SOCAROLINA)3-1 (1-1)Sept. 29, 2007Miss. State (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=MISSSTATE) (LF Sports)W38-21 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28312&Team=SOCAROLINA)4-1 (2-1)Oct. 4, 2007Kentucky (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=KENTUCKY) (ESPN)W38-23 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28420&Team=SOCAROLINA)5-1 (3-1)Oct. 13, 2007at North Carolina (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=UNC) (ABC)W21-15 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28543&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-1Oct. 20, 2007Vanderbilt (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=VANDERBILT) (PPV)L17-6 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28617&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-2 (3-2)Oct. 27, 2007at Tennessee (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=TENNESSEE) (ESPN)L27-24 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28775&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-3 (3-3)Nov. 3, 2007at Arkansas (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=ARKANSAS) (ESPN2)L48-36 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28855&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-4 (3-4)Nov. 10, 2007Florida (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=FLORIDA) (ESPN)L51-31 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=28980&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-5 (3-5)Nov. 24, 2007Clemson (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/schedule.asp?Year=2007&Team=CLEMSON) (ESPN2)L23-21 (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/boxscore.asp?Game=29182&Team=SOCAROLINA)6-6

Just for comparison sake:
At no time last year was any 4 teams we played all rank in the top 9 in the country. Stacking them up at long range, of the teams we played last year and this year

Georgia (better this year than when we played them last year)
LSU (slightly weaker in my opinoin, but some experts say they'll be better defensivly)
Kentucky (weaker)
Vanderbilt (Stronger this year than last year. . they are improving every year)
Tennesse (about the same as last season . . . they won the East)
Florida (better this season)
Arkansas (unsure, but on paper. . .slightly weaker)
Clemson (much Stronger)

In Conference change
Mississippi vs Mississippi State (Should be about the same, but Ole Miss will be an improved team over last year . . this one won't be easy by any means)

Out of Conference changes:
Wofford vs ULL (lafayette was a better team no doubt)
UAB vs South Carolina State (UAB is a MUCH tougher team than SC State)
NC State vs UNC (NC State is always a tougher team than the Tarheels, even though it might be slightly so, they are going to be improved over last season as well)

Comparing the two schedules back to back, and via the pre-season rankings of the teams we play this season . . . we have at least AS TOUGH a schedule as last seasons. by rankings, much tougher.

[usc1]

IMO, I think Geather will start opening night. He is the best looking End in the Group now. I think he and Matthews start August 28th




Arent they both sophomores?? :woo:

[Spurticus]

Arent they both sophomores?? :woo:

Yes

[Spurticus]

Just wondering...are you saying Clifton looks better than Cliff at DE? Or is Clifton the 2nd guy?

And how do you rank these 2 guys in comparison to our DE guys from the last 3 years (we know Dusty has been here since '04)? Seems they are natuaral DEs.

Just based on what I saw on the practice field, Geathers was a much more aggresive and much tougher DE to block than Lindsey was. I don't think it's a big advantage, and both will play a lot regardless of who starts and who is the two guy, but Matthews and Geathers I think will start opening night.

[Flameout12]

Just based on what I saw on the practice field, Geathers was a much more aggresive and much tougher DE to block than Lindsey was.
Thanks!
This is an exciting development considering Clifton's bloodline. I think we all hoped he would be an oversized Kalimba Edwards and probably expected too much of him last season. I really hope he has a good year...he could be something special in time.