3 players you need to keep an eye on tomorrow

[CoverTwo]

These guys are all on the offensive side of the ball, as the defense is pretty much the regulars.


1) Nick Jones: There are a few guys that have a chance to lock down their position long term tomorrow afternoon and Nick Jones at the B receiver is one of them. Jones got the start at the B receiver against Clemson and responded with a 4 catch night. This game is Jones' opportunity to keep a leg up on the younger talent behind him in KJ Brent and Kwinton Smith who appears to be a guy that will pose the biggest threat to Jones' snaps in the future. USC hasn't gotten much of anything from the B receiver since Spurrier has been here and the coaching staff was hoping to make that position a priority this year by getting more balls thrown that way but inconsistency from DL Moore and the fact that Jones wasn't as good of a blocker as Moore brought those plans to a temporary hault. Jones has always been consistent when given reps but I think this is one of those cases where his size hurts him at the position he plays. Ideally, he'd be in the slot (Z) but the fact that he doesn't have the shake that the other Z receivers do, it kind of pigeon holes him into that opposite outside spot. But if Jones can build upon his great night in Death Valley, he should be the unquestioned starter going into Spring and Fall ball.

2) Shon Carson - Carson might go down as the best running back never to get more than a couple of snaps @ USC with the way his career has been going so far. Injuries have been his biggest obstacle but when healthy, reports have been that he has been one of the best backs on the USC roster. Tomorrow afternoon, for the 3rd time in two years, Carson will get a chance to take what he does on the practice field and carry it onto primetime. Not only will it be interesting to see how USC uses him in the run game but it'll also see if he has lost a step since his knee injury, can he protect the football with that surgerically repaired wrist, and can he pass block. Most of Carson's carries have been plays to get him onto the perimeter, but what I am curious to see is this guy run the inside zone play. Something else to watch is his vision and if he can pick out the correct hole. If so, given his quicks and acceleration with his small frame, he could find himself hiding behind our big uglies and shooting out like a cannon a few times. This is a guy Michigan needs to be wary of because he is bringing something different to the table than Kenny Miles and Mike Davis. It has been a while since USC has had a true homerun threat in the backfield, and they might be unleashing it tomorrow afternoon.

3) Shaq Roland - OK, so this one is a bit of a reach since Bruce Ellington and Ace Sanders have been on absolute tears the second half of the season but it is a no brainer that Shaq Roland has unlimited potential. He has quietly worked himself onto the 2 deep and could be given an opportunity early in the game to make a play deep down the field. He has had some strong practices the past month or so, and I believe the coaches are going to try to see if he can make something happen with a few snaps tomorrow afternoon if the situation allows it. Everybody, including myself, thought his coming out game was going to come after he caught the TD earlier in the year, but it just wasn't meant to be but it would be a huge moral boost if Shaq is able to make a big play tomorrow afternoon.

Honorable mentions:

Damiere Byrd - About time for Mr. Byrd to get back on track. Hasn't done much the 2nd half of the season. Could find himself in a fight for the backup Z position going forward.

Kelcy Quarles - Been sort of quiet since he cracked his shoulder vs LSU.

Devin Taylor - With Clowney demanding the double team, Taylor needs to contribute B1G. Even though Lawing has said he has had a great year, I expected a bigger bump in production. It seems to me as though he has a tendency to disappear sometimes. Only 3 sacks this year.

[Sugedatdude]

In addition, I would say Justice Cunningham. His stock was definitely upgraded this year, and he will be looking to close out the season with a bang.

[BigSteven34]

Thoughts on the game C2? You always seem to have some good insight.

[donbgamecock]

I hope your right. If so, it means that we will have a running dimnesion that we havent' had since the TN game. Couple that with a few additonal passing options and we should have a very dynamic and consistent offense which will help keep thier O off the field. The D will take care of the rest.

I just pray that we don't pull a UF game.

[Acockolypse Now]

Good write up.

We could see a healthy competition emerging between Busta and Adams too.

[talon]

I think we will see a lot of formations with them both.
Can't wait to see what Shon brings to the table.

[jtown86]

great write up C2. I cant wait to see what all 3 bring to the table especilly Shon. Been hearing nothing but good things since he has been back on the field.

[Coulwoodwarlord]

Taylor has got to step up tomorrow..........

[sc455]

taylor has manned that side pretty well. he drops in coverage alot more than clowney and does more things than hit the go button.

[me4USC]

Jones and Shaq both had their best games with Thompson. They can't catch what isn't thrown.

[pantera17]

Originally Posted by me4USC

Jones and Shaq both had their best games with Thompson. They can't catch what isn't thrown.

Very true.

[treyno2722]

Three to keep an eye on: Shaq Wilson, DJ Swearinger and Akeem Auguste.

[dreammachine]

You bring up some good points and I sure do hope that all of the players that you listed come through for us tomorrow.

I also think that Devin Taylor should have had a lot bigger year with all the attention on JD, but maybe he is saving it for the bowl game. I would love to see Shon Carson have a break out game and also see Mike Davis and Kenny Miles take it to the house a couple of times.

Nick Jones is a very capable receiver and I really enjoy seeing these kids that have not played a lot get a chance to shine and show how good they can be. D Byrd, I keep looking to see him beat his man by ten yards, racing into the end zone with his speed. I wish him the best in the game and hopefully he will bring his "A Game".

Big Kenny Quarles, I think he is the "most underrated player on the defense". The opposing O-Lines have to block him and he takes up a great deal of attention which allows our other players on the D-Line to get into the backfield before he can. I guess that you can say that he and Byron J do the "dirty work". Kenny is one heck of a football player, bad shoulder and all.

Shaq Wilson, I hope that he has an outstanding game and gets him a couple of sacks, maybe a fumble recovery or interception.

Our Tight Ends, I hope that they all have a big game, along with Connor or Dylan. I hope that our pass game and running game is hitting on all cylinders in Tampa.

Finally, I hope that our coaching staff is ready for Michigan and whatever they can throw at us. I hope that they have our boys ready to play and kick some Michigan Wolverines Butt (in a good sportsmanship manner) and let's uphold the honor of the SEC by winning this game and sending a signal to the rest of the nation that WE ARE SOUTH CAROLINA!!!!!!!!!!!

[KaneisAble]

Originally Posted by me4USC

Jones and Shaq both had their best games with Thompson. They can't catch what isn't thrown.

Yep.

[Garnet girl]

I have seen a good bit of the players in Tampa. It might be me, but the receivers hang with Dylan. It might be that Connor is so very quiet.
Big thanks,C2. You have taught me a lot about football and recruiting.

[4gamecockfb]

it would be nice to see byrd step up

[CoverTwo]

Well I was close ..

Nick Jones, check.

Damiere Byrd, check.

Kelcy Quarles had a sack I think and Devin Taylor got his hands on Gardner a few times.

Carson wouldve housed that screen play if they didn't miss the key block. Disappointed that he didn't really get a true carry.

And Shaq Roland almost made a highlight reel catch!

[Cocky2001]

You did well. Jones is definitely better with Thompson. Someone mentioned Justice Cunningham, but he has been on an absolute tear for the past two seasons. I know we have Busta and Adams waiting in the wings, but which one of them can block the way Justice has for the past two seasons? I was hoping for more out of Carson...and Davis for that matter...but we have got to get our OL to push people downfield instead of just trying to get position on them on the LOS...

wish I had seen this post yesterday.

[SpurProsecutor]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

Well I was close ..

Nick Jones, check.

Damiere Byrd, check.

Kelcy Quarles had a sack I think and Devin Taylor got his hands on Gardner a few times.

Carson wouldve housed that screen play if they didn't miss the key block. Disappointed that he didn't really get a true carry.

And Shaq Roland almost made a highlight reel catch!

I saw a stat that showed Miles with only 5 carries and the rest were by either Shaw or Thompson ... would have liked to have seen Carson and Davis get some carries, but next year will be their time.