Moral Character and a Strong Football Program

[GamecockNation62]

Dylan spoke at my church tonight; he is one heck of a man. Our football team is truly blessed to have this guy. He is an amazing Christian example and a very humble person. Listening to him speak was truly a blessing. Of course, our youth minister had to ask about The Hit. Dylan just laughed and said "That's when you just honestly thank God that he doesn't play for anyone else."

I'm looking forward to the future of Gamecock football! With a quarterback like this, but more importantly with a leader like this, our program will be very special for the next couple of years.

[PyroPepper]

That's awesome!

[Spurticus]

Originally Posted by GamecockNation62

Dylan spoke at my church tonight; he is one heck of a man. Our football team is truly blessed to have this guy. He is an amazing Christian example and a very humble person. Listening to him speak was truly a blessing. Of course, our youth minister had to ask about The Hit. Dylan just laughed and said "That's when you just honestly thank God that he doesn't play for anyone else."

I'm looking forward to the future of Gamecock football! With a quarterback like this, but more importantly with a leader like this, our program will be very special for the next couple of years.

I'm going to say something that a lot of people won't agree with but
needs to be said. ..... Look at the state of this program 3-4 years
ago, and where it is / has been the last couple of years ( our best
season ever and best ever back to back years).... 3-4 even further back
we were on needles and pins most of the time, and waiting for the next
local article to come out in the news about one of players doing something
they weren't supposed to do off the field, and it more likely than not
involved alcohol, drugs, and / or happened at five points.

There have been no major off the field issues with this team the last
couple of seasons (our best season ever and best back to back seasons)
People can brush off stuff as "just kids being kids" or "I used to do the
same thing when I was in college" etc... BUT when you have leaders who
have their prioities in order and are firmly grounded in those things that
are more important that a game (Like their Religion, Their Families and
those around them who count on them) Then to me, it is no surprise
that the incidents of Stupid off the field decisions go down, and success
of the program gets better.

When your major leaders of the program over the last couple of years
were guys like DJ, Connor, Marcus and Dylan, guys who are strong
family oriented and strong in their faith.... THIS is why the program has
been taken to the next level from where it was a few years ago.

"Attitude Reflects Leadership" ~ Julius Campbell (from the movie Remember The Titans)

[Cocky2001]

Originally Posted by Spurticus

I'm going to say something that a lot of people won't agree with but
needs to be said. ..... Look at the state of this program 3-4 years
ago, and where it is / has been the last couple of years ( our best
season ever and best ever back to back years).... 3-4 even further back
we were on needles and pins most of the time, and waiting for the next
local article to come out in the news about one of players doing something
they weren't supposed to do off the field, and it more likely than not
involved alcohol, drugs, and / or happened at five points.

There have been no major off the field issues with this team the last
couple of seasons (our best season ever and best back to back seasons)
People can brush off stuff as "just kids being kids" or "I used to do the
same thing when I was in college" etc... BUT when you have leaders who
have their prioities in order and are firmly grounded in those things that
are more important that a game (Like their Religion, Their Families and
those around them who count on them) Then to me, it is no surprise
that the incidents of Stupid off the field decisions go down, and success
of the program gets better.

When your major leaders of the program over the last couple of years
were guys like DJ, Connor, Marcus and Dylan, guys who are strong
family oriented and strong in their faith.... THIS is why the program has
been taken to the next level from where it was a few years ago.

"Attitude Reflects Leadership" ~ Julius Campbell (from the movie Remember The Titans

We had the "Hit of the Year" on the first day of the year...today we may have the "Post of the Year".

I concur.

[cofcgamecock9]

Originally Posted by Spurticus

I'm going to say something that a lot of people won't agree with but
needs to be said. ..... Look at the state of this program 3-4 years
ago, and where it is / has been the last couple of years ( our best
season ever and best ever back to back years).... 3-4 even further back
we were on needles and pins most of the time, and waiting for the next
local article to come out in the news about one of players doing something
they weren't supposed to do off the field, and it more likely than not
involved alcohol, drugs, and / or happened at five points.

There have been no major off the field issues with this team the last
couple of seasons (our best season ever and best back to back seasons)
People can brush off stuff as "just kids being kids" or "I used to do the
same thing when I was in college" etc... BUT when you have leaders who
have their prioities in order and are firmly grounded in those things that
are more important that a game (Like their Religion, Their Families and
those around them who count on them) Then to me, it is no surprise
that the incidents of Stupid off the field decisions go down, and success
of the program gets better.

When your major leaders of the program over the last couple of years
were guys like DJ, Connor, Marcus and Dylan, guys who are strong
family oriented and strong in their faith.... THIS is why the program has
been taken to the next level from where it was a few years ago.

"Attitude Reflects Leadership" ~ Julius Campbell (from the movie Remember The Titans

First, I absolutely agree with you that I think the character of our current kids is one of the biggest reasons for our team's success. I posted something after the Clemson game about how we had gone the entire season without an off the field incident (outside of Tanner). So I agree with you 100% that it makes a big difference and I agree that it is one of the most important factors. Trust me, I am on board with what you are saying in regards to that.

But I do think that a lot of the "kids will be kids" posts that come out are REACTIONS to other fans that want to castrate a kid when it does happen that they do something wrong. It is going to happen from time to time. Devonte Holloman was arrested for a DUI before last season. Devonte is a really good kid that made a mistake.

Just like everything else on a message board, people are going to see things two different ways and they are going to think their way is right. I know for me personally, I hate it when I hear one of our players did something wrong. My first reaction is to get frustrated with the player for making a dumb decision. But then as I start reading the message boards, I find myself becoming that person who says "kids make mistakes" etc. because of how ridiculous some of the comments can become that are just so ridiculously critical of a bad decision.

You are correct in that we shouldn't condone bad behaviour and say it is "just normal," but we also have fans that want to kick a kid off the team the first time he makes a mistake. Devonte is a perfect example. I absolutely remember this board after he was arrested for DUI and a good number of fans that simply want to show him the door. That is when a lot of us get defensive.

[gripitandripit2007]

Originally Posted by Cocky2001

We had the "Hit of the Year" on the first day of the year...today we may have the "Post of the Year".

I concur.

Can't put it no better than how Spurt put it...I was gonna reply with something very similar a little more God driven but after reading how Spurt put it...and knowing I couldn't put it any better...I will just add...our program is in good hands...and hopefully it will continue to spread through our players and the teams of the future! It's a great time to be a Gamecock!!

Here is a vid of him and Latti and Nicky Jones and Brandon Davis speaking a while back with the team chaplain in Spartanburg if anyone is interested in seeing it...it is a 7 part series but its well worth watching...amazing to hear the chemistry between our players...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aui1Ctcx2o4

[trapper82]

Originally Posted by Cocky2001

We had the "Hit of the Year" on the first day of the year...today we may have the "Post of the Year".

I concur.

Yeah these are the good times for sure.

[GamecockNation62]

Originally Posted by gripitandripit2007

Can't put it no better than how Spurt put it...I was gonna reply with something very similar a little more God driven but after reading how Spurt put it...and knowing I couldn't put it any better...I will just add...our program is in good hands...and hopefully it will continue to spread through our players and the teams of the future! It's a great time to be a Gamecock!!

Here is a vid of him and Latti and Nicky Jones and Brandon Davis speaking a while back with the team chaplain in Spartanburg if anyone is interested in seeing it...it is a 7 part series but its well worth watching...amazing to hear the chemistry between our players...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aui1Ctcx2o4

Yeah that's my church! The night with those four was absolutely amazing. Marcus's parents were there tonight. I almost cried whenever Dylan's dad recognized them.

[dreammachine]

Originally Posted by GamecockNation62

Dylan spoke at my church tonight; he is one heck of a man. Our football team is truly blessed to have this guy. He is an amazing Christian example and a very humble person. Listening to him speak was truly a blessing. Of course, our youth minister had to ask about The Hit. Dylan just laughed and said "That's when you just honestly thank God that he doesn't play for anyone else."

I'm looking forward to the future of Gamecock football! With a quarterback like this, but more importantly with a leader like this, our program will be very special for the next couple of years.

[4gamecockfb]

dylan is one heck of a man before being one heck of a football player. i respect the way that he carries himself and he's a great role model

[HeadCockFan]

Nm

[doc]

I must be missing something,
I don't see any deleted entries.
Could someone please explain?

[me4USC]

Justice Cunningham is another strong Christian as is AJ Cann.

I do realize that kids will be kids, and that some of them will get into trouble. I'm always for trying to help a kid get a second chance.

Dylan, Connor, Lattimore, and the others are not like the mainstream, and I, for one, am glad that these young men stand up for their beliefs and live their convictions.

[RudeCock]

Originally Posted by Spurticus

I'm going to say something that a lot of people won't agree with but
needs to be said. ..... Look at the state of this program 3-4 years
ago, and where it is / has been the last couple of years ( our best
season ever and best ever back to back years).... 3-4 even further back
we were on needles and pins most of the time, and waiting for the next
local article to come out in the news about one of players doing something
they weren't supposed to do off the field, and it more likely than not
involved alcohol, drugs, and / or happened at five points.

There have been no major off the field issues with this team the last
couple of seasons (our best season ever and best back to back seasons)
People can brush off stuff as "just kids being kids" or "I used to do the
same thing when I was in college" etc... BUT when you have leaders who
have their prioities in order and are firmly grounded in those things that
are more important that a game (Like their Religion, Their Families and
those around them who count on them) Then to me, it is no surprise
that the incidents of Stupid off the field decisions go down, and success
of the program gets better.

When your major leaders of the program over the last couple of years
were guys like DJ, Connor, Marcus and Dylan, guys who are strong
family oriented and strong in their faith.... THIS is why the program has
been taken to the next level from where it was a few years ago.

"Attitude Reflects Leadership" ~ Julius Campbell (from the movie Remember The Titans)

[SClawman]

Here's a story about it from goupstate. Dylan is da man-a leader on and off the field.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/201...6/1088/PSPORTS

[Travelin]

Originally Posted by SClawman

Here's a story about it from goupstate. Dylan is da man-a leader on and off the field.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/201...6/1088/PSPORTS

[Roosterboy]

Yes.
More than getting athletes...we have good ambassadors of the university.
Guys that come from winning programs, expect to win, but also hold themselves accountable.

Plus, we got some guys that can just flat play football.

[Glamcock]

Dylan has some special qualities about him that have nothing to do with athleticism, that will make your football team better. His character qualities are equivalent to Clowney's athletic qualities.

[imabeastonu]

Originally Posted by Spurticus

I'm going to say something that a lot of people won't agree with but
needs to be said. ..... Look at the state of this program 3-4 years
ago, and where it is / has been the last couple of years ( our best
season ever and best ever back to back years).... 3-4 even further back
we were on needles and pins most of the time, and waiting for the next
local article to come out in the news about one of players doing something
they weren't supposed to do off the field, and it more likely than not
involved alcohol, drugs, and / or happened at five points.

There have been no major off the field issues with this team the last
couple of seasons (our best season ever and best back to back seasons)
People can brush off stuff as "just kids being kids" or "I used to do the
same thing when I was in college" etc... BUT when you have leaders who
have their prioities in order and are firmly grounded in those things that
are more important that a game (Like their Religion, Their Families and
those around them who count on them) Then to me, it is no surprise
that the incidents of Stupid off the field decisions go down, and success
of the program gets better.

When your major leaders of the program over the last couple of years
were guys like DJ, Connor, Marcus and Dylan, guys who are strong
family oriented and strong in their faith.... THIS is why the program has
been taken to the next level from where it was a few years ago.

"Attitude Reflects Leadership" ~ Julius Campbell (from the movie Remember The Titans)

i agree. I feel it all comes down to these kids staying busy in either a POSITIVE (church, family, civic duties) or a NEGATIVE(drugs, fights, theft) way. Im glad our kids have found God and arent embarrassed to show it.

[JTsecSC]

Gamecocks. The best.