|
RB
Cory Boyd |
|
2004
Statistics
|
Coach:
Steve Spurrier
1st
year |
2004
Record: 6-5
|
|
at
Vanderbilt |
WON
31-6 |
GEORGIA |
LOST
16-20 |
SOUTH
FLORIDA |
WON
34-3 |
TROY |
WON
17-7 |
at
Alabama |
WON
20-3 |
MISSISSIPPI |
LOST
28-31 |
at
Kentucky |
WON
12-7 |
TENNESSEE |
LOST
29-43 |
ARKANSAS |
WON
35-32 |
at
Florida |
LOST
14-48 |
at
Clemson |
LOST
7-29 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR
|
2005
Outlook
|
Cutting
to the chase, is there a QB capable of giving
Coach Spurrier a winning season in his first
campaign while adapting to the new offensive
system? In short, the answer is no, until
proven otherwise. Huge question marks exist
on both sides of the football, with as many
as 15 newcomers contributing - this is not
a tact seen in many top 50 programs. The
new coaching staff is ultimately being handed
the identical situation Bill Callahan and
his Nebraska assistants were given upon
arrival - a dramatic change, from an offensive
approach that had bottomed out to a system
built on moving the chains through the air,
all meant to be run by players recruited
for such. As history demonstrates and this
campaign's slate dictates, the likelihood
the Gamecocks will come up with a two or
three-loss campaign is slim. Over the years,
South Carolina has been successful at bringing
in new talent, most notably JUCO transfers,
and getting immediate needs filled. Whether
these new contributors are capable of such
short-term achievements should determine
the difference between a winning or losing
season.
Luckily,
Coach Spurrier understands how touch the
SEC can be in terms of competition each
and every week. By the end of October 1st,
these new faces and new schemes will have
learned on the fly by facing the likes of
Georgia, Alabama and Auburn. Of course,
October 12th has been circled as the Gators
make their highly-anticipated and ominous
trip to Columbia. However, this game is
sandwiched between a brutal slate of opponents
as the season comes to a close. Happy endings
must be obtained through great measures.
Do
not expect an overnight miracle from this
program. However, if anyone is capable of
pulling off such a magic trick, it's you-know-who.
But get used to those visors being thrown
and smashed to the sideline turf. Growing
pains are sure to come in one area and/or
another. Inconsistency will be a likely
problem as a bowl invitation, barring another
Clemson brawl, will be attainable
but
very difficult, Grasshopper.
Projected
2005 record: 5-6
|
|
|
DB
Ko Simpson |
SOUTH
CAROLINA
*POWER RATINGS
|
Offense
|
Defense
|
QB
- 2 |
DL
- 3 |
RB
- 3 |
LB
- 3 |
WR
- 3.5 |
DB
- 3.5 |
OL
- 2 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS
|
Passing:
Syvelle Newton, 131-70-6, 1093 yds., 6 TD
Rushing: Cory Boyd, 62 att., 309
yds., 3 TD
Receiving: Cory Boyd, 35 rec., 347
yds., 1 TD
Scoring: Josh Brown, 10-13 FG, 27-27
PAT, 57 pts.
Punting: Josh Brown, 44 punts, 38.9
avg.
Kicking: Josh Brown, 10-13 FG, 27-27
PAT, 57 pts.
Tackles: Ko Simpson, 61 tot., 50
solo
Sacks: Ricardo Hurley, Charles Silas,
De'Adrian Coley - 1 each
Interceptions: Ko Simpson, 6 for
94 yds., 1 TD
Kickoff Returns: Daccus Turman, 2
ret., 14.0 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Noah Whiteside, 18
ret., 8.0 avg., 0 TD
|
|
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 6
|
----RETURNING
STARTERS----
|
DEFENSE
- 4
|
|
KEY
LOSSES
|
OFFENSE:
Dondrial Pinkins-QB, Gonzie Gray-RB, Andrea
Gause-RB, Matthew Thomas-WR, Brian Brownlee-TE,
John Strickland-C, Jonathan Alston-OG, Troy
Williamson-WR (NFL), Demetris Summers-RB (dismissed) |
DEFENSE:
Darrell
Shropshire-DT, Preston Thorne-DT, Jason Capers-DT,
George Gause-DE, Marcus Lawrence-LB, Rodriques
Wilson-LB, Taqiy Muhammad-CB, Jamacia Jackson-SS,
Jermaine Harris-SS, Moe Thompson-DE (dismissed) |
|
|
2005
OFFENSE
|
Quarterback
Forget Lou Holtz' QB draws and screen plays. They
will be replaced with five and seven-step QB drops,
a multitude of receivers running routes east,
west, north and south
basically a wide open
passing attack. The biggest question on everyone's
mind: do the Gamecocks have a QB capable of executing
their new "Steve Spurrier" system? For
starters (so to speak), last season's leading
passer and third leading rusher, the athletic
Syvelle Newton, made a wise request for a move
to wide receiver. That places sophomore Blake
Mitchell at the helm. In his most extensive action
versus Kentucky, he managed as many pass completions
to Wildcat defenders (two) as he did to his own
receivers. Mitchell, of a drop back pedigree,
was recruited out of LaGrange, GA to run the spread
offense, which explains why he looked uncomfortable
under the old system. Mitchell has the size, arm
strength and accuracy to meet Spurrier's demand.
But the youngster lacks decision making skills,
which is sure to put that sour smirk on the ole
ball coaches' face from time to time while forcing
back-ups to prepare. Antonio Heffner, with his
athletic skills, was redshirted. His style as
a pocket passer has yet to be developed, which
does not bode well for this campaign. Spurrier
has rarely, if ever, started a true freshman quarterback,
so don't expect one of the newcomers to win the
job unless all else fails. But magic at this position
is a common Spurrier trick, so don't be surprised
if critical junctures now seem silly by October.
Running
Back
Demetris Summers' off the field issues find him
dismissed. Junior Cory Boyd now takes the spotlight
after finishing 2004 as the team's second leading
rusher and likewise the team's second leading
receiver. Do not look for Boyd to duplicate such
pass catching numbers under this scheme. He will
need to place more focus on what happens between
the tackles. If history repeats itself, Daccus
Turman will also see action, as Spurrier likes
to use multiple backs throughout the course of
a game. Both of these backs are veterans who will
be called upon to shoulder some of the load while
the QBs continue to learn. Boyd is well-sized
and a former-DB, so his quickness/reaction-time
makes his instincts sharp, while Turman is FB-sized
and close to as quick (broke Herschel Walker's
state single-season prep rushing total).
Receiver
One would think that Troy Williamson would have
stayed on board to reap the benefits of the "fun
and gun" offense. Instead, Williamson bolts
and leaves former quarterback Syvelle Newton and
Noah Whitesides to head the crop. Whiteside has
managed to catch 20 passes at over 14 yards per
with his medium build. Besides acquiring Spurrier,
Newton's switchover may be the best off-season
move yet as the Gamecocks have a major dilemma
at this position in terms of numbers and experience.
Imagine the fact that USC went from utilizing
two receivers just a season ago, to now using
upwards of five at once. There may not be five
top-flight receivers out of this group, so we'll
see that Spurrier magic again, or the drop-off
will be noticeable. One name you will see because
of his amazing spring is Sidney Rice. Rice was
the state's top WR prospect (also Class AAAA basketball
Player of the Year to attest to the quality of
his 35" leap) and has been compared by Spurrier
- who has seen a few good WRs in his time - to
Chris Doering (SEC's all-time TD catch leader).
His ability to catch whatever the QB throws up
is that unteachable skill that opponents won't
stop.
Tight
End
One of the knocks of Lou Holtz was his refusal
to use the TE more. This will also change in the
new system as the necessary skills are located.
Andy Boyd is the clear starter. Although known
for being a better blocker, his pass catching
skills will surprise when given the chance. But
speculation is cheap considering he and the departed
Brian Brownlee combined for a disappointing total
of three receptions.
Offensive
Line
Inconsistency
haunted this group in 2004. At times they dominated,
while at other junctures, the old (coaching) quote,
"my grandmother can block better than that,"
applied. When Lou Holtz consistently complained
his team wasn't physical enough, a finger was
indirectly being pointed here. Ergo, with Spurrier,
this group will require a new mindset. In charge
will be John Hunt, who has been with Spurrier
since '99. Two 300-plus pound tackles are the
bright spots and offer great promise. Both seniors
were once considered all-SEC candidates, though,
Jabari Levey is no stranger to the inconsistency
label as he enters his third season as a starter.
Na'Shan Goddard is a two-year starter and maintains
well his athleticism and footwork. It's imperative
these two are leaders and (at least) come close
to meeting any expectations (of them) for the
new system to thrive.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Ironically,
fans in Columbia are going to get way more than
just a newly reconstructed Williams-Brice Stadium.
The entire offensive philosophy moves from a conservative
physical style to a (oft-used Spurrier phrase)
"fun-n-gun' approach. The problem is that
the surrounding cast of non-Spurrier-recruits
does not support an easy changeover. The most
glaring issues include a major lack of capable/proven
receivers and a set of young QBs nowhere close
to being ready (yet) for running this type of
show. On top of these concerns, the line has garnered
criticism (this spring) from Coach Spurrier concerning
poor execution. Growing pains can be expected,
so do not anticipate an overnight miracle. Yet
Spurrier has proven that his systems over the
years have had rather successful starts, and many
who underestimate his offensive coaching prowess
pay the price. We just wonder how many DCs have
been waiting for this opportunity, as Spurrier
is finally weakened enough that they can pay him
back for a decade of drubbings.
|
|
OT
Jabari Levey
|
|
|
SOUTH
CAROLINA 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players
|
OFFENSE
|
QB |
Blake
Mitchell-So (6-3, 194) |
Antonio
Heffner-Fr (6-1, 186)
Brett Nichols-Jr (6-2, 211) |
FB |
Lanard
Stafford-So (5-9, 253) |
Antonio
Lamar-Fr (6-0, 266) |
TB |
Daccus
Turman-Sr (5-11, 232) |
Mike
Davis-Fr (5-11, 210)d
Cory Boyd-Jr (6-1, 200) (susp.) |
WR |
Syvelle
Newton-Jr (6-0, 218) |
Michael
Flint-Sr (6-1, 191)
Sidney Rice-Fr (6-4, 191) |
WR |
Noah
Whiteside-Jr (5-11, 172) |
Travis
Lee-So (5-11, 194) |
TE |
Andy
Boyd-Jr (6-4, 261) |
James
Scott-Sr (6-3, 246) |
OT |
Jabari
Levey-Sr (6-6, 312) |
Thomas
Coleman-Jr (6-4, 306) |
OG |
William
Brown-So (6-4, 263) |
Kyle
Bishop-So (6-2, 302) |
C |
Chris
White-Jr (6-3, 309) |
Fran
Person-Sr (6-6, 257) |
OG |
Freddy
Saint-Preux-Sr (6-5, 308) |
James
Thompson-So (6-4, 309) |
OT |
Na'Shan
Goddard-Sr (6-5, 313) |
Justin
Sorensen-Fr (6-7, 317) |
K |
Josh
Brown-Sr (6-3, 203) |
Thomas
Hooper-So (5-6, 157) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE
|
Defensive
Line
As a result of off-the-field legal problems, the
only possible returning stud here is now likely
done playing college football. The pass rush has
been atrocious as of late, which now takes another
step back with this loss of end Moe Thompson.
Yet, since the house is now cleaned, old stigmas
will vanish and a new, "working" identity
replaces such. The end position will now be stocked
with two JUCO transfers in De'Adrian Coley and
Charles Silas. Coley, a former linebacker, is
the perfect specimen for a rush end. DT looks
thin, and currently, two sophomores, a freshman,
and a seldom-used senior secure the middle. Ugh!
With a 4+ per carry albatross/legacy around this
crew's collective neck, the work is cut out for
this challenged group.
Linebacker
The 2004 group really stepped up and secured this
position as one of the team's strengths. The bolded
starters are not as plentiful, but playing experience
does exist in some quantity. The principal challenge
will be replacing Marcus Lawrence. Senor Ricardo
Hurley, once considered as the top LB prospect
in the nation, is the best of the group after
fighting through injuries his first two seasons.
Orus Lambert is a fifth-year senior and finally
gets his shot while JUCO transfer Mike West, a
former strong safety, has the best speed and quickness
on the team. (timed at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash).
Now, will he be able to demonstrate the physical
nature required for this position? Look for Cody
Wells and Dustin Lindsey to push for playing time.
Defensive
Back
The Gamecocks are looking for a strong safety.
That is their only weak link in the secondary.
Cornerback Fred Bennett and free safety Ko Simpson
both return from strong campaigns. The AP named
Simpson, a true frosh, the SEC Freshman of the
Year. Amazingly, he had a league-leading six interceptions
to go along with his 61 tackles (second best on
the team). A forgotten name who may be the biggest
surprise of the bunch is JUCO transfer Jonathan
Joseph (an injury prematurely ended his 2004 campaign).
He ironically chose South Carolina over Florida
in the recruiting process. The Gamecocks have
been fielding pretty solid DBs over the past five
years (just look at NFL rosters), and several
three- and four-star recruits make this unit seem
potent with depth. Once Spurrier "coaches
'em up" via practicing against his offensive
schemes, this crew could be even more formidable
(15th-rated in pass efficiency defense).
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The new coaching staff will be keeping the 4-3
scheme, but it won't be without some changes.
The most noticeable is going to be a more aggressive
style of play. That dimension should be a blessing
in terms of how this secondary can reach its full
potential to become one of the best units in the
conference/country, which affords the front seven
more chances to gamble. This has to translate
into a better pass rush, pure and simple (12 total
sacks in '04). A glaring concern exists with the
four new starters on the DL, especially at its
heart with the tackles, but the former line's
marginal production could easily mean the turnover
automatically equals improvements. Other than
at QB and WR, this unit is the team's biggest
question mark. Early conference foes will show
the interior's worth, which may have decent numbers,
but, after ranking 43rd in rushing D and going
6-5, will stats truly equal wins?
|
|
LB
Ricardo Hurley
|
|
|
SOUTH
CAROLINA 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players
|
DEFENSE
|
DE/LB |
De'Adrian
Coley-Sr (6-2, 237) |
Jordin
Lindsay-So (6-3, 227) |
DT |
Marque
Hall-So (6-3, 276) |
Brook
Antonio-Sr (6-1, 280) |
NG |
Chris
Tucker-Sr (6-1, 278) |
Stanley
Doughty-So (6-1, 315) |
DE |
Charles
Silas-Sr (6-5, 272) |
Seth
Edwards-Sr (6-3, 263) |
LB |
Lance
Laury-Sr (6-2, 237) |
Cody
Wells-So (5-11, 195)
Mike West-So (6-0, 206) |
LB |
Orus
Lambert-Sr (6-2, 245) |
Dustin
Lindsey-So (6-3, 220) |
LB |
Ricardo
Hurley-Sr (6-1, 228) |
Ryan
Brown-So (6-0, 249) |
CB |
Jonathan
Joseph-Sr (5-11, 187) |
Stoney
Woodson-Fr (5-11, 181) |
CB |
Fred
Bennett-Jr (6-1, 193) |
Greg
Wright-So (5-10, 194) |
SS |
Tremaine
Tyler-Sr (5-10, 185) |
Chris
Hampton-So (5-11, 182) |
FS |
Ko
Simpson-So (6-1, 199) |
Trent
Usher-Fr (5-11, 195) |
P |
Josh
Brown-Sr (6-3, 203) |
.. |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS
|
Kicker/Punter
For the third season in a row, Josh Brown will handle
punting duties. He will also double as the kicker. With
only a 38.9 punting average and no FG attempts beyond
50 yards, his leg strength comes into question, highlighted
further by the fact Joey Bowers handled KOs. Being a
senior, Brown will garnish even more in the expectation's
department. His 67% career accuracy is admirable after
he managed 10-of-13 in '04. Incoming frosh Ryan Succop
has the résumé to impact this unit well.
Coverage on kickoffs was dismal, but will improve under
the new watch, and already decent net punt results will
also only get better.
Return
Game
This is a strong area, but unsettled. Noah Whiteside
handled the majority of punt returns, but we feel true
freshman O.J. Murdock (4.39 speed) can make a difference,
as could Mike West. With ex-return skill men like Demetris
Summers and Troy Williamson leaving, the door appears
to be open for guys like ex-QB Syvelle Newton or RBs
Cory Boyd and Jermaine Sims as each handled a great
deal of kick returns in the spring game with Newton
leading all with a 28.7 average.
|
|