Published August 18, 2011 - 7:02am
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The South Carolina Gamecocks are shouldering a ton of preseason expectations this season, and they are right now the obvious favorites to win the East.
Here are three hot issues for fall camp for South Carolina:
1. Make Sure Garcia Is Focused
Stephen Garcia has the talent; now, he just needs to focus. He always put up some numbers. Garcia is one of the streakiest players I’ve ever seen. One game he’ll be dynamite, and the next game it looks like he could care less with his struggles. Garcia needs to lock it in for six more months and really help this team win during his final season in Columbia. He needs to leave a good taste in South Carolina fans’ mouths exiting 2011.
2. Answer Questions At Linebacker
The major question mark right now entering and exiting fall camp is at linebacker. Rodney Paulk does return to help with leadership. Demario Jeffery moved from his Spur position to a true linebacker, and he really seemed to adjust well. Two other contributors are Reggie Brown and Quin Smith. However, this group needs to step up if the team wants to make a run at any championships.
3. Make Sure Clowney Is Ready To Go
Jadeveon Clowney needs no introduction because everyone in SEC country already knows him. Clowney has impressed everyone within the program and team already. Now, he just needs to stay healthy because he will be, in all likelihood, a starter at some point in this season, but he will make his impact known game one against ECU. Clowney should be the SEC freshman of the year.
Don’t forget Shaq Wilson, the quarterback of the defense at linebacker according to DC Ellis Johnson. He played in one game last season (at Auburn) and forced two fumbles. The Gamecocks, while not much depth, should be fine at LB.
They should be fine, but I would be worried about the depth issue. I think this unit will be okay because of the strong defensive line and secondary.
That same secondary ranked 97th against the pass last season. They need to improve dramatically.
this is also the same secondary that had third stringers starting at the end of the year . in my opinion our secondary will be well approved from last year. We are also going to have a top 5 defensive line. The only thing we have to worry about is the linebacker position if they play well there is a great chance we could be the best defense in the nation this year.
Best D in the nation? That’s asking a little too much. But I do see the defensive line as the best unit in the country. Robertson, Ingram, Taylor, Clowney WOW.