Gamecocks To “Shock The Nation”

In an after practice interview, last week, Junior Linebacker, Skai Moore of the Gamecocks, said, that their defense would “shock the country”, in 2015. Moore, the leading tackler, on the team, in 2013 and 2014, has a point.

Young defensive backs, with another year of experience, an improved pass rush and maybe one of the most solid, deep linebackers cores in the SEC, could make for a very much improved Gamecock defense. I think the shock may also come on the other side of the ball.

A receiver corp, that besides Pharoh Cooper, is loaded with unproven, but nonetheless, talented young and versatile athletes.

Senior Tight End, Jerell Adams, also has the potential to have a break out year. His size, blocking and route running abilities, could make him a constant threat to SEC defenses.

The Gamecocks lost starting Left Tackle Corey Robinson and starting Left Guard A.J. Cann, to the NFL, but seem to be on track to field a better line, as a whole, in 2015.

Fourth year starter, Brandon Shell will make the move from right to left tackle and all early indications are, that he’s handling the switch well. The battle for right tackle is underway, but with Shawn Elliott’s ability to recruit and get the most out of his guys, whoever starts at that spot, should be a solid addition.

The Gamecocks will also have a luxury of a very deep running back corp.

Brandon Wilds and David Williams will be a load for any team. Big guys, good speed and catching abilities. Behind Wilds and Williams sits Senior Shon Carson, Freshmen Mon Denson, AJ Turner, and also two walk on running backs that were recently awarded with scholarships, Junior Darius Paulk and Sophomore Rod Talley.

The big question is, who will Spurrier start at Quarterback. My answer is Connor Mitch. High football IQ, seems to have bought into the system and has the arm to make any throw on the field.

The push coming from the other three QB’s in camp may just be Spurrier’s way of being Spurrier.

Always reluctant to praise his quarterbacks, until they prove themselves, the HBC is using the Lorenzo Nunez card to push Mitch into a higher gear. I do believe Nunez will take a fair amount of snaps in 2015, but in limited packages.

In short, I believe when Skai Moore says, that the defense will “shock the nation”, i also see an offense that has the recipe to open a few eyes, themselves.

-From Vincent Brewer, a new Garnet and Cocky Staff Writer.