South Carolina Gamecocks News: NFL Combine, SEC Tournaments, Clemson Win, More
By Kevin Miller
Here’s the latest South Carolina Gamecocks News from Columbia starting with a Gamecock baseball win in the rivalry series against Clemson.
After losing Game 1 in Clemson, the Gamecocks had a big comeback win in Game 2 in Greenville, and Game 3 was controlled by the home Gamecocks the whole afternoon. The series win continued Carolina’s dominance in the Palmetto Cup. Gavin Casas (2), Cole Messina, Talmadge LeCroy, and Carson Hornung hit home runs. The Gamecocks’ streak of consecutive games with a home run ended during the Game 1 loss. They are now 11-1.
Third baseman Talmadge LeCroy won the Tom Price Award given to Carolina’s MVP for the rivalry series. LeCroy hit .500 with a home run and six RBIs.
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine saw five Gamecocks invited.
DT Zacch Pickens: Pickens was one of the best athletic performers among defensive linemen and was highlighted as a top performer by many NFL Draft analysts. His 4.89 second 40-yard dash, 30.5″ vertical jump, 9’8″ broad jump, and 7.45 second short shuttle all ranked in the top-6 at the position. He also tested well in his positional drills.
CB Cam Smith: Smith looked the part during his Combine work. His measurements were slightly above average, his physical testing was good (4.43 second 40-yard dash and 11’2″ broad jump), and his fluidity was among the best of all players during defensive back drills. However, anonymous team sources are saying his interviews did not go well.
CB Darius Rush: Rush is bigger and faster than most scouts thought. Measuring in at a full 6’2″ and 198 pounds with an 80″ wingspan, he ran an official 4.36 40-yard dash. He continues his offseason ascent up the draft boards.
WR Jalen Brooks: Brooks had an interesting combine. He measured shorter than expected at just 6’1″ and tested poorly in the 40-yard dash (4.69 second). However, he was extremely impressive during his positional drills and caught the eye of some scouts while catching balls for former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. His 35″ vertical was solid but unremarkable.
OL Jovaughn Gwyn: As an offensive lineman, Gwyn’s testing is viewed differently than most other players at the Combine. He ran a 5.12-second 40-yard dash and broad jumped over 9 feet. His explosion and speed grades were good for offensive linemen, but he is significantly smaller than the ideal size for an NFL lineman (6’2″ and under 300 pounds).
A potential contributor at running back has walked away from the Gamecock football team.
Former four-star prospect Lovasea Carroll announced his retirement over the weekend. Carroll was expected to compete for the starting job at the position but is retiring due to ongoing injuries and an undisclosed “medical diagnosis.”
The South Carolina basketball team remained undefeated as they brought home another SEC Tournament Championship. Aliyah Boston broke the school’s rebounding record in the process.
Dawn Staley’s team ran roughshod through the tourney, beating their three opponents by an average of 24 points per game. The #1-seed Gamecocks beat Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. In the semifinal game against Ole Miss, Aliyah Boston broke Sheila Foster’s career rebounding mark. The Gamecocks will return home for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament and would play again in Greenville for the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight if they advance.
The South Carolina men’s basketball team won their final regular season game and will be the 12-seed in the SEC Tournament.
On Senior Day, the Gamecocks beat the Georgia Bulldogs at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday. Hayden Brown was the only senior honored during Senior Day. Ebrima Dibba, Chico Carter, and Ford Cooper are all listed as seniors, but their absences from Senior Day festivities seem to indicate they plan on using the “Covid redshirt” to play another season. The 12-seeded Gamecocks will face the 13-seeded Ole Miss Rebels in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday at 7:00 on the SECNetwork and the ESPN App.
South Carolina softball had a big weekend.
The Gamecocks went 4-0 with wins over Columbia, Illinois, North Carolina A&T, and UNC-Wilmington. They won by a combined score of 32-6. Their record now sits at 19-2.