Coach Spurrier disappointed in Geathers

From The State

USC coach Steve Spurrier has released the following statement regarding junior defensive end Clifton Geathers, who was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness in an incident at a Columbia club early Sunday morning:

"We are disappointed in the actions of Clifton Geathers the other night. He has been suspended indefinitely from the team until all the facts come in."

USC's Geathers arrested in nightclub incident

From The State

In separate incident, Giles altercation under investigation
By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com

USC starting defensive end Clifton Geathers faces three charges after he was arrested following an incident at a Vista nightclub early Sunday morning.

Geathers, 21, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness after Columbia police, responding to a fight between Geathers and a bouncer at Club Ice, struggled to detain the 6-foot-8, 281-pound Geathers.

In a separate incident, USC police are investigating an early-morning altercation between freshman tailback Jarvis Giles and a woman at the dorm where many of the players live. No charges have been filed in that incident.

According to Columbia police, Geathers was fighting with a security guard in the parking lot of the Lady Street club when officers arrived at 3:10 a.m. Police spokesman Brick Lewis said Geathers failed to comply with officers’ commands, was slurring his words, using profanity and “swinging his arms and pulling away” from an officer who tried to detain him.

Lewis said it took two officers to get handcuffs on Geathers, the tallest player on the Gamecocks’ roster. When they detained him, officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Geathers, Lewis said.

“He just didn’t want to cooperate,” Lewis said. “We got one cuff on him, and eventually moved on to the other. And that’s when we had assistance from the other officer.”

Lewis said he did not know how the fight started. Geathers was booked at the Richland County jail at 5:15 a.m. and released at 10:43 a.m., Lewis said.

Under USC policy, Geathers was suspended following his arrest. Attempts to reach Geathers were unsuccessful.

In the incident at East Quad, a university spokesperson said security guards called police about an altercation between Giles and a woman in the lobby of the dorm at 4:30 a.m. After officers arrived, Giles and the woman told officers it was a misunderstanding.

USC spokesperson Margaret Lamb said police are looking into the matter. Lamb did not identify the female, but a source said she is Giles’ girlfriend from Tampa, Fla.

Attempts to reach Giles were unsuccessful.

USC media relations director Steve Fink said Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier is aware of both incidents but had no immediate comment.

Geathers, a junior from Georgetown, is the brother of Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Robert Geathers Jr. Geathers’ father and uncle also played in the NFL.

He had 29 tackles in 13 games last fall and had been working with the first-team defense the entire preseason.

Giles has been one of the team’s success stories since enrolling in January after graduating high school early. He had a 3.2 grade point average his first semester, and has drawn praise — and earned expected playing time — with his speed and elusiveness out of the backfield.

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Offense cruises in scrimmage

From The State

Garcia finds his targets; Gilmore runs new ‘Wildcock’ formation

By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com

It was something old and something new at quarterback Wednesday for South Carolina — and it added up to a productive night for the Gamecocks’ offense.

Starter Stephen Garcia bounced back from a so-so scrimmage Sunday with an on-point passing performance in USC’s third and final full scrimmage of the preseason. The right-hander, who overthrew several receivers Sunday, completed 14 of 16 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown.

His only incompletions were dropped passes by Joe Hills, the second of which came on a well-thrown ball in the end zone.

“He looked better. He can still throw a lot of them a little bit better, but he did throw a lot of good ones tonight,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said. “He was much improved.”

And when Garcia took a break, freshman Stephon Gilmore stepped in and provided a spark in his debut in the “Wildcock” formation.

Gilmore, a starting corner who was the starting quarterback for South Pointe’s state championship team last fall, played 12 snaps over two series. He rushed for 25 yards on seven carries, and completed 1 of 2 passes — a lofted 32-yarder to Stephen Flint that set up a Spencer Lanning field goal.

Gilmore reacted to his most extensive action at quarterback as he does most everything — low-key.

“It was all right. A couple plays I did to change the pace of the offense,” Gilmore said.

As for the pass to Flint, he added: “There was a little wrinkle in it to keep them honest. So it was a good feeling.”

Gilmore said he practiced at quarterback a little earlier in the week, but has yet to attend a quarterback meeting or dive into the offensive playbook.

“I’m not looking at it because I’m really focused on cornerback right now,” he said. “I ran it in high school, so I’m just natural with it.”

Spurrier also had a muted reaction to the offense’s night, pointing out that the defense played without many of its starters, including its top two pass-rushers in linebacker Eric Norwood (sprained wrist) and defensive end Cliff Matthews (coaches’ decision).

“We took Cliff Matthews out of the game, so we were able to get off some passes,” Spurrier said. “Right now we don’t have anybody that can block him.”

Garcia guided touchdown drives on two of his four series during the main portion of the scrimmage. He capped the first drive with a 2-yard touchdown run on a misdirection play, and finished with 22 rushing yards on six attempts.

Walk-on tailback Bryce Sherman led all rushers with 76 yards on 11 carries, while freshman DeMario Bennett was the top receiver with four catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. Bennett pulled down a 43-yard scoring strike from backup quarterback Reid McCollum on a broken coverage.

McCollum threw two touchdowns but also had two interceptions. Addison Williams picked him off on a ball McCollum badly underthrew, and C.C. Whitlock had a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown on a pass that freshman tailback Jarvis Giles could not handle.

As for Gilmore, at least one offensive player would like to see him show off his arm a little more.

“He’s a real good athlete. He’s an easy two-way player,” left tackle Jarriel King said. “He works hard, he plays hard. He’s smart. He practices. I love him back there. I want to see him actually pass a lot more. But I know he can do a whole lot for us.”

Just don’t expect him to gush about it.

Asked if he ever gets excited, Gilmore smiled and said: “I ain’t excited until we’re winning the SEC championship or until we’re doing something big, winning as a team.”

Swearinger's work ethic is opening eyes

From The State


D.J. Swearinger wasn’t one of the bigger names. He wasn’t a five-star prospect. He wasn’t even a four star.

Nor did he enroll early and collect any accolades during spring practice. No, the freshman from Greenwood arrived quietly at South Carolina on the first day of June — which, as it turned out, might have been all he needed.

Now it’s Swearinger earning the praise. Ellis Johnson, the Gamecocks’ assistant head coach for defense, called him the biggest surprise of practice so far. Teammates and other coaches also have cited his come-from-nowhere status.

“He’s going to be a heck of a player for us — and will be a heck of a player for us this year,” assistant coach Shane Beamer said.

In a secondary with highly-touted freshman such as cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety DeVonte Holloman, Swearinger seems to have moved himself into their company. He may not start, but he will certainly play.

Pretty good for a kid with little recognition before his arrival.

“I knew I had something to prove,” Swearinger said after Monday’s practice. “There was a lot of hype with other players. And I knew I had to do what I had to do to get my name to be one of those (big) names. So, I just came in and worked hard from the get-go.”

The most remarkable aspect of Swearinger’s emergence is that he is playing cornerback, a position he didn’t play in high school.

Swearinger was a two-way player at Greenwood. His senior year, in addition to playing safety, he started three games at running back, three at receiver and the rest of the season at quarterback.

All summer at USC he was working at strong safety, then briefly at free safety. After camp started, he was moved to cornerback.

“I was ready to play anything,” Swearinger said. “It really doesn’t matter, whatever gets me on the field.”

But the coaches said he already had an innate sense of the position. Beamer, who coaches the strong safety and spur positions, said Swearinger has better cover skills than anticipated.

Then Beamer dished out an even broader compliment.

“I ain’t so sure he’s not the best pure tackler we have on the team,” Beamer said. “He’s been well-coached in high school. They’ve tackled well at Greenwood, because he’s what you’re looking for.”

Longtime Greenwood coach Shell Dula, who retired after last season, had similar praise for his former player. Dula called Swearinger one of the smartest onfield players he ever coached.

Swearinger, when asked how he picked up cornerback so quickly, cited hard work and athletic ability. It also helped that they played some man-to-man coverage at Greenwood and the defensive backs all practiced together.

It was Tennessee, and not USC, that expected land Swearinger. He grew up a Volunteers fan (along with Miami), and he committed to the Vols after attending camp there.

After coach Philip Fulmer stepped down the Monday following the loss at South Carolina, Swearinger re-opened his recruitment. It came down to North Carolina and USC, and when the Tar Heels seemed to back off, the choice was easy.

By the time he got to campus, he was behind Gilmore, Holloman and others on the depth chart. But Johnson marveled that, after a few days, Swearinger was already up to speed.

“As a technician, he’s a better than Gilmore and some of the other guys, just because he’s played DB more than they have,” Johnson said. “But he’s been a real pleasant surprise.”

Camp report: Mackey denied; Lanning named kicker

From The State


Recruit Leon Mackey will not join USC after being denied by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

The Gamecocks were hoping Mackey would help the team’s depth on the defensive line. They found out Tuesday he did not get in.

“He has not been cleared by the NCAA. It doesn’t look like he is going too,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “The next option, from what I understand, is a prep school or junior college. We’re hoping that will work out, and if it’s the prep school route, he will be back in January possibly.”

Mackey spent last season at Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy, and was considered a four-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. He originally signed with Virginia Tech in 2008 but failed to qualify academically and headed to Hargrave.

Stock Rising

Spencer Lanning has been named the starting placekicker even though he was 1-for-4 on field goals during Sunday’s scrimmage. Despite the promotion, Spurrier had a hard time getting his name correct.

“Lanning Spencer kicked the ball very well tonight,” Spurrier said. “Spence is definitely our kicker, punter. We have full confidence in him.”

Lanning, a junior from Rock Hill, might have been aided by the groin injury suffered by redshirt freshman Adam Yates. He was in a yellow jersey for the second straight day.

Stock Falling

Kenny Davis looked good during spring practice — and will be counted on to add depth along the defensive line — but he has hit a wall. According to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, Davis has had a “bad week. ... (Line coach) Brad (Lawing) has been very disappointed with his effort, concentration, his focus.”

Injury update

Eric Norwood had his right wrist in a cast and still out for a couple of more days. Brian Maddox (bruised shoulder) missed his second straight day and was in a yellow jersey along with Ryan Broadhead (right foot). Eric Baker (hernia) was in yellow but was able to go through most drills.

Quote of the day

“There is a lot of musical chairs going on right now. It’s hard to see this unit come together. You have to remember, there are six players gone. This is a new team. This is not a carryover from last year. Our biggest concern is we have to identify who our top guys are, and we can’t keep them out here playing together to feel good about it.”

— Ellis Johnson on the progress of developing a two-deep on the defensive side of the ball

Extra points

Linebacker Eric Norwood has been on put on the watch list for two national awards. He in on the watch list for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive or defensive linemen, or linebacker or tight end. He is also one of 62 players on the list for the Bronko Nagurski award, which goes to the top defensive player. ... Spurrier said they were able to add eight more players to scholarship. Scotty Spurrier and John Guerry were the only two seniors on the list, but six juniors were added: Stephen Flint, Cedrick Snead, Brandon Davis, Darantzy Brunson, Zac Brindise and Blake Baxley.

Up Next

The Gamecocks will scrimmage tonight at Williams-Brice Stadium at 7:30. Spurrier said it would be a chance to establish the depth chart. The starters will get their share of action but a lot of the action will go to the younger players.

— Chris Dearing

Camp has not been a big hit for USC

Written by JOSEPH PERSON From The State

Spurrier emphasizes keeping players healthy over conducting physical practices




At South Carolina's second scrimmage today, there will be no "2001" entrance, no big hits on the quarterbacks and, if Steve Spurrier's track record is any guide, no serious injuries to key players.

While Georgia's Mark Richt and Tennessee's Lane Kiffin have preached the value of physical preseason practices, Spurrier has maintained his approach of putting the health of his players above the supposed benefits of a knock-'em, sock-'em August.

Quarterbacks are off-limits in practices and scrimmages on most campuses. But Spurrier watches out for his receivers and running backs, too, telling defensive players to avoid the type of bone-jarring hits that cause bone-breaking injuries.

"The pros now, once their season starts, all they do is play the games. They don't even tackle much during the week," Spurrier said. "We have a quick whistle in scrimmages, and we tell our guys don't hit a guy to hurt him. If he's in a bad position, don't go firing into his knees."

The Gamecocks have added more tackling drills this year and are doing "live" goal-line sessions, in which ball-carriers are fair game to be tackled.

But other SEC teams have done more hitting this summer.

After a spate of early injuries last season, Richt cut back on the amount of contact at practice — a decision he blamed on the Bulldogs' uncharacteristically soft defense in 2008. He ramped up the intensity before Georgia's Capital One Bowl win against Michigan State and has pledged to stick with the physical approach this season.

At Tennessee, Kiffin defended his physical practices following a couple of minor injuries last week before the Vols put full pads on. Freshman tailback Bryce Brown, the nation's top-ranked recruit, was held out of contact drills a couple of days with a concussion.

"With these coaches, everything is physical. It doesn't matter if we have pads on or not," Vols offensive tackle Jarrod Shaw told The Associated Press.

After watching a couple of collisions in the secondary last week when his team was in helmets and shoulder pads, Spurrier reminded defensive players the guys they were drilling were their teammates.

"We do the normal amount of hitting that we do every year," Spurrier said. "We've always tried to protect each other, which I've always felt is very important. Don't hurt a teammate. Our guys do a good job of that."

Since Spurrier arrived at USC before the 2005 season, the Gamecocks have left preseason drills mostly healthy. Tailback Bobby Wallace (broken collarbone) and receiver Joe Hills (sprained knee) were injured during the '07 camp, although Hills' was a freakish injury caused when he ran into the hedges beyond the end zone going after a pass.

Freshman defensive end Ronald Byrd went down with a season-ending knee injury this week in the Gamecocks' first scrimmage. Otherwise, USC's only injuries have been the usual assortment of pulled groins and jammed shoulders.

"We generally go through the year without many," Spurrier said.

But critics might ask whether the Gamecocks do enough hitting to instill toughness along both lines and ensure solid tackling on game day.

"That's every linebacker or every defensive player's mentality — to go kill the ball-carrier," linebacker Rodney Paulk said. "But you've got to be smart. These are your own teammates. You can't go out and hurt your own teammates. Save those for opponents."

Having been the coach at The Citadel, Ellis Johnson said he understands the need to keep people healthy.

"As a head coach, I did not want my quarterback or my running backs hurt," said Johnson, assistant head coach in charge of defense at USC. "You can't take them out there and play volleyball every day. But you've got to be smart about this stuff because those other guys that are beating on them can't play that (position)."

While Stephen Garcia could make it through camp without getting popped, coaches and players said practices have been more physical.

"My guys, we're going to hit people," first-year offensive line coach Eric Wolford said. "We're going to try to move the line of scrimmage, so I think it's going to help both sides."

But Johnson said USC's 2008 camp exemplified why teams should limit the rough stuff.

"Everybody else looked a little stupid last year when we went to the first game and had all our players and they didn't."

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USC newcomers a breath of fresh talent

Gamecocks’ freshmen are making their names and energizing the team
By JOSEPH PERSON

Reeling from a lopsided loss in the Outback Bowl, the early exits of three juniors to the NFL and the departures of several assistant coaches, South Carolina needed a pick-me-up in January.

The Gamecocks got three.

The addition of a trio of highly ranked prospects, who graduated high school early to enroll at USC, pumped much-needed energy into a program that ended 2008 on a down swing.

That momentum carried through the spring when defensive backs Stephon Gilmore, Devonte Holloman and tailback Jarvis Giles excelled on the practice field and in the classroom, each posting at least a 3.2 GPA in his first semester.

The arrival of the rest of their classmates has done little too quell the enthusiasm of Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier for a recruiting class he thinks could go down as the best of his USC tenure.

Spurrier could have opened his media day remarks Sunday by talking about quarterback Stephen Garcia, the offensive line or his revamped staff. Instead, he spent two minutes praising the freshmen.

“I just mention these guys because I don’t know that I’ve had this many freshmen that are right there — I mean, they’re right there with the team,” Spurrier said. “They don’t need to sit around for a year or two. They’re right there competing for playing time, and in all likelihood, will be on a whole bunch of special teams.”

Several could be starters. Gilmore is a first-team cornerback; Holloman, his South Pointe teammate, is pushing for playing time at strong safety.

Beyond the athleticism, coaches have marveled at how the freshmen have conducted themselves.

“It is a really good-looking class. And I think the other thing that has Coach feeling good — they haven’t brought a lot of baggage with them so far,” said Ellis Johnson, assistant head coach for defense. “It’s been a good group off the field. And as much as a freshman can influence older kids, they’ve been a good addition chemistry-wise.”

Prior to this year, USC did not have a strong track record when bringing freshmen in early under Spurrier. Garcia was suspended his first spring after a pair of arrests in his first weeks on campus, while quarterback Reid McCollum returned to Summerville the following year complaining of homesickness.

Talking about the academic showing of Giles, Gilmore and Holloman, Spurrier said: “We haven’t had that before. Three years ago, we had a quarterback that came in here that got kicked out his first semester. So it’s a little different attitude with these guys.”

Giles believes the three early enrollees helped set the tone for the rest of the freshmen, the majority of whom arrived in July for the second session of summer school.

“We came in, worked hard, busted our butts and coach Spurrier loved that,” Giles said. “These freshmen coming in, they want to play. They just want to touch that field. And everybody out there’s competing. They’re bringing the best out of the upper class.

“I think that’s why coach Spurrier likes us so much. We come out with (such) high energy. We work hard, do everything right, try not to bust plays. ... We bring out the best out of everybody.”

Gilmore, a Parade All-American and the state’s “Mr. Football,” came to USC expecting to play — an attitude he’s seen in several other freshmen the first week of practice.

Johnson praised cornerback D.J. Swearinger and spur Damario Jeffery for their early work, while Spurrier said receivers Alshon Jeffery and DeMario Bennett have a chance to play.

Bennett, a native of Douglas, Ga., who chose USC over Arkansas, said the first-year receivers have challenged each other to make the SEC’s All-Freshman team.

“We want to come in and make an impact as young receivers,” Bennett said. “Hopefully, we’ll get on the field early and make big plays.”

Based on what he’s seen so far, Spurrier has no reason to doubt it.

“These guys have been very coachable and are trying to do it the right way,” he said. “So if they have the ability and talent, and can play their assignments, certainly they play as freshmen anywhere. And these guys have a chance to do that.”

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Practice report: USC needs a back up punter

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How desperate is the team for a backup punter? Special teams coach Shane Beamer issued an open invitation for anyone to try out on Friday. The only ones to show up were freshman quarterback Andrew Clifford and sophomore defensive tackle Melvin Ingram.

“We’re praying that Spencer (Lanning) doesn’t get hurt,” Beamer said, laughing.

One person it will not be is Adam Yates, who is competing with Lanning for the place-kicker role.

“If I’m punting,” Yates said, “we’re in trouble.”

Stock rising

Quarterback Aramis Hillary, in danger of being buried on the depth chart, had a good practice. The redshirt freshman hit tight end Weslye Saunders on a 20-yarder up the middle after rolling out of pressure.

“Aramis completed a few,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “The offense didn’t complete many, and Aramis had a few of them.”

Stock falling

Jarvis Giles’ ability to hold onto the ball. The true freshman tailback fumbled twice in a row during team drills. The first was on a pitchout that almost hit his facemask, but the second one was more his fault.

Spurrier was not critical of the tailbacks, however.

“The running backs are looking fine — had a few fumbles tonight, though,” Spurrier said. “Jarvis lost one or two, so we gotta get that corrected. But the running backs are running hard and quick and trying to hit the holes.”

Quote of the day

“Fans do? Shoot I wan to know too. I wait to read what you guys write, to see if that guys going to be the answer.”

— Receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr., when asked about the fans wanting to know who the go-to receiver would be

Extra points

The two junior college offensive linemen are set to begin practice today. Steven Singleton is set for guard and Rokevious Watkins for tackle. ... The coaches spoke to the players before about cutting down on some of the hits that had pervaded the previous three practices. ... Walk-on receiver Wilkes Goolsby continues to earn praise, this time from his position coach. Goolsby is a 6-foot-2 freshman from Lincolnton, Ga. “That young man’s gonna play football here,” Spurrier Jr. said. “He’s pretty talented.”

Up next

The Gamecocks are scheduled to hold a scrimmage featuring the younger players at 7:30 p.m. on the Bluff Road practice field. It will be open to the public. Spurrier said it will probably be the final open practice.

Injury update

Cornerback Addison Williams, who injured his hamstring Thursday, sat out practice. C.C. Whitlock worked with the first team offense along with true freshman Stephon Gilmore.

— Seth Emerson

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Garcia leads as USC begins practice

Garcia leads as USC begins practice

By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com

During South Carolina’s first practice, Stephen Garcia showed off a strong arm, chemistry with receiver Jason Barnes and escapability.

With a crowd of reporters waiting Tuesday night, Garcia left through a side gate at the Bluff Road practice fields before anyone could stop him. After a sports information official retrieved him from the locker room, Garcia explained he did not realize media members wanted to speak with him.

But as he begins camp for the first time as the Gamecocks’ clear-cut starter at quarterback, Garcia should prepare to get a lot of questions from interested parties — his teammates included.

“You have your whole confidence up, and the team looks at you if they have any questions,” Garcia said of starting drills No. 1 on the depth chart.

“It’s never been like that for me, because I’ve always been asking them questions. I asked (Chris) Smelley questions or (Tommy) Beecher questions. Now the young guys are asking me stuff. It feels good, especially for my confidence.”

With Smelley gone to Alabama to play baseball and Beecher at Liberty for a post-graduate year of football, Garcia is in the spot he has been gunning for since graduating from his Tampa, Fla., high school a semester early in 2007.

And while it was one practice in shorts and helmets, the early signs were encouraging. If nothing else, Garcia demonstrated to coaches he put in the throwing work this summer they said was crucial to his development.

During a 7-on-7 passing drill, Garcia checked out of the called play at the line of scrimmage based on the secondary’s coverage and uncorked a bomb that Barnes caught in stride for a touchdown.

“It was nice to see them actually connect because the springtime, those two just couldn’t — for whatever reason,” first-year quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus said. “That shows me, too, I know those two did spend a lot of time together over the summer. And I’m hoping that’s going to pay off. That was a good start tonight.”

Garcia pointed to another play from the 1-on-1 drills as evidence that he and Barnes are on the same page. Garcia said the two have been working on the back-shoulder fade route “pretty much the entire summer,” and went to it when Barnes lined up across from free safety Chris Culliver.

“We kind of knew what each other were thinking, and it worked out and he caught it,” Garcia said. “Hopefully we’ll do a lot of that in the red zone, and third downs and stuff like that.”

While Steve Spurrier was characteristically low-key in his comments about Garcia — “He looked OK, they all looked OK,” he said — Mangus liked the way Garcia carried himself in the huddle.

“I think there’s a definite confidence level. Should be. He’s got a chance for it to be his time, and I expect him to carry himself that way,” Mangus said.

Mangus recruited the Tampa area while at Middle Tennessee and knew Garcia from visiting his high school. Garcia said he considers Mangus a friend, and the two talk nearly every day.

During those discussions, Mangus has encouraged Garcia to play up his confidence.

“I want to see him do it ... and kind of have a little swag to him. I think you have to to be a good quarterback, but understand the line of arrogance and humility,” Mangus said. “It’s a fine line and I don’t want him to cross that line, but I want him to approach it.”

New-look Gamecocks have plenty to resolve

By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com


As the online ‘Countdown to N.C. State’ clocks click away the days, minutes and seconds to South Carolina’s Sept. 3, opener, the Gamecocks take the field tonight for their first practice looking much different than the team that was trounced by Iowa in the Outback Bowl.

Chris Smelley, who started nine games at quarterback in 2008, is now a backup catcher at Alabama.

Defensive backs Emanuel Cook and Captain Munnerlyn are sweating through their first NFL training camps rather than beginning their senior seasons.

And six new assistant coaches will be leading the drills after the biggest staff shakeup in Steve Spurrier’s USC tenure.

Spurrier, who is 28-22 in his first four seasons, said players and coaches now “all like each other,” which was not the case at the end of last season when the Gamecocks dropped their final three games by a combined score of 118-30.

As USC tries to keep the good vibes resonating, The State examines five preseason story lines.

GARCIA’S NEW BEST FRIENDS

All of the offseason discussion has centered on quarterback Stephen Garcia — and rightly so. With Smelley gone and no one with any experience behind Garcia, the redshirt sophomore is that rare Spurrier quarterback who will begin the season not looking over his shoulder.

But Garcia’s success is tied to the five guys lining up in front of him. The Gamecocks allowed 39 sacks in ‘08, a total that was second worst in the SEC and contributed to the 27 interceptions thrown by USC quarterbacks.

Left tackle Jarriel King and center Garrett Anderson highlight a trio of returning starters, but new line coach Eric Wolford must find a right tackle who can deflect pressure off the edge.

Just as important will be the line’s ability to open holes for a rushing attack that was the SEC’s worst the past two seasons.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Spurrier said recently he has not finalized his plan for the offensive play calling. Receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. took over the play-calling duties from his father last year and would like to continue in that role. Spurrier indicated it could be a group effort with Wolford and others chipping in.

Whoever takes charge must stay committed to improving the run game. The offensive staff installed a new running scheme in the spring, incorporating a number of one-back plays out of the shotgun formation. Wolford also has widened the line splits in an effort to create more running lanes.

Given his track record of offensive success, Spurrier always will have a big hand in the play calling. Whether he calls all the shots remains to be seen.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

With defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye suspended for the first three games and fellow starter Nathan Pepper recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, the Gamecocks’ defensive line depth could be tested early in camp.

Junior Travian Robertson enjoyed a solid spring and has game experience, but it gets a little shakier behind him. Sophomore Melvin Ingram missed all of last season following foot surgery, while Newberry graduate Kenny Davis was redshirted.

The situation at end looks better. Clifton Geathers and Cliff Matthews are the expected starters. Byron McKnight, who spent the spring at tight end, and Devin Taylor could be used as situational pass-rushers.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

With three starters gone to the NFL, the Gamecocks are extremely young at cornerback. Junior Addison Williams is the elder statesman, but he was unable to beat out freshman Stephon Gilmore and sophomore Akeem Auguste for a starting spot in the spring.

Gilmore and Auguste have loads of potential, but they will have to be resilient and understand they can’t go for every ball in the air. Coaches are still waiting to see how C.C. Whitlock, who is already suspended for a game or two, makes out in summer school.

AUDITIONING FOR MR. RELEVANT

For the first time in several years, USC enters the season unsure about its place-kicker. Ryan Succop was the Gamecocks’ Mr. Dependable before becoming Mr. Irrelevant when Kansas City chose him with the final pick in the NFL draft this past spring.

Punter Spencer Lanning and walk-on Adam Yates are the favorites, although freshman walk-on Brandon Berger of Rock Hill also will get a look. Special teams coordinator Shane Beamer said Lanning and Yates, who has a live leg and will handle kickoffs, were deadlocked for the place-kicking chores after the spring.

Beamer also is looking for a backup punter.

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.