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.