Six Players (Not Named Stephen Garcia) On The Spot This Spring
posted by Scott Hood, Tuesday, February 24, 2009
1. Eric Baker and Brian Maddox: With Jarvis Giles expected to miss a portion of spring practice with a nagging foot injury, it will be up to Baker and Maddox to ignite the running game. Both running backs showed promise late last season. Baker matched USC’s longest offensive play from scrimmage in the Outback Bowl with a catch and run for 42 yards, while Maddox finally showed signs of a willingness to run north-south in the last two games when he had 42 yards on seven carries, an average of six yards per carry. That’s the kind of production new RB coach Jay Graham is looking for and, most importantly, what Maddox is capable of. But he only has two more years to showcase his talents. His time is now.
2. Hutch Eckerson: I know I could say “the entire offensive line” but, again, that would be too easy. Eckerson is entering his fourth season with the USC program after choosing the Gamecocks over a number of other top schools. But he has accomplished little since starting five games in 2006. He got an opportunity last season but tossed it away with multiple false start penalties at left tackle in the season opener. We didn’t see him again until the Arkansas game when he started at left guard. Eckerson is one of several offensive lineman that have underperformed in their careers. With starters Justin Sorensen and Jamon Meredith gone, this is Eckerson’s time. He must produce this spring. Hopefully, new offensive line coach Eric Wolford will have a positive impact.
3. Akeem Auguste: When I spoke with Ellis Johnson recently, he mentioned that due to heavy losses as a result of graduation or the lure of NFL riches, USC will be razor-thin at the cornerback position this season. Thus, it will be up to Auguste, along with Addison Williams and C.C. Whitlock, to capably replace players like Captain Munnerlyn, Carlos Thomas and Stoney Woodson. All three of those players were on the field for significant snaps throughout their careers. But Auguste should also be heavily involved with special teams too. He could replace Munnerlyn as USC’s main punt returner and serve as a backup to Chris Culliver on kickoffs. Auguste should be one of the busiest players during spring practice.
4. Joe Hills: Hills was heavily hyped when he signed with USC in 2007 out of Palmetto, Fla. But he has just 13 receptions in his first two seasons. We know a little about Jason Barnes because of his performance against Ole Miss when he had seven receptions and two TD’s but right now we know next to nothing about Hills and whether he can develop into a reliable SEC wide receiver. He has the size (6-foot-4, 201 pounds) you need in the SEC. However, it just hasn’t come together yet. This spring might mark his final chance with receivers like D.L. Moore, Tori Childers, Alshon Jeffery and Lamar Scruggs on the horizon banging on the door and showing signs they’re ready, willing and able to get their opportunity to shine.
5. Rodney Paulk: Remember him? He started 22 games at linebacker in 2006-2007 before a knee injury knocked his 2008 season for a loop after four games. At that point, the decision was made to shut him down to avoid wasting a year of eligibility. Now he’s the leading candidate to replace Jasper Brinkley at middle linebacker. Obviously, the Mike LB spot is one of the most important on defense since everything revolves around that position. Brinkley filled the role pretty well in 2006 and 2008. Can Paulk maintain that level of performance coming off an injury? I know Ellis Johnson likes his experience. If Paulk plays well, it will give JUCO transfers Josh Dickerson and Tony Straughter a chance to ease their way into the system.
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
Spring practice gets underway in six days. When it does, the focus of many people will squarely be on quarterback Stephen Garcia. However, there are other players who must step up as well. Here are my five players (besides Garcia) on the spot during spring practice:
1. Eric Baker and Brian Maddox: With Jarvis Giles expected to miss a portion of spring practice with a nagging foot injury, it will be up to Baker and Maddox to ignite the running game. Both running backs showed promise late last season. Baker matched USC’s longest offensive play from scrimmage in the Outback Bowl with a catch and run for 42 yards, while Maddox finally showed signs of a willingness to run north-south in the last two games when he had 42 yards on seven carries, an average of six yards per carry. That’s the kind of production new RB coach Jay Graham is looking for and, most importantly, what Maddox is capable of. But he only has two more years to showcase his talents. His time is now.
2. Hutch Eckerson: I know I could say “the entire offensive line” but, again, that would be too easy. Eckerson is entering his fourth season with the USC program after choosing the Gamecocks over a number of other top schools. But he has accomplished little since starting five games in 2006. He got an opportunity last season but tossed it away with multiple false start penalties at left tackle in the season opener. We didn’t see him again until the Arkansas game when he started at left guard. Eckerson is one of several offensive lineman that have underperformed in their careers. With starters Justin Sorensen and Jamon Meredith gone, this is Eckerson’s time. He must produce this spring. Hopefully, new offensive line coach Eric Wolford will have a positive impact.
3. Akeem Auguste: When I spoke with Ellis Johnson recently, he mentioned that due to heavy losses as a result of graduation or the lure of NFL riches, USC will be razor-thin at the cornerback position this season. Thus, it will be up to Auguste, along with Addison Williams and C.C. Whitlock, to capably replace players like Captain Munnerlyn, Carlos Thomas and Stoney Woodson. All three of those players were on the field for significant snaps throughout their careers. But Auguste should also be heavily involved with special teams too. He could replace Munnerlyn as USC’s main punt returner and serve as a backup to Chris Culliver on kickoffs. Auguste should be one of the busiest players during spring practice.
4. Joe Hills: Hills was heavily hyped when he signed with USC in 2007 out of Palmetto, Fla. But he has just 13 receptions in his first two seasons. We know a little about Jason Barnes because of his performance against Ole Miss when he had seven receptions and two TD’s but right now we know next to nothing about Hills and whether he can develop into a reliable SEC wide receiver. He has the size (6-foot-4, 201 pounds) you need in the SEC. However, it just hasn’t come together yet. This spring might mark his final chance with receivers like D.L. Moore, Tori Childers, Alshon Jeffery and Lamar Scruggs on the horizon banging on the door and showing signs they’re ready, willing and able to get their opportunity to shine.
5. Rodney Paulk: Remember him? He started 22 games at linebacker in 2006-2007 before a knee injury knocked his 2008 season for a loop after four games. At that point, the decision was made to shut him down to avoid wasting a year of eligibility. Now he’s the leading candidate to replace Jasper Brinkley at middle linebacker. Obviously, the Mike LB spot is one of the most important on defense since everything revolves around that position. Brinkley filled the role pretty well in 2006 and 2008. Can Paulk maintain that level of performance coming off an injury? I know Ellis Johnson likes his experience. If Paulk plays well, it will give JUCO transfers Josh Dickerson and Tony Straughter a chance to ease their way into the system.
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
Previous Blog Entries
Scott Hood. Since February of 2005, Scott has covered the South Carolina football, men's basketball and baseball programs for GamecockCentral. He may be reached by email at scottblog(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.