QB- Thompson is the obvious starter. No one doubts that. He's done it before and he has performed on the big stage. He's won in Death Valley, which isn't an easy task. He led a game winning drive in the outback bowl against michigan, which shows he can succeed in a pressure situation. He's also had some "not so good" moments. He didn't perform terrible against mizzou (I'll use this game as an example because it's the one that people are so quick to point too), but he didn't put any points on the board. With that said, how much of it was his fault? People forget that mike d fumbled inside the 20 and on the 1. We also missed about a 40 yard fg with Thompson leading the pack. That's a potential 17 points that the offense could have put with Thompson at QB. So I'm not overly concerned about the qb position. People can't expect Thompson to duplicate what Shaw did, two entirely different quarterbacks. Shaw was a two progression and run guy. Thompson is a gunslinger that's gonna trust the system and let it fly. Shaw last year had 20 something touchdowns and 1 pick. Thompson will throw for more touchdowns and more yards but will also probably throw 10 or so picks because he's gonna put the ball up and try to press it down the field instead of running and hitting his dump offs.
As far as our number two guy, i think it's definitely Conner Mitch, but with that said pharaoh cooper will prob see more reps at qb than Mitch will. John Whittle and Tony Morrell have both had very high praise for Mitch this fall camp. He's bigger than Thompson and has a bigger arm and is definitely the qb going forward but this is not his year. After that, it's a toss up. If Thompson and Mitch were to get hurt, I honestly believe pharaoh cooper would be the next guy in line. He played qb in high school and played it last year as a true freshman in the wildcat and even had a td pass against Clemson. I'm not so sure that he wouldn't be the number 2 guy if Thompson were to go down.
Overall grade- B
Running backs
I think it's pretty obvious that Carolina has one of the better backfields in the SEC and nation. Mike Davis is a stud, Brandon wilds and shon Carson are more than formidable, and David Williams is a future star. I'm very excited to see Williams tote the rock. He's a big back with breakaway speed. He's around 6' and ran a 4.38 40 in team testing. Walt Deptula has been singing his praises since high school and believes he is the best back on Carolina's team right now. While I'm not ready to go that far, I am excited to see what he is capable of once the lights come on.
Overall grade- A+
Wide Recievers
There isn't a superstar in the bunch. There's not a name that just strikes fear in opposing defenses by this is a solid group witha potential superstar in it. Roland is that guy in that he is around 6'1, with a great vertical and he attacks the ball at its highest point. He could have a special year and I'm of the belief that he will. He really came on strong last year. Cooper should be a lot more acclimated to the offense in his 2nd year and he's just special with the ball in his hands. It just seems good things happen when he has the football. Another receiver in that 6'/6'1 range, not a burner but runs good routes and catches everything. Nick Jones is nothing special yet he just makes plays. He seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Great route runner and finds ways to get open. Byrd is our deep threat, as he is the fastest guy on the team. He's our guy that stretches the field and loosens up defenses. He's a decent route runner and his hands haven't gotten progressively better each year. After these 4 guys I think it's toss up to who the next two guys will be, as Carolina only carries 6 Wrs. I think it'll be KJ Brent and I'm hoping shamier Jeffrey. Both would be taller, possession type receivers as Brent is 6'4 and Jeffrey is 6'2. A lot people forget or didn't know that Brent was a 4 star guy coming outta high school but has struggled catching the ball at times. He has had his best fall camp to date and hopefully can become reliable this year. Jeffrey has always had the potential but lacked the work ethic. Hopefully the light has come on finally. I also would sleep on Kane Whitehurst. Overall this group will be very solid.
Overall grade- B+
Tight Ends
For the third year in a row, this group has the potential to be one of the best in the country, but it's time to the production on the field. This group has really let me down the last two years, but I don't know if that was their fault or a product of our qb. I'm not sure shaw could see the middle of the field real well and his runners mentality didn't help out the tight ends. I think with Thompson slinging it, tho could be our best weapon on offense this year. We have 3 guys, all over 6'5, with above average speed that should really create mismatches for opposing defenses. Adams is 6'6 and runs in the 4.5/4.6 range, Busta is 6'5 and runs in the 4.6 range and drew Owens is 6'6 and a 4.7/4.8 guy. Owens is the best blocker of the group. Carolina also moved Cody Gibson to right end in the offseason and will use him basically as an extra tackle in short yardage situations but could sneak him out on a drag or something I assume. This group should recieve an A overall but until I see production ......
Overall grade- B-
Offensive line
On paper this is one of, if not the best Oline in Gamecock history. Strictly from a physical perspective, this looks like a nfl line. Robinson has to improve against speed rushers as Vic Beasley ate him alive last year. He's supposedly made a assertive effort in the offseason to improve his footwork, so we will see. Shell needs to develop a "mean streak" as the blood lines are obviously there along with the talent. He's been extremely solid at right tackle and doesn't struggle with speed rushers. Cann is one of the best linemen in the country and a 4 year starter. He's a preseason all american and by far our most consistent lineman. With the injury to Matulis, Cody Waldrop will slide over to guard and stadnik will be our center. Waldrop was our starting center last year as a freshman before an injury sidelined him and stadnik took over for the remainder I the year. Both have valuable experience and are tested. One thing that needs to improve are the shotgun snaps from center, but I expect Carolina to be up under center a lot more this year. Overall this group has a chance to be special. Of course they will give up some sacks and get stuffed in some short yardage situations, but it won't happen often. Excited to watch this line play. I'll touch back on this one after about 3 weeks, but for right now....
Overall grade- A
I'll have my defensive breakdowns later. Stay tuned.
