South Carolina Defense


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South Carolina Defense

Happy Thanksgiving

Today I wanted to give a preview of what to expect from South Carolina's defense but first I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! There will not be a blog tomorrow but we will have a Friday Email Bag on Friday. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Defensive Line

South Carolina is in the midst of having the best three or four year period in school history.  They have had two different defensive coordinators but the constant over that time frame has been the defensive front.  South Carolina has been among the nation's best at this unit in recent years and this year is no different.

Jadeveon Clowney (6’6”, 274, Jr.) might be the nation's top defensive lineman.  This is a freakish talent that could be the top pick in the NFL Draft next spring.  Clowney had an excellent second half against Clemson last season and his impact was crucial to the Gamecocks' win.

Chaz Sutton (6’5”, 263, Sr.) is another terrific defensive end that requires a lot of attention for defensive coordinators.

Kelcy Quarles (6’4”, 298, Jr.) is one of the SEC's top defensive tackles.  He is disruptive in the run game but athletic enough to rush the passer as an interior defensive lineman.

Sutton is a senior and Clowney and Quarles say they are declaring for the NFL draft, so the Gamecocks will have to rebuild their defensive line next season.  In fact, this will be the biggest task for the staff in the off-season.

Linebackers

South Carolina had a major rebuilding job at linebacker this season.  After some struggles early, the Gamecocks have settled on Kaiwan Lewis (6’0”, 221, So.) and Skai Moore (6’2”, 205, Fr.).  This unit is young and inexperienced but has gotten better as the season has progressed.  This is still a group that must play well Saturday night to help South Carolina to a win over their arch rival.

Secondary

The secondary is led by two excellent corners in Jimmy Legree (6’0”, 187, Sr.) and Victor Hampton (5’10”, 202, Jr.).  Both are physical playmakers who are very experienced.  Legree is a senior and there is some speculation that Hampton will also enter the NFL draft.

South Carolina plays two safeties and a hybrid/spur linebacker.  There is some inexperience here, as well.  Sharrod Golightly (5’10”, 195, Jr.), Chaz Elder (6’2”, 199, Fr.) and Bryson Williams (5’11”, 218, Jr.) are a big key Saturday night.  These safeties will have to tackle well and help the corners on deep balls to Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Jr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL

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and Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Jr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC

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.

South Carolina allows 20.3 points per game, which ranks 20th in the country.  The Gamecocks give up 344 yards per game, which also ranks 20th in the nation.  They give up 143 yards per game on the ground, which is 32nd in the country, and 200.7 yards a game through the air, which ranks 17th in the nation.

In recent wins, South Carolina has controlled the line of scrimmage against Clemson.  They have shut down the run and forced Clemson to be one dimensional.  This has allowed the Gamecocks to pressure Clemson passers and disrupt the Tigers' passing game.

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Prayer List

We have started a prayer list on the blog.  Here are the guidelines:

If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance.  The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.

If you would like to add someone to the list please email me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com

*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list.

Those who need our prayers include: Finn Brookover, Jo Ann Bachman, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got Igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S., Daniel Rosborough, the Huffman family, Nancy Winkler, John Reeve, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L., Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Perrin Seigler, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, the Nicolopulos family, "the Jacksonville, FL guys," Kim Sims, the Coyle family, Ryleigh Tedder, Steve Lee, Kelly Trakas, Jimmy Moore, the Thomas V. family, Emary Claire Young, Kitty Bowers, Julie Locke, the Scheider family, Lauren Kittles' family, Frank Gentry, Joyce Bussey, Stacey McKeown, Dale Childs, Larry Lentz, Jr., Carl Sharperson, Scott Hannon, William Perry, Tyler Swaney, Lillian, Mark Feit, David Frame, Chad Berry, the family of Matthew M. Watson, the Dowis family, Shervin Messer, Alan Putnam, the Olivers, Lee Tate, Ronnie Abrams, Eddie Greene, the Jackson family, Bill Vader, Jim Taylor, Tina DeWitt, Rock Horne, Christopher Tuten, Bobby Wayne Thomas, Emma and Danielle Carothers, Robert Ditty, Mr. and Mrs. Murray Smith, Dot Cartee, Ayden Mills, Millie Heatley, Lynn Martin and family, Michael Pinson, Jake David family, Angie Crowley, Ira, Mike Tolson, Poly Wells, Dr. Muriel Bishop, Jack Cunningham, Emily Jefford Meister, Zachary Stoller, Aaron Clackum, Pat James, Cortney Moore, William Moore, Angelia and Savannah Anderson, William Ross, Meredith Legg, Scott Johns, Frank Carroll, Brandon ThompsonBrandon Thompson
Defensive Tackle (2008 - 2011)
#98 6-2, 310
Thomasville, GA

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, Alvin Sammons, Georgine McAlhaney, Glen Davis, Mike Price, Clay Childers, Aaron Knight, Danielle Johnston and family, Nicholas Abrams, Lana Kuykendall, Gary, Gary G., William Huggins, Jim Bennett, Chantz Fowler, Ethel McElveen, Michele Gurganus, William Gentry, Lewis Usher and Tanya Sanders,  Shon Cooper, Nick Collins, Amanda Peake, Danny Hammond, Chip Turner, Nick Collins, Allen Steen, the Sturkey family, the Lance family, Nick Chrisley's family, Allison Williams, Lt. Kyle Walker, Summer and Joel Johnson, Nicole O'Donnell, James O. Johnson, Joy Pruett and family, Bill Schmidt, Jack Bailey, Gardner Family, Charles Turner, Kathy Bartholomew, Ray Sanders, David and Robin Blocker, J.R. Ray, Kenneth Kowe, Lauren Sielicki, Doug Bailey and family, Jenna Phipps, Mark Lawrence, Harlan Sullins, Peter Laboy, Kat and Carlisle Jones, Elizabeth Galloway and family, Anita McDonald, Willard Harryman, Liz Surratt, Molly Senn, Jackie Shearer, Richard Sellers, Tim Drisdelle, Edward Easterling, Dawson Bourne, Susan and Mike Brown, Julie Goodman Marshall, Willard and Dorothy Harryman, Justin Jernigan, Jack  Cunningham,  Mia Daughtery, Tee Senn, Jim Lanier, Bob Garrett, Skylar, Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Nelis, Jeanne Thompson, Sean Rowell, George Parker, Levon KirklandLevon Kirkland
Linebacker
# 0, 0
,

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and family, Catherine Sewell, and our great country and the men and women in uniform that protect and serve it every day, plus their families.

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