Online Now 1818

Palmetto Proving Grounds

The place for Gamecock talk, news and information

On this Board 1213
Record: 4035 (11/24/2012)

Online now 1623
Record: 9625 (10/8/2011)

Boards ▾

Palmetto Proving Grounds

The place for Gamecock talk, news and information

The Barnyard

The place for Gamecock football and recruiting talk, plus off-topic subjects.

The McGuire Room

The place for Gamecock basketball talk, news and information

The Sarge

The ultimate online destination for the latest scoop on Carolina's national power baseball program.

GCI Archives

Everything from Gamecock Insider Tony Morrell, in case you missed it.

Spurnotes Archives

The place to read all past editions of Spurnotes

Video Archive

Hall of Fame

The best of the best

Ticket Exchange

Buy and sell your Gamecock tickets here.

Test Forum

Feedback for TBS and 247Sports.

Reply

My Top 10 Most Talented Gamecock Football Players

  • I had fun making the Top 10 MVP's and that was more based on the value of that person as it relates to the depth of their position, the importance of the position, and how they impact wins in college football.

    This list is based on talent (projected - not necessarily proven) and that translating into the NFL. Let me know your thoughts.

    1. Marcus Lattimore
    Elite Running Backs go real high. Marcus is in that category and could go as high as Trent Richardson did (#3 overall) in the draft. Elite Defensive Ends usually don't go that high and Latt gets the edge over Clowney simply based on production at his point in his career. Marcus is your prototypical "every down" NFL back with his size, vision, and speed.

    2. Jadeveon Clowney
    Rare blend of size, speed, athleticism and instincts. Has NFL written all over him.

    3. Kelcy Quarles
    I'm very high on this guy and have been since the first few times I saw him in action last year. He has not only the mean streak you are looking for in an NFL level defensive tackle, but has a huge SPRING in his step - he has the "motor" with the size and speed to go with it. I will project him to be one of the best D-Tackles to come out of SC in a very long time.

    4. Devin Taylor
    You just gotta love these low ranked skinny players that aren't highly recruited who blossom in college into 1st round NFL picks. I'm a huge fan of this guy, but my only reservation about projecting him at the next level is his size. He's too tall to be an interior lineman and I'm not sure he is strong/explosive enough to be an End. That said, he is very talented and make be coming into his own this year.

    5. Brandon Shell
    We haven't seen an elite Offensive Tackle come out of SC in very long time as well - no one comes to mind to me. You don't get plugged into the most important position on the line as a RS Freshman and not have talent - this goes has loads of it and comes in at 6'6" and 330lbs. NFL First round talent written all over him.

    6. Victor Hampton
    We saw with the last NFL draft how much highly-skilled DB's from the SEC are valued with 4 going in the first 17 picks. If this guy can stay out of trouble, become a little more disciplined, he has all the tools to be a 1st Round NFL corner.

    7. A.J. Cann
    Guy has a legit chance at being a 4 year starter his senior year. He has good size and athleticism to be a very good Guard at the next level.

    8. Brandon Wilds
    I think this guy has loads of potential for his size. He could be an outstanding Fullback at the next level when he puts on some size and is given an opportunity to block - he's got nice hands as well.

    9. Drew Owens
    I was really impressed with his hands, size, and athleticism during the spring game. I have a hunch this guy is going to be really good when all is said and done.

    10. Reginald Bowens, DeVonte Holloman, D.J. Swearinger
    I took the easy way out here and stuck all these guys at #10, but for different reasons. Since we play a defensive set this is not used in the NFL it's hard to project out players to the next level (Antonio Allen falling to the 7th round), but all of these guys have talent in their own right. If he can stay healthy, and get on the field, Bowens could use the NFL workouts and combine to improve his stock - he has great skills for his size. Holloman will get to play where he should all along, and DJ is just undersized for a position that is not highly coveted in the NFL.

    11th Man: Connor Shaw
    He has an ice cube's chance of making it as an NFL QB, but he will prove out over these next two years that he is very talented in his own right - a much better runner than I ever thought he would be. I could see him making it as a WR at the next level in the right system - Patriots - Wes Welker type of role.

    Honorable Mentions: Ace Sanders, Mike Matulis, TJ Johnson, Akeem Auguste, Rory Anderson

    True Freshman Who May Make it in next years list: Mike Davis, Jerell Adams, Shaq Roland

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Taylor will blow scouts away at the combine with his athleticism. See the recent article listing him as the number two "freak" athlete in college football.

    If he stays healthy this year and has a productive season, I could easily see him moving into the first round.....at worst, second round.

    Plano ●

  • I'd flip Clowney and Latt. It's more projection heavy, but Clowney can easily be the #1 pick in 2 years. Latt, though great, has a ceiling as a pick in the NFL.

    Playsignature image

    mpcoan

  • Plano said...

    Taylor will blow scouts away at the combine with his athleticism. See the recent article listing him as the number two "freak" athlete in college football.

    If he stays healthy this year and has a productive season, I could easily see him moving into the first round.....at worst, second round.

    Yep, saw that article and I definitely think he can get into the first round for sure. There were a ton of DE's he is better than right now that were taken this year. I just think his size is interesting for a DE at the next level..we'll see.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • mpcoan said...

    I'd flip Clowney and Latt. It's more projection heavy, but Clowney can easily be the #1 pick in 2 years. Latt, though great, has a ceiling as a pick in the NFL.

    I had thoughts of putting him at #1 or making a 1a/1b scenario. I don't see a DE going #1 overall - it's very unlikely.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Interesting list.

    I do disagree on one thing. Elite DEs almost always go higher than comparably talented RBs, which are a dime a dozen in the NFL. Someone like Trent Richardson is very much the exception, and I think he went way, way too high.

    Thomas Sumter

  • Clowney, Lattimore and Shell (just a hunch) are my top three.

    Thomas Sumter

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    Yep, saw that article and I definitely think he can get into the first round for sure. There were a ton of DE's he is better than right now that were taken this year. I just think his size is interesting for a DE at the next level..we'll see.

    What about his size concerns you?

    He weighs more than Clowney, right?, and certainly weighs a lot more than the two DEs from LSU who are projected to go very high (although maybe they turn into OLBs).

    Plano ●

  • Clowney, Lattimore, and Vic Hampton are first rounders. Shell and Taylor should be at worst be second rounders.

    Quarles should go in the first two rounds. I would have thought B. Thompson from klimpson would have gone higher.

    Vic Hampton is a top ten pick if, and I mean IF he stays at least through his junior year.

    Devin Taylor is HUGE, there is no issues with his strength, and certainly no issues with his explosiveness. He was a high school state champ or runner up in the triple and long jump, I believe. I saw Taylor on campus at the end of this year, and he is probably the biggest person I have ever seen. He has a huge barrel chest, huge pipes, and his legs are way bigger than you would think. And, he is 9'14" tall. I bet he will run between a 4.55- 4.65 in the 40. Watching him run in the open field is impressive.

    Also, Brandon Wilds, I am afraid, has very little chance of making it to the NFL. Shon Carson is more talented than he is. Brandon is big, but he will not impress at the combine. Shon Carson will be a combine freak. He runs around a 4.3 40, and he appears to be strong as all hell. He is an absolute tank.

    One that will absolutely impress at the combine is DJ Swearinger, he will blow them away in the 40 and the shuttle, and all the weight lifting stuff.

    Good list, I like predicting stuff like this.

    signature image signature image signature image

    Ally will beat the crap out of Uga.

    steve miller ●

  • Thomas Sumter said...

    Interesting list.

    I do disagree on one thing. Elite DEs almost always go higher than comparably talented RBs, which are a dime a dozen in the NFL. Someone like Trent Richardson is very much the exception, and I think he went way, way too high.

    I did a little digging and there are a couple in the last 10 years or so who have gone #1 in Courtney Brown and Mario Williams, however in both those years there wasn't a top QB coming out either. A few others have gone between 2-5. But Clowney has as much talent as those guys, so we'll see what happens. We get him 2 more years!

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Plano said...

    What about his size concerns you?

    He weighs more than Clowney, right?, and certainly weighs a lot more than the two DEs from LSU who are projected to go very high (although maybe they turn into OLBs).

    He's too tall - you just don't see too many defensive players over 6'7" plus. Maybe cause he's so tall he doesn't look as quick and explosive, but I don't think he has elite pass rushing skills...

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • steve miller said...

    Clowney, Lattimore, and Vic Hampton are first rounders. Shell and Taylor should be at worst be second rounders.

    Quarles should go in the first two rounds. I would have thought B. Thompson from klimpson would have gone higher.

    Vic Hampton is a top ten pick if, and I mean IF he stays at least through his junior year.

    Devin Taylor is HUGE, there is no issues with his strength, and certainly no issues with his explosiveness. He was a high school state champ or runner up in the triple and long jump, I believe. I saw Taylor on campus at the end of this year, and he is probably the biggest person I have ever seen. He has a huge barrel chest, huge pipes, and his legs are way bigger than you would think. And, he is 9'14" tall. I bet he will run between a 4.55- 4.65 in the 40. Watching him run in the open field is impressive.

    Also, Brandon Wilds, I am afraid, has very little chance of making it to the NFL. Shon Carson is more talented than he is. Brandon is big, but he will not impress at the combine. Shon Carson will be a combine freak. He runs around a 4.3 40, and he appears to be strong as all hell. He is an absolute tank.

    One that will absolutely impress at the combine is DJ Swearinger, he will blow them away in the 40 and the shuttle, and all the weight lifting stuff.

    Good list, I like predicting stuff like this.

    Good points and comments.
    I don't see Taylor as an elite pash rusher and he's too tall to play anywhere else, but I hope he proves me wrong. Wilds and Ownes were my two more long shot picks, but I have a feeling about both. Carson - I hope you're right, but I just don't have anything to base that on.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    Good points and comments. I don't see Taylor as an elite pash rusher and he's too tall to play anywhere else, but I hope he proves me wrong. Wilds and Ownes were my two more long shot picks, but I have a feeling about both. Carson - I hope you're right, but I just don't have anything to base that on.

    Yeah, with Carson I was just basing it off of potential.

    I might go with Buster ahead of Owens. Owens is an impressive speciman-no homo, though.

    As for people coming in, I totally agree with Mike Davis, Jerrell Adams, and Shaq.

    Also Darius English, Jhaustin, and Brock Stadnick.

    signature image signature image signature image

    Ally will beat the crap out of Uga.

    steve miller ●

  • Gotta put clowney at the top. Was described as "the greatest high school player of all time" - pretty impressive

    signature image signature image signature image

    Tyler Hull

  • DEs normally don't go that high, but Clowney is an exception to the rule. He has a chance to be one of the best to ever play the game if he maximizes his potential.

    As for Taylor, he will be fine in the NFL. He will be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC this season and is a burden to handle coming off the edge with his size and change of direction.

    If you want a good sleeper pick, I'd go with Damiere Byrd. The NFL will love his speed, and if can start catching some balls and making some plays his stock should shoot up.

    This post was edited by Kas0988 on 5/11/2012 at 3:43 PM

    Kas0988 ●

  • If you're talking pure talent and NFL....Clowney, and it's not close.

    Dude defines freak and will blow away scouts at combine.

    Latt's speed will hurt his stock(along with knee concern) but his versatility and intangibles are off the charts.

    Taylor has a chnace to improve his stock with a great year and I anticipate that will happen. Great eval and has really developed under Law's tutelage.

    Hampton may be the best pure athlete we've at at DBU in some time which says alot. His key is staying focused and keeping his nose(and lungs) clean.

    Shell has a chance to be special, but it's really waaaay too early to project a kid who's yet to play a single down of college football.

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by AmenCornerCock on 5/11/2012 at 4:47 PM

    signature image

    AmenCornerCock ●

  • Kas0988 said...

    DEs normally don't go that high, but Clowney is an exception to the rule. He has a chance to be one of the best to ever play the game if he maximizes his potential.

    As for Taylor, he will be fine in the NFL. He will be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC this season and is a burden to handle coming off the edge with his size and change of direction.

    If you want a good sleeper pick, I'd go with Damiere Byrd. The NFL will love his speed, and if can start catching some balls and making some plays his stock should shoot up.

    Nice call with Byrd. I think you are right.

    signature image signature image signature image

    Ally will beat the crap out of Uga.

    steve miller ●

  • steve miller said...

    Yeah, with Carson I was just basing it off of potential.

    I might go with Buster ahead of Owens. Owens is an impressive speciman-no homo, though.

    As for people coming in, I totally agree with Mike Davis, Jerrell Adams, and Shaq.

    Also Darius English, Jhaustin, and Brock Stadnick.

    I'm not sure Buster has the frame to fill out like Owens does .

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    I'm not sure Buster has the frame to fill out like Owens does .

    I think Owens will be a solid player, but IMHO Buster is more talented - faster and better hands.

    Plano ●

  • Kas0988 said...

    DEs normally don't go that high, but Clowney is an exception to the rule. He has a chance to be one of the best to ever play the game if he maximizes his potential.

    As for Taylor, he will be fine in the NFL. He will be one of the top pass rushers in the SEC this season and is a burden to handle coming off the edge with his size and change of direction.

    If you want a good sleeper pick, I'd go with Damiere Byrd. The NFL will love his speed, and if can start catching some balls and making some plays his stock should shoot up.

    You guys are convincing me to flip flop Clowney and Latt...Byrd - not seeing that one at all. There is one player that size in the NFL and it's Steve Smith and he has vertical out of the gym and is one tough S.O.B.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • AmenCornerCock said...

    If you're talking pure talent and NFL....Clowney, and it's not close.

    Dude defines freak and will blow away scouts at combine.

    Latt's speed will hurt his stock(along with knee concern) but his versatility and intangibles are off the charts.

    Taylor has a chnace to improve his stock with a great year and I anticipate that will happen. Great eval and has really developed under Law's tutelage.

    Hampton may be the best pure athlete we've at at DBU in some time which says alot. His key is staying focused and keeping his nose(and lungs) clean.

    Shell has a chance to be special, but it's really waaaay too early to project a kid who's yet to play a single down of college football.

    Wow, not even close. Don't know about, but I think I've been convinced to move him to #1.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    I did a little digging and there are a couple in the last 10 years or so who have gone #1 in Courtney Brown and Mario Williams, however in both those years there wasn't a top QB coming out either. A few others have gone between 2-5. But Clowney has as much talent as those guys, so we'll see what happens. We get him 2 more years!

    State triple jump champion in high school and standing broad jump of almost 11', so do not follow the concern about lack of explosiveness.

    Plano ●

  • Plano said...

    State triple jump champion in high school and standing broad jump of almost 11', so do not follow the concern about lack of explosiveness.

    I hope you are right - would love for him to prove me wrong.

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    I had thoughts of putting him at #1 or making a 1a/1b scenario. I don't see a DE going #1 overall - it's very unlikely.

    the texans picked mario williams # 1 a few years ago (or did i dream that up?)

    BritBrant ●

  • sigmon fraud said...

    the texans picked mario williams # 1 a few years ago (or did i dream that up?)

    No, you are correct and the one before that was Courtney Brown. Long from UVA went #2 and the LSU DE went #3 a few years ago. Gaines Adams went #4. So, I guess Clowney has the potential to right there depending on who else comes out at that time - especially QB's

    signature image

    http://gamecockpundit.blogspot.com/

    Gamecock Pundit

South Carolina
247Sports
Features
Resources
Connect

247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports