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My Top 10 Most Talented Gamecock Football Players

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    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...

    Clowney is 6'6", Taylor is only 2 inches taller. Also, isn't Peppers like 6'7"?

    Mario Williams is 6'6" isn't he? I think that his height would be an added plus in his corner. He is proportioned well, too. Its not like he is all arms and legs. He is an athletic and coordinated 6'8".

    You need to watch his highlights. Look it up on youtube, he is more explosive and quick than you might think. He has also developed a good spin and bullrush. He's getting to be an elite pass rusher.

    You may be right, who knows?

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    steve miller

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

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

    Buster is a monster

    Everyone is still on the recruiting hype of Owens . Not that he's a bad player

    Buster was one of the best in his class and was not rated so.

    I will never forget watching Clowney hurdle an OL and basically eat the QB

    Latt may be my favorite gamecock ever . But I have never seen a kid do what Clowney has the ability to do.

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by CaliGamecock9095 on 5/12/2012 at 6:03 AM

    CaliGamecock9095

  • Cali*Gamecock said...

    Buster is a monster

    Everyone is still on the recruiting hype of Owens . Not that he's a bad player

    Buster was one of the best in his class and was not rated so.

    I will never forget watching Clowney hurdle an OL and basically eat the QB

    Latt may be my favorite gamecock ever . But I have never seen a kid do what Clowney has the ability to do.

    I was basing my evaluation on what I saw at the spring game on Owens, not recruiting. I doubt Buster ever gets to 245 pounds .

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  • steve miller said...

    Clowney is 6'6", Taylor is only 2 inches taller. Also, isn't Peppers like 6'7"?

    Mario Williams is 6'6" isn't he? I think that his height would be an added plus in his corner. He is proportioned well, too. Its not like he is all arms and legs. He is an athletic and coordinated 6'8".

    You need to watch his highlights. Look it up on youtube, he is more explosive and quick than you might think. He has also developed a good spin and bullrush. He's getting to be an elite pass rusher.

    You may be right, who knows?

    I know exactly the highlight on Clowney that you are speaking of, was the most impressive one I have ever seen.

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  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    I was basing my evaluation on what I saw at the spring game on Owens, not recruiting. I doubt Buster ever gets to 245 pounds .

    And I'm basing mine on what I have seen Buster do period . He has better hands and can probably out run Owens .

    Spring games mean jack . D smith is a spring game all American

    I do think Owens has potential and I realize what your saying . On occasion you have to throw out measurements and let a football player play ball

    Ingram,Norwood , brewer

    CaliGamecock9095

  • Cali*Gamecock said...

    And I'm basing mine on what I have seen Buster do period . He has better hands and can probably out run Owens .

    Spring games mean jack . D smith is a spring game all American

    I do think Owens has potential and I realize what your saying . On occasion you have to throw out measurements and let a football player play ball

    Ingram,Norwood , brewer

    Don't get me wrong, I like Buster but I don't think he is more talented than Owens. Probably won't know for a couple years.

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  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    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...

    Granted the gme has changed, but Ed "Too Tall" Jones was one helluva pass rushing DE.

    Had a similar build at 6'9" 270ish

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    AmenCornerCock

  • AmenCornerCock said...

    Granted the gme has changed, but Ed "Too Tall" Jones was one helluva pass rushing DE.

    Had a similar build at 6'9" 270ish

    I almost mentioned Too Tall as an example, but we haven't had one like him since...but that would be awesome.

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  • on this year's team ......

    1. Clowney
    2. Lattimore
    3. Taylor
    4. Shaw
    5. Swearinger
    6. Ace
    7. Shell
    8. DB from Darlington
    9. Holloman
    10. Quarles or TJ

    WNCCock151101

  • Ted "The Stork" Hendricks was another very tall DE in college who actually played LB in the NFL.

    This post was edited by Plano on 5/13/2012 at 10:22 AM

    Plano

  • Not understanding this back and forth on Taylor. If the Gamecocks have the sort of season they are expected to have and Taylor produces like he should (which he will) then he is a guaranteed first rounder. Guaranteed. He has top ten potential and I don't think that's a stretch. He will dominate in the SEC with OTs having to focus on both he and Clowney and he will blow everyone away at the combine as well as in the character evals. Injury-free Devin = multi-millionaire top ten pick who was considered a reach in recruiting Devin next April. Lawing scouted him, believed in him and developed him. But Devin had to want to be great and fortunately for him (and us) he has a winner's mindset.

    This post was edited by 3rdBaseHeckler on 5/13/2012 at 11:19 AM

    3rdBaseHeckler

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    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

    DEs on average go higher than RBs - at least in the last ten years.

    RBs are the ones that don't seem to go that high any longer, with a rare few exceptions.

    ospop4690

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    I was basing my evaluation on what I saw at the spring game on Owens, not recruiting. I doubt Buster ever gets to 245 pounds .

    If you based it on real games, you'd have to go with Buster at this point.

    ospop4690

  • 3rdBaseHeckler said...

    Not understanding this back and forth on Taylor. If the Gamecocks have the sort of season they are expected to have and Taylor produces like he should (which he will) then he is a guaranteed first rounder. Guaranteed. He has top ten potential and I don't think that's a stretch. He will dominate in the SEC with OTs having to focus on both he and Clowney and he will blow everyone away at the combine as well as in the character evals. Injury-free Devin = multi-millionaire top ten pick who was considered a reach in recruiting Devin next April. Lawing scouted him, believed in him and developed him. But Devin had to want to be great and fortunately for him (and us) he has a winner's mindset.

    I personally wasn't questioning if Devin would be a 1st Round pick - I would be shocked if he wasn't. I was questioning how effective he will be at the next level being so tall. He's not super strong nor explosive in my opinion, I'm just not one to think he is an immediate impact player at the next level.

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  • Clowney
    Shell
    Hampton
    Devin Taylor
    Busta Anderson
    Lattimore
    Quarles
    Corey Robinson
    Deon Green
    Swearinger

    This is just based on athleticism/NFL potential. If they were to exhaust their eligibility and continue to develop here, I think all except Swearinger (only because of his position) have the potential to be first round picks

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    joetheogre

  • joetheogre said...

    Clowney Shell Hampton Devin Taylor Busta Anderson Lattimore Quarles Corey Robinson Deon Green Swearinger

    This is just based on athleticism/NFL potential. If they were to exhaust their eligibility and continue to develop here, I think all except Swearinger (only because of his position) have the potential to be first round picks

    Wow, not many TE's go in Round 1 and not seeing Busta even being close....interesting.

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  • joetheogre said...

    Clowney Shell Hampton Devin Taylor Busta Anderson Lattimore Quarles Corey Robinson Deon Green Swearinger

    This is just based on athleticism/NFL potential. If they were to exhaust their eligibility and continue to develop here, I think all except Swearinger (only because of his position) have the potential to be first round picks

    Say it aint so, Joe!

    You can't do Lattimore like that...he's gotta be #1 or #2...It's been so long since we've seen him run I think you've forgotten how good he is. Time will tell.

    maxcy124sc90

  • 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.

    if there isn't a sure fire top pick QB available, clowney will go first overall

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    uschxc

  • joetheogre said...

    Clowney Shell Hampton Devin Taylor Busta Anderson Lattimore Quarles Corey Robinson Deon Green Swearinger

    This is just based on athleticism/NFL potential. If they were to exhaust their eligibility and continue to develop here, I think all except Swearinger (only because of his position) have the potential to be first round picks

    pardon me but thats a total crock. hampton buster robinson green and no shot in hell at the 1st round, and swag's deep coverage needs serious work before he can be a first round pick, safeties rarely go that high.

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    uschxc

  • Gamecock Pundit said...

    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

    Without reading what everyone else said...

    I'd say Clowney has a damn good chance of going #1 overall. I also think that Quarles, with a little added weight) could turn into a top 20 pick. Running backs just aren't that highly regarded in the NFL anymore, unless a team is desperate, like the Browns were this year. Lattimore, while great and awesome in every aspect of the word, just won't go super-high because of his talent, but more because of potential teams' needs.

    I also think that Shaw is Tannehill-esque in that he played receiver and is now a QB. He doesn't have quite the size or the arm, but he's very similar. He did however, get a jump on R. Tannehill with experience. I see Shaw getting a shot, but potentially becoming a WR in the pros. Kinda like a Hines Ward/Randle El type.

    D Taylor is a freak.

    Buster Anderson is going to put on some weight is years here and is going to be similar to the TE for the Packers. Drew Owens is going to go pro as well. He just won't have all the stats and whatnot to go with it like Buster because Buster's ahead of him on the depth chart.

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