Editorial Answers: What is Wrong with South Carolina’s 2015 Team?

Written by James Gray II

There’s no other word to describe last Saturday’s beat down other than embarrassing. It’s one thing to go down swinging in a loss and another thing to go down humiliated. The Gamecocks were spanked in Athens in front of national audience on ESPN.

It was brutal to watch as the Carolina defense wasn’t able to stop anyone. Nick Chubb looked like a true Heisman candidate rushing for 149 yards and two touchdowns and struggling transfer quarterback Greyson Lambert went 24 of 25 for 333 yards to set the NCAA completion percentage record, along with 3 touchdowns.

South Carolina on defense was noticeably slower than Georgia’s offense and Chubb would drag several players on just about every run. The secondary looked much like last year’s, as blown coverages led to wide open targets.

The offense wasn’t much better as quarterback Perry Orth was 6-17 for 66 yards and an interception, while all three running backs were held under 25 yards each. The leading receiver was Deebo Samuel who had two catches for 20 yards while star wide receiver Pharoh Cooper only had one catch for 6 yards.

Finally after the defense had failed miserably and the offensive game plan was thrown in the garbage, Spurrier decided to play freshman quarterback Lorenzo Nunez. Nunez was the only bright spot for the Gamecocks as he had 10 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown while completing 4 of 5 for 18 yards.

Nunez was announced the starter for Saturday’s UCF game.

Let’s get back to this already disappointing season.

Before the opening of the season Spurrier held a press conference to call out members and “enemies” of the Gamecocks. Spurrier assured Gamecock Nation that they have a good team this year and to not listen to the naysayers. Well as of right now the naysayers have been correct as Carolina lost their home opener to the underdog Kentucky Wildcats and got annihilated by a good Georgia team.

Many are left wondering what has happened to South Carolina? Is it the coaching, the players, leadership, or what? I believe it is a blend of them all.

Since Spurrier’s arrival in Columbia his staff has been able to attract elite talent and have been able to find underrated gems. In 2007 the Gamecocks were able to steal 5-star CB Chris Culliver out of North Carolina, and sign 4-star Melvin Ingram out of Georgia.

In 2008, Carolina was able to sign three 3-star gems in Antonio Allen, TJ Johnson, and Devin Taylor. All three ended up in the NFL. In 2009 South Carolina stepped up a notch and found a blend of 4-stars and 3-stars that would turn into studs for the Gamecocks. This class was headlined by Stephon Gilmore, Stephen Garcia, Alshon Jeffrey, AJ Cann, and Devonte Holloman and 3-star guys DJ Swearinger and Justice Cunningham.

In 2010, Columbia found their two most cherished recruits, 5-star Marcus Lattimore and 3-star Connor Shaw. The class also included 4-star Ace Sanders and 2-star Dylan Thompson. Let’s add 4-star WR Bruce Ellington to this class since he only played basketball his first year in Columbia.

In 2011 the most talented player ever to come to South Carolina signed with the Gamecocks. The No. 1 overall recruit Jadeveon Clowney came to Columbia, along with 4-star players Brandon Shell, Kelce Quarles, and 3-star Brandon Wilds. Since the 2011 class South Carolina has failed to sign a 5-star recruit and hasn’t found the gems in the three stars like in the past.

Despite not signing any 5-stars, the Gamecocks were able to sign eight 4-stars in the 2012 class. The list includes Mike Davis, Jerrell Adams, Jordan Diggs, Chaz Elder, Jody Fuller, Joe Harris, Shaq Roland, and Brock Stadnick. Those names alone should tip you off of why Carolina has a problem. Out of the eight listed only Mike Davis has made a significant difference on the team.

Here is a breakdown of their career statistics:

TE Jerrell Adams: 44 catches, 641 yards, 5 TDs

SS Jordan Diggs: 81 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT

CB Chaz Elder: 52 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 INT

Jody Fuller, Joe Harris, Shaq Roland, and Brock Stadnick are no longer on the team.

Some of 2012’s recruiting class are now starters but haven’t stood out and are only starting because Carolina is weak in those positions. The problem continues into the 2013 class that also signed eight 4-stars: Larenz Bryant, Kelsey Griffin, Connor Mitch, Skai Moore, Pharoh Cooper, DJ Park, Na’Ty Rodgers, and David Williams.

Skai Moore and Pharoh Cooper have been absolutely awesome for the Gamecocks, but from there only David Williams seems probable to make an impact in the future.

The highest rated recruit in this class was LB Larenz Bryant.

LB Larenz Bryant: 13 tackles, 2 sacks, 0 int

DT Kelsey Griffin: 26 tackles, 2 sacks

RB David Williams: 66 carries, 338 yards, 2 Tds

OL DJ Park: Not on current depth chart

With the quarterback positon starting a true freshman, Mitch once recovered might get another shot at quarterback.

Na’Ty Rodgers has since transferred.

Now let’s also take a look at the hidden gems that were found since 2012.

Looking at all the 3-star recruits in the 2012 and 2013 class, not much stands out except possibly center Alan Knott and LB Jonathan Walton. Knott started the season well but left the Georgia game with an ankle sprain, while Walton has a bright future, but is also banged up and will see less snaps this week..

Some recruiting services had Pharoh Cooper as a 3-star recruit, so if we have to reach and find some credit to be given, Cooper was a major diamond in the rough.

The number of transfers, low contribution, and lack of leadership of the two previous classes has landed the Gamecocks where they are today. Both classes have seen plenty of playing time and are relied upon. Unfortunately they aren’t as good as the coaches thought they were, or aren’t getting the coaching they need.

Leadership along with heart is a measurement not used in recruiting rankings. There hasn’t been a duo of guys that has led teams like D.J. Swearinger and Connor Shaw in years past. The team moved by the beat of their hearts, and it took them to places the Gamecocks had never seen before.

With maybe the exception to Skai Moore, there isn’t a guy on either of those two recruiting classes that come close to DJ or Connor.

Since the success of the Gamecocks winning four straight bowl games, big players have left early. Most recently Mike Davis, Jadeveon Clowney, Kelce Quarles, Bruce Ellington, and Ace Sanders. All left voids that were never filled. South Carolina just expected to pick up where they left off and reload. Well how can you reload when a majority of your top recruits are gone and the others have underachieved?

Need I remind you that the Gamecocks defense hasn’t been the same since former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson left Whammy the third ranked defense in 2012 and the defensive line hasn’t looked the same since the controversial departure of defensive line coach Brad Lawing, now replaced by Deke Adams.

Steve Spurrier Jr. became the recruiting coordinator in 2012 and hasn’t found the quality guys that put South Carolina on the map not long ago.

Now Georgia most likely is always going to recruit better and land bigger names but, Carolina has to keep up with their direct competition. The same should be said for in-state rival Clemson. Since 2012 Georgia has signed five 5-star recruits and one committed in the class of 2016, while Clemson has signed four.

The average recruiting ranking since 2012, not including the unfinished class of 2016 for Georgia is No. 9, while Clemson is No. 11. The average ranking for the Gamecocks is No. 18.

Even though South Carolina’s average is No. 18, those numbers are inflated due to the transfers of five 4-tars from the 2012 and 2013 class.

Steve Spurrier has been quoted in interviews stating that he allows his staff to handle a majority of the recruiting. Well Coach Spurrier their job isn’t cutting it. I’m sorry if you want to one day retire from coaching with a bang, you’re going to have to try to keep up with Dabo. Dabo had his most talented recruiting class this past year ranking No. 4, signing three 5-star recruits.

Remember South Carolina hasn’t signed one since 2011.

Is Elite Help on the Way for South Carolina?

I will say I do like the class of 2014 and 2015. These classes does have some elite talent and do have guys with heart and leadership. As of right now they haven’t been shown how to lead because their age and lack of natural leaders on this team.

I expect guys like Bryson Allen-Williams, Chris Lammons, Dante Sawyer, Zach Bailey, Terry Googer, Lorenzo Nunez, DJ Neal, and Christian Pellage to be the next wave that gets Carolina past the 2012 and 2013 classes.

Bluffton, SC native, freshman Shameik Blackshear will remove the redshirt and play on Saturday. Blackshear was viewed as top recruit of the last class but, is coming off of an injury.

Also be reminded that Spurrier has a stud quarterback in Brandon McIlwain from Pennsylvania coming next year. McIlwain was a finalist at the Elite 11 quarterback showcase and really caught the attention of every college coach.

So yes, it has been ugly thus far, but at least you have some of the answers.

I understand the frustration in the Gamecocks and yes, the HBC has made some poor decisions. His worst decisions have been relying on other people to get the job done.

To call for his job is just ridiculous after all he has done for the program. Real Gamecocks know what it is like to be stuck in losing seasons. Has Steve Spurrier had one since his arrival here?

Instead of complaining Gamecock Nation needs to be supportive and send positive energy to these young men and try to make a bowl game. The bad classes that have matriculated to South Carolina are almost flushed out and the new wave of talent will see more success than this season and last. If and only if the coaches do not pull the expected talent out of the new guys next season, can there be talks about replacing this legendary coach.

Until then try to enjoy Carolina smacking around UCF on Saturday, before their trip to Missouri. I expect a new attitude to come out the tunnel, and look for new leaders to emerge from the younger classes.

Roster Depth Changes for Central Florida

Sophomore DE David Johnson will start

Junior LB Skai Moore will move to weak side linebacker

Junior LB T.J. Holloman will take Junior LB Jonathan Walton’s strong side linebacker starting position

Senior RB Brandon Wilds and WR Deeboo Samuel have been ruled out

Junior CB Chaz Elder are both questionable

 

Photo credit: onlineathens.com; Steve Spurrier greets Mark Richt (2015).