Random observations from the J-Day game

DEFENSE

Cornerback T.J. Heath stood out showing outstanding coverage skills. The Junior from Alexandria returned an interception for a touchdown. Heath plays with the attitude you like to see from a cover corner. Gamecockillustrated.com will have a full profile on Heath in the coming days.

Another member of the secondary that continues to stand out is Andre “Bo” Bailey. All he does is hit people and makes plays. Bailey is doing everything he can to make it impossible for the coaches to keep him off the field.

Josh Cain showed a knack for making things happen. He had an interception and a fumble recovery which he returned for a touchdown. Cain is able.

Carnell Clark – Seemed like the offense wanted to stay away from him, and who can blame them? A message to Gamecock fans: we have a special player in #26. Watch him on Saturdays this year and watch him on Sundays next year.

The defensive line continued to bring good pressure and showed the speed Coach Augustine emphasizes. JSU has some athletes on defense. Newcomer Anthony Lewis certainly made his presence felt. Lewis is a DIII transfer and will sit out the 2009season, but we look for great things from him in the future.

The linebackers looked very fast as well. Overall, this is a fast Gamecock defense that plays with intensity on every down. A prediction from Gamecockillustrated.com- this defense will: 1) GET OFF THE FIELD AFTER THIRD DOWN; 2) lead the OVC in big hits; 3) and have a secondary that feasts as a result of the pressure created by the front four and linebackers. All of these guys are confirmed playmakers: TJ Heath, AJ Davis, Morrell Jones, Brandt Thomas, Jamison Wadley, Carnell Clark, Alexander Henderson and Texas Garrot.

OFFENSE

As best we could tell,the first team offense at least at times consisted of the following:

OT: Curt Porter, Tyler Chambers
OG: Matt Jones, Tori Mobley
C: Reggie Wade
TE: Eric Johns
WRs: John Whiddon, Jeff Cameron and others that could not be identified based on #..
RB: Brandon George
QB: Marquis Ivory

Eric Johns continues to impress. The senior tight end had a great spring. His backup Justin Howard is a player as well.

Jeff Cameron showed he might be ready to be “the man” in the receiving corps for the Gamecocks. The senior from Tupelo led all receivers. Crowe appears very keen on the Gamecocks ability to pass the ball next season and we have not even seen what Tech transfer Greg Smith will bring to the table.

JSU can still improve in the running game. At least right now, it does not seem the Gamecocks have that running back that makes one get on the edge of their seats every time he touches the ball. That being said, Brandon George is a tough, hard working player that continuously earns the praise of his teammates and coaches. Jamal Young showed flashes of brilliance throughout the spring. Drec Lindley also had some nice runs.

There were way too many turnovers. 5 interceptions and a couple of fumbles. (both teams combined). Certainly, this can be attributed from the lack of continuity of playing with different combinations in Spring ball.

Brooks Robinson was really impressive at quarterback. He is a dual threat quarterback with a very good grasp on the offense. Robinson has good velocity on his passes, but also can throw a touch pass depending on the situation. His numbers would have been even better, but for a drop in the end zone on a 25 yard pass. Take away the interceptions, and Marques Ivory’s numbers look good as well. Ivory may be pressing some. Either way, the talent at quarterback for JSU does not end with Perrilloux.

We observed at least three scrimmages in the Spring. They were all marked by intensity from the coaches and the players. They are on a mission. Next stop- Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. We will see you there.

JSU 86 & JSU 88