ROSTER UPDATE

JSUgamecocksports.com has an updated 2009-2010 roster on the website. While there may be changes, the following is notable:

Non-Seniors Missing from last year's team:
#6 Jeff Cameron, WR (likely redshirt); #18 Nick Demuro QB (late 08 QB commit- not sure if he ever came to campus); #37 Josh Skelton DB; #49 Ellis Bennett LB; #51 Nolan Grange LB; #52 Jonath Nwilogh (LB); #53 Travis Grandy (LB); #56 Russell Jackson (DL); #59 Cole Bostwick (OL); #76 Mark Bounds (OL); #84 Deonte Carter (TE); #95 Michael Clark (DL); #91 Brett Gloyd (DE) #97 Antron Hart (DL);
Of this group, Carter and Cameron seemed to have the biggest crack at playing a lot. Our understanding is that Cameron is still on the team, but redshirting. It’s disappointing that he will not be playing. He is regarded as a playmaker by teammates. Carter had played a lot at tight end for the Gamecocks, although they are very deep at that position. Also, we thought Duane Tolbert was coming back as a graduate, but he's not listed. If he is gone, that's a big blow to the Defensive Line.

New Positions
#4 James Shaw has moved from DB to WR. Crowe has always spoken about his playmaking ability. As previously reported, Fort Payne native Nick Johnson has moved from linebacker to running back. Finally, Eric Russell has a new number (35) and has switched from tight end to linebacker. Given the attrition at linebacker referenced above, this is probably a good move. Russell is known for his athletic ability and great hands.

Newcomers
#1 Greg Smith, WR (Ga. Tech Transfer); #8 Jamal Young (Juco RB playmaker); #16 Alan Bonner WR (3* recruit); #17 Rayce Whiddon WR (the third Whiddon to play for JSU- high school QB that racked up all purpose yards); #18 Robert Gray, DB (highly recruited athlete from Collinsville); #19 Richard Freelon RB (NE Miss. Offensive Player of the Year); #23 Donald Prince, RB (SEC recruit prior to injury); #25 Tiger Williams, DB (KFC Pigskin Roundup AllStar ); #27 Patrick Tatum, P (Auburn transfer); #32 Jahron Brown, FB (#6 rated FB in the USA); #36 Brent Tolson, RB (late addition, very talented athlete from Anniston. Had interest from SEC schools); #49 Rodney "Big Texas" Garrott (explosive- can play DE or LB); #51 Kevin Dix, LB (Juco all-star and Ga. track record holder); #53 Ben Puckett, LB; #55 Ricky Clemons, OT (3*- maybe what the Gamecocks need at right tackle); #56 JJ Guthrie, LB (rangy 20 year old LB from Cullman); #63 Dewan Troup, DE (Hon. Mention All-State); #73 Colt Kennedy, OL (selected for prestigous North-South Ga. All-Star game); #94 Ladirus Simmons, DL; #95 David Maness, DE (highly regarded prospect); #97 Denzel Cheeks, DL.

Obviously, if you compare this list to the list of signees there are some significant players missing including TJ Hoyt and Josh Lewis, a highly regarded Defensive End. Perhaps some of these players are resolving eligibility issues and will show up later on the roster.