Monday, July 26, 2010

6 Gamecocks Flying Under the Radar

Here is a list of 6 Jacksonville State Gamecocks that may be under the radar right now, but could make a big impact for the Gamecocks in 2010. Note- any readers with thoughts on who else should be on this list, please comment.


Robert Gray (2009 Signee). Gray is a Defensive Back from Collinsville, Alabama that was recruited by Georgia Tech and UAB and also had interest from Auburn and Alabama. He is not a huge guy, but still brings a physicality to the game combined with a 4.5 forty. He is a playmaker that coaches and teammates have been buzzing about for months and reminds you of FSU defensive back, Greg Reid. Calvin Middleton described Gray as an "impact player." The talent in the Gamecock Secondary is a little scary right now with TJ "Mr. All American #15" Heath; A.J. "the Jet" Davis; Keggie Harris, Jawaan Booker and Jason Horton. And, don't forget about Brooks Robinson, the former QB has added 20 pounds of muscle to his frame and was looking good in the Spring until he tweaked his leg early in the J-Day game.


Jeff Cameron, Wide Receiver. Cameron is only on this list because some fans have a short memory of 2008 when he had 23 receptions Going in to the 2009 season, TJ Heath told G.I. that Cameron was one of the most talented receiver on the team. However, Cameron decided to sit out 2009 to concentrate on academics. Despite sitting out last year, Cameron continued to impress coaches and teammates with his ability while working on the scout team to help JSU prepare for upcoming opponents. He is back and the Tupelo native is very much looking forward to a return to Mississippi on September 4th. GI's prediction is that Cameron will have at least 5 catches in that game.

Brannon Byrd, Linebacker. You have not heard of Brannon- yet. He is a physical linebacker from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He had over 100 tackles in the final year of his junior college career. Philsteele.com specifically mentioned in his preview of Jacksonville State that Byrd should help this year.

Eric Russell, Linebacker. An athletic player that may have started his Gamecock career as a tight end. He began seeing more and more of the field during the 2009 season. Defensive coordinator Greg Stewart describes Russell as a player "with great speed that loves the game." Russell is known for amazingly strong hands - once Russell gets his hands on an opposing runner, the guy is not getting loose.

Rashad "Spiderman" Smith, Linebacker. Originally signed with NC State and has already played a year of post-high school football. He was player of the year in the Florida panhandle. Nicknamed Spiderman because of his exceptionally long arms.

Marquis George, Defensive End. Marquis was a 3 Star Recruit from the same junior college that produced the phenom known as Kevin Dix. He may be the first Jacksonville State player originally from Delaware. The key with George is he came to camp in shape and ready to contribute. He brings yet another speed threat off the edge with Dix and Big Texas Garrott. By the way, you can't call him under the radar, but watch out for Big Texas this year, he has an uncanny ability to get his body at an angle that makes him difficult, if not impossible, for opposing tackles to block. Garrott is poised for a breakout year that should result in post-season awards.

Others to watch: Griffin Thomas, a walk-on kicker that hit a 54 yarder to win the Spring Game.

2 comments:

  1. Is this SPIDERMAN another one of your over-hyped players like KING KONG?????

    ReplyDelete
  2. We think it was Winston Churchhill that once may have said "let your haters be your motivators." We don't think Spiderman is "over-hyped", but we do admit that if a player has a great nickname we enjoy providing the coverage all the more.

    ReplyDelete