Random Observations

The Gamecocks rightfully keep a pretty tight lid on news out of summer camp, but here are a few non-confidential nuggets we have picked up here and there:

*We have speculated a lot about who will replace Porter, Ogletree and Kay on the offensive line. Matt Jones return from injury at one spot. It looks like converted defensive lineman, Michael Ellis, Max Holcombe and Preston Hatcher may be in the lead at filling the remaining spots. Another guy who appears to be making a strong case for playing time is Tree Johnstone.

*There may have been no bigger mystery heading into camp than juco transfer, Jerry Slota. It appears the Gamecocks have found one tough son of a gun that can help at fullback and tight end.

*Another new face that is making his presence felt is Jordan Jackson, a tight end from Florida. Much like a man attempting to make an NFL roster, Jackson is showing effort on special teams that will make it hard to keep him off of the travel squad.

*Jack Jackson, the transfer from Ole Miss, is good, really good. Spiderman Smith isn't that far behind him.

*The only person that can stop Washaun Ealey is Washaun Ealey. If he dedicates himself to being the best he can be, the sky is the limit. But, the "if" in that sentence is a big "if."

*There is a lot of buzz going around about Demopolis running back, Coot James. Its deserved. But, true freshman Rashod Byers is better than anticipated --and it was anticipated that he was going to be pretty good.

*Sean Watson, a guy that JSU desperately wanted out of high school, transferred in from Baylor and is making his presence felt on the defensive line.

*Earlier this year, an insider told us Ty Martin, a local product at wide receiver, could flat out play. As Coach Crowe might say- his potential to tranfer opportunity into consistency and vision has been validated. JSU has a deep and talented group of receivers.

*On that note, not many practices go by that Country Chambers play at wide receiver isn't mentioned. There is a rumor that our man got tackled by a kicker, but that can't be true. Another guy that never gets mentioned, but is a dang good player is tight end Denzell Cheeks. We predict Cheeks will have at least 5 TDs this year.

*Good news/bad news? The true freshmen cornerbacks, Denzell Bynum and Brandon Bender, are apparently working their way into prominent positions on the depth chart. Its good they're good, but it might be scary having guys that young playing such a prominent role early in the season.

*The Star reports Odie Rush turned an ankle last night. Last year JSU lost Matt Jones and T. Chambers to injury before the season started. Lets hope that we can stay healthy on the offensive line. Its the biggest question mark on this football team.

*What's the biggest key for the Gamecocks this season? We think its the play of Marques Ivory. Ivory, who will be more of a running threat this year after losing 30pounds, can be really good as he showed against Ole Miss (2nd half), Peay, EKU, SEMO and others. But, Ivory had other games where it just wasn't clicking. (UTC, Tn. Tech and Wofford). Ivory must play with consistency and assert himself as the leader of the offense no matter what the situation.

*Lets play final Jeopardy. The answer is: one defensive style JSU will not play this year. The question is: What is bend but don't break.

*A final note - hype is hype and hype is for the fans. We are big fans so we give some hype to our players. The bottom line is that results are earned by dedication and hard work. Lets hope the Gamecocks realize hype doesn't mean anything. In the long run, you've got to earn it on the field.