Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Cunningham On Fire in Mississippi
In case you've needed an update on former Gamecock and current Braves prospect, Todd Cunningham, he's been racking up the numbers at AA-Mississippi and making a statement to possibly be promoted to AAA-Gwinnett in September. In the last 10 games Cunningham's been burning hot in Mississippi while hitting .400, scoring 15 runs, with 16 hits (2 HR's, 3 doubles, and 2 triples), along with 9 RBI's, 6 walks, and only striking out 3 times in 40 at bats.
His offensive numbers are consistent with that certain type of outfielder that will get on base and give you instant speed on the paths... sort of a Michael Bourne or Juan Pierre runner, and his defensive skills are very impressive...above average arm and of course, speed....
He's sure to move up from the #14 prospect in the Braves organization after this year, and it's possible that we may seen him late next year in Atlanta if he keeps this up. For the year, he's batting .326, 18 doubles, 6 triples, with a total of 114 hits. So, he gets on base. This is what the Braves will need in the top of the lineup in the next couple years, and it seems that they're grooming him for it.
See his stats:
http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=592239
His offensive numbers are consistent with that certain type of outfielder that will get on base and give you instant speed on the paths... sort of a Michael Bourne or Juan Pierre runner, and his defensive skills are very impressive...above average arm and of course, speed....
He's sure to move up from the #14 prospect in the Braves organization after this year, and it's possible that we may seen him late next year in Atlanta if he keeps this up. For the year, he's batting .326, 18 doubles, 6 triples, with a total of 114 hits. So, he gets on base. This is what the Braves will need in the top of the lineup in the next couple years, and it seems that they're grooming him for it.
See his stats:
http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=592239
The Moose Is Loose
It appears that #98 Michael "Moose" Lewis, a lineman from Orlando, has transferred to Valdosta State.
Congrats to Jonathan Hall
From the JSU PR Office:
"Congratulations to former Gamecock shooter Jonathan Hall, who competed in his first Olympics earlier today in London! Hall competed in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event, shooting a 592 out of 600, which placed him 27th in the world."
"Congratulations to former Gamecock shooter Jonathan Hall, who competed in his first Olympics earlier today in London! Hall competed in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event, shooting a 592 out of 600, which placed him 27th in the world."
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Three Arrested Razorbacks Won't Play This Year
According to the linked article, three Arkansas players that were arrested in the Spring will not play this year. Link courtesy of Pub Daze.http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8204288/arrested-arkansas-razorbacks-marquel-wade-maudrecus-humphrey-andrew-peterson-team-year
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Pre-Season Depth Chart
OFFENSE
SE 1 Trey Smith 6-2 220 Sr.
6 Kevyn Cooper 6-1 197 Sr.
OT 58 Odie Rush 6-3 292 Sr.
71 Johnny Ubi 6-6 302 So.
OG 72 Blake Burks 6-2 310 So.
73 Colt Kennedy 6-6 300 Jr.
C 62 Max Holcombe 6-3 271 So.
60 Clay Squires 6-1 280 So.
OG 69 Tori Mobley 6-3 280 Sr.
64 Preston Hatcher 6-4 290 So.
OT 56 Tarik Milner 6-3 280 So.
68 Taylor Johnstone 6-3 295 Jr.
QB 12 Marques Ivory 6-1 235 R-Sr.
11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 Jr.
RB 7 Washaun Ealey 5-11 215 Sr.
32 DeMarcus James 5-10 220 So.
FB 22 Jerry Slota 6-3 240 Jr.
41 LaDarius Rodgers 5-9 198 Fr.
TE 84 Denzel Cheeks 6-6 215 Jr.
80 Gavin Ellis 6-6 230 Jr.
FL 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
82 Gabriel Chambers 5-10 157 So.
DEFENSE
DE 96 DiMetrio Tyson 6-2 275 Sr.
34 Mikel Whittier 6-3 212 Jr.
DT 92 Barry Stafford 6-0 295 Fr.
94 Martez House 6-2 260 Fr.
NT 78 Caleb Lawrence 6-0 270 So.
27 Sean Watson 6-2 290 So.
BAN 47 James Powell 6-1 210 Jr.
55 Dustin Gayton 6-1 225 So.
LB 24 Nick Johnson 5-11 185 Sr.
43 Santavious Oden 6-0 200 Fr.
LB 51 Rashad Smith 6-1 210 Jr.
26 Jamaal Johnson 6-0 205 So.
LB 48 Ben Endress 6-1 200 So.
36 Brenton Tolson 6-0 195 Jr.
CB 8 Rashod Byers 5-8 170 So.
21 Denzel Bynum 5-11 160 So.
CB 38 Francis Duncan 5-11 167 Sr.
2 Jermaine Hough 5-9 163 Fr.
FS 18 Robert Gray 5-11 195 Jr.
14 Brooks Robinson 6-2 201 Sr.
SS 15 Pierre Warren 6-1 195 So.
7 Desmond Brown 6-1 185 Fr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 88 Griffi n Thomas 5-11 170 Jr.
P 11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 Jr.
19 Hamish MacInnees 6-1 175 Fr.
LS 80 Andrew Dean 5-10 225 So.
KR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
PR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
SE 1 Trey Smith 6-2 220 Sr.
6 Kevyn Cooper 6-1 197 Sr.
OT 58 Odie Rush 6-3 292 Sr.
71 Johnny Ubi 6-6 302 So.
OG 72 Blake Burks 6-2 310 So.
73 Colt Kennedy 6-6 300 Jr.
C 62 Max Holcombe 6-3 271 So.
60 Clay Squires 6-1 280 So.
OG 69 Tori Mobley 6-3 280 Sr.
64 Preston Hatcher 6-4 290 So.
OT 56 Tarik Milner 6-3 280 So.
68 Taylor Johnstone 6-3 295 Jr.
QB 12 Marques Ivory 6-1 235 R-Sr.
11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 Jr.
RB 7 Washaun Ealey 5-11 215 Sr.
32 DeMarcus James 5-10 220 So.
FB 22 Jerry Slota 6-3 240 Jr.
41 LaDarius Rodgers 5-9 198 Fr.
TE 84 Denzel Cheeks 6-6 215 Jr.
80 Gavin Ellis 6-6 230 Jr.
FL 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
82 Gabriel Chambers 5-10 157 So.
DEFENSE
DE 96 DiMetrio Tyson 6-2 275 Sr.
34 Mikel Whittier 6-3 212 Jr.
DT 92 Barry Stafford 6-0 295 Fr.
94 Martez House 6-2 260 Fr.
NT 78 Caleb Lawrence 6-0 270 So.
27 Sean Watson 6-2 290 So.
BAN 47 James Powell 6-1 210 Jr.
55 Dustin Gayton 6-1 225 So.
LB 24 Nick Johnson 5-11 185 Sr.
43 Santavious Oden 6-0 200 Fr.
LB 51 Rashad Smith 6-1 210 Jr.
26 Jamaal Johnson 6-0 205 So.
LB 48 Ben Endress 6-1 200 So.
36 Brenton Tolson 6-0 195 Jr.
CB 8 Rashod Byers 5-8 170 So.
21 Denzel Bynum 5-11 160 So.
CB 38 Francis Duncan 5-11 167 Sr.
2 Jermaine Hough 5-9 163 Fr.
FS 18 Robert Gray 5-11 195 Jr.
14 Brooks Robinson 6-2 201 Sr.
SS 15 Pierre Warren 6-1 195 So.
7 Desmond Brown 6-1 185 Fr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 88 Griffi n Thomas 5-11 170 Jr.
P 11 Coty Blanchard 6-0 185 Jr.
19 Hamish MacInnees 6-1 175 Fr.
LS 80 Andrew Dean 5-10 225 So.
KR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
PR 16 Alan Bonner 5-11 168 Sr.
Tweets of the Day- Ealey, Harris and Endress
Three tweets of the day:
"How can you say you wanna be great and let the day go by without working your hardest to be the greatest." Washaun Ealey, running back.
"I'm up to 208 pounds right now and in top shape." Keginald Harris, safety.
"I find it an insult to be picked 2nd in the OVC preseason poll. If you ain't first, you're last." Ben Endress, linebacker.
"How can you say you wanna be great and let the day go by without working your hardest to be the greatest." Washaun Ealey, running back.
"I'm up to 208 pounds right now and in top shape." Keginald Harris, safety.
"I find it an insult to be picked 2nd in the OVC preseason poll. If you ain't first, you're last." Ben Endress, linebacker.
Coaching Rumor
Unconfirmed, but former offensive lineman Matt Jones may be joining the Gamecocks coaching staff. The Hoover product should be playing this year, but his career was cut short by a knee injury.
TTU FOOTBALL: Lamb confident Tech can repeat as OVC champion
TTU FOOTBALL: Lamb confident Tech can repeat as OVC champion: NASHVILLE -- The Ohio Valley Conference is, without a question, a quarterback league this year. With nearly every team in the conference boasting a returning quarterback, whether it's Casey Brockma...
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Read the OVC Blog and words from Crowe
Check out Coach Crowe's comments regarding Ivory, Blanchard, and Ealey.
Also...the OVC Preseason Coaches Pick has JSU placing 2nd with 117 1st place votes while EKU is picked 1st with 124 1st place votes. Ealey and Mobley make the All-OVC Preseason Offensive Team, but why the diss' on defense???
Troy AD resigns
Troy AD, Steve Dennis, announces he's stepping down as the Troy AD. No official reason has been given, but word is that he may not be the one to take them past...... Alabama or Auburn. Talking with some Troy fans, the timing may be right and some feel the athletics have been stagnant for some time even though facility upgrades have been going on. The Troy Head Coach, Larry Blakeney, and Dennis have a history coaching together, but one might suggest Blakeney could be on the hot seat if Troy has another losing season.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
JSU's Blanchard working in Cape Cod League
JSU's Blanchard working in Cape Cod League: Just one month in the most prestigious summer college baseball league in the country has given Coty Blanchard a greater appreciation and stronger desire for what it means to play the game for a liv...
Friday, July 20, 2012
OVCSports.com - 12 OVC Football Specialists Named to CFPA Preseason Watch Lists
James Esco makes it as a kicker and A. Bonner as a punt returner, but where is one of the best kick returners in the United States, Gabriel Chambers?
OVCSports.com - 12 OVC Football Specialists Named to CFPA Preseason Watch Lists
OVCSports.com - 12 OVC Football Specialists Named to CFPA Preseason Watch Lists
EKU Picks Up a Transfer
For the first time in about eight years, JSU may be a bona fide underdog in an OVC game this year. EKU returns practically everyone from a prolific offense, including three pre-season All Americans. It looks like they are shoring up the defensive side of the ball as well with a couple of transfers from Virginia Tech. Click on the title for a link to the article.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Gamecock Nation Facebook Updates The Progress of JSU's Pro Baseball Players
If you are on facebook, there is a great new page to "like" called Gamecock Nation. Recently, they updated the progress of some JSU baseball players in the pros:
Ben Waldrip is hitting .258 with the Grand Junction Rockies;
Daniel Watts is pitching for the Yakima Bears and has a 1.29 ERA;
Sam Eberle is playing for the Salem-Leiser Volcanoes and has a .400 on base percentage;
Todd Cunningham is playing for the Braves AA club and is batting .309.
Ben Waldrip is hitting .258 with the Grand Junction Rockies;
Daniel Watts is pitching for the Yakima Bears and has a 1.29 ERA;
Sam Eberle is playing for the Salem-Leiser Volcanoes and has a .400 on base percentage;
Todd Cunningham is playing for the Braves AA club and is batting .309.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
EKU Getting More Praise
This tweet from @JoshbDraft who is an expert at spotting small college prospects:
"EKU has a lot of seniros on my watch list: Matt Denham, Tyrone Goard, Aaron Adams, Patrick Ford, Justin Bell. O.J. Enabosi."
"EKU has a lot of seniros on my watch list: Matt Denham, Tyrone Goard, Aaron Adams, Patrick Ford, Justin Bell. O.J. Enabosi."
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Breakfast Links
A few articles that might be of interest to Gamecock fans:
*Here is one on the Sunbelt's wild and crazy commissioner. Click here.
*If you have three hours and want to read an article on the origin of Murray State's offense, click here.
*Murray is excited about a new wide receiver.
*There were some rumors that Georgia Defensive End, Brandon Burrows, might transfer to JSU, but its not going to happen.
*The good news, Washaun Ealey makes pre-season All-American. The bad news, SEMO has two preseason All Americans and EKU has three players on the list
*Speaking of SEMO, they will be attempting to break in a new quarterback.
.
*Here is one on the Sunbelt's wild and crazy commissioner. Click here.
*If you have three hours and want to read an article on the origin of Murray State's offense, click here.
*Murray is excited about a new wide receiver.
*There were some rumors that Georgia Defensive End, Brandon Burrows, might transfer to JSU, but its not going to happen.
*The good news, Washaun Ealey makes pre-season All-American. The bad news, SEMO has two preseason All Americans and EKU has three players on the list
*Speaking of SEMO, they will be attempting to break in a new quarterback.
.
Monday, July 9, 2012
JSU Adds Another DL
Cody Sanfratello, a walk on DL for South Florida, has transferred to JSU. Link to his highlight video below. He has added about 40 pounds to his frame since the video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ais4KyKqjXQ
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Position Preview - Running Backs and Fullbacks
Under Coach Crowe, Jacksonville State has been a team that thrives on running the football. The 2012 team should be well equipped to do so with a stable of talented running backs and two playmakers at fullback. The fact that Rashod Byers has moved from running back to corner speaks volumes about the staff's perception of the talent at running back. Despite the talent, the Gamecocks will certainly miss one key player from the 2011 team, Calvin Middleton, who is now attempting to make it with the St. Louis Rams.
The Running Backs
The undisputed leader of the group is senior, Washaun Ealey, a transfer from Georgia. When Ealey arrived on campus last August, many expected him to immediately dominate. After all, he averaged over five yards per carry in the SEC and had many dominant games including a 5 TD performance against Kentucky. However, it took Ealey a while to get it going as he only averaged 55 yards per game in his first three outings as a Gamecock From that point forward though, things changed. Ealey broke the 100 yard barrier in five of the next six contests including a 217 yard performance against EKU. Reportedly, Ealey is in the best shape of his career and has dedicated himself to being a leader in the Gamecock backfield. Here's something you may not have known- as good of a runner as Ealey is, he is just as highly regarded as a blocker.
No doubt, Ealey is the leader of the group and must be considered a front runner for All American honors. The battle for the #2 spot, however, is anything but settled as three true freshman will battle to back up Ealey. The most touted of the newcomers is a local product, Troymaine "Buster" Pope of Anniston. Pope was the #1 recruiting target for JSU and the staff's hard work paid off when the runner up for Mr. Alabama football inked with the Cocks in February. Since arriving on campus, Pope has already shown flashes of his high school brilliance.
The players pushing Pope for the job of lead understudy to Ealey are Ladarius Rodgers from Leeds and Miles Jones from Alatoona High School in Georgia. While Rodgers did not get much love from the star givers at Rivals and Scout, he dominated on the field rushing for 2,185 yards his senior season and leading his team to a state championship. Miles Jones put up similar numbers, rushing for 2,142 yards and leading his team to an undefeated regular season and three playoff wins. Earvin McKenzie will provide depth.
The Fullbacks
No FCS school has a more intriguing, talented pair of fullbacks than JSU. Based on his Spring game performance, Jerry Slota, has to be considered the front runner for the position. Perhaps the first player from Colorado to ever suit up for JSU, Slota is a physical, hard nosed player that thrives on contact. JSU likes to throw to the fullback and Slota also has great hands.
Slota will likely split time with the pride of Demopolis, Alabama, Coot James. James, a 3 star prospect, will be a home run threat from the fullback position. In addition to being a powerful blocker, Coot is a capable runner who rushed for 2,523 yards his junior year of high school. Thus, JSU will probably play James in a hybrid running back-full back role in much the same way they employed Calvin Middleton last year.
All in all, JSU is long on talent in the backfield, but short on experience. Hopefully, Ealey can stay healthy and fresh as the featured back and a star will emerge from the young contenders.
Overall Grade: A-
The Running Backs
The undisputed leader of the group is senior, Washaun Ealey, a transfer from Georgia. When Ealey arrived on campus last August, many expected him to immediately dominate. After all, he averaged over five yards per carry in the SEC and had many dominant games including a 5 TD performance against Kentucky. However, it took Ealey a while to get it going as he only averaged 55 yards per game in his first three outings as a Gamecock From that point forward though, things changed. Ealey broke the 100 yard barrier in five of the next six contests including a 217 yard performance against EKU. Reportedly, Ealey is in the best shape of his career and has dedicated himself to being a leader in the Gamecock backfield. Here's something you may not have known- as good of a runner as Ealey is, he is just as highly regarded as a blocker.
No doubt, Ealey is the leader of the group and must be considered a front runner for All American honors. The battle for the #2 spot, however, is anything but settled as three true freshman will battle to back up Ealey. The most touted of the newcomers is a local product, Troymaine "Buster" Pope of Anniston. Pope was the #1 recruiting target for JSU and the staff's hard work paid off when the runner up for Mr. Alabama football inked with the Cocks in February. Since arriving on campus, Pope has already shown flashes of his high school brilliance.
The players pushing Pope for the job of lead understudy to Ealey are Ladarius Rodgers from Leeds and Miles Jones from Alatoona High School in Georgia. While Rodgers did not get much love from the star givers at Rivals and Scout, he dominated on the field rushing for 2,185 yards his senior season and leading his team to a state championship. Miles Jones put up similar numbers, rushing for 2,142 yards and leading his team to an undefeated regular season and three playoff wins. Earvin McKenzie will provide depth.
The Fullbacks
No FCS school has a more intriguing, talented pair of fullbacks than JSU. Based on his Spring game performance, Jerry Slota, has to be considered the front runner for the position. Perhaps the first player from Colorado to ever suit up for JSU, Slota is a physical, hard nosed player that thrives on contact. JSU likes to throw to the fullback and Slota also has great hands.
Slota will likely split time with the pride of Demopolis, Alabama, Coot James. James, a 3 star prospect, will be a home run threat from the fullback position. In addition to being a powerful blocker, Coot is a capable runner who rushed for 2,523 yards his junior year of high school. Thus, JSU will probably play James in a hybrid running back-full back role in much the same way they employed Calvin Middleton last year.
All in all, JSU is long on talent in the backfield, but short on experience. Hopefully, Ealey can stay healthy and fresh as the featured back and a star will emerge from the young contenders.
Overall Grade: A-
Friday, July 6, 2012
Tweet of the day- Washaun Ealey
Washaun Ealey: "When I get back to school its all about how focused, dedicated and being a leader I can be."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Welcome to the Gamecock Nation Lucas Melo
Its unconfirmed, but it looks like the Gamecocks just picked up a big addition (and we mean big) to its defensive line for the 2012 season. Lucas Melo, a Two Star All Conference Defensive Tackle, is joining JSU via LA Piere College in Woodland Hill, California. Melo is 6-2, 290 pounds, runs a 4.9 forty, squats small cars and can bench the typical family of four one might see chowing down at the Golden Corral buffet. Melo had a ton of offers, including BYU, New Mexico and Maine. Hilight tape coming.
Chattanooga Paper Previews The Gamecocks
Nice article from the Chattanooga paper previewing UTC's game against the Gamecocks. click here.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Quick Preview of Jacksonville State
Preview of Jacksonville State from the Gator perspective. click here.http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/florida/post?id=5797
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