NOTE: This South Carolina Gamecocks blog is counting down the Top 20 projected players on South Carolina’s 2012 team. Players are measured on overall importance and expected productivity during the upcoming season.
The basics: “Roland is one of the top athletes in the South. He’s special and he could play wideout or safety on the next level. As a receiver, he has great body control and can go up and get a ball anywhere on the field. He has long arms, strong hands, and he is someone that can stretch the field. He has moved around a lot and played multiple positions, so he needs to work on route running and getting off jams at the line”. – Quote from Regional Analyst Chad Simmons
Rewind: This 6’2″ 204-pound has all the tools to make a impact from day one. He has around 4.45 40 speed so don’t think he can not take it to the house. His high school stats are hopefully a prelude to good things for USC as he had 2,698 receiving yards with 29 touchdowns and 990 rushing yards with 31 rushing touchdowns.
Forecast: With USC in need of wideout targets, well they could use Mr. Roland. Look for him to be given every chance to earn playing time. Don’t expect him to be on the All-SEC first team but don’t be surpised when he is on the All-SEC freshman team. I have a feeling you will hear “Shaw to Roland” a lot in 2012.
