South Carolina football is talent rich at wide out. All Stephen Garcia needs to do is hit the guys in the hands and let them create in open space.
USC is poised for a big year thanks to the offensive firepower that Coach Spurrier has brough in. Let’s give you a taste of the WR corp for USC heading into fall ball –
Primary Targets
X: Alshon Jeffery (Jr. / 6’4” 229lbs) – Alshon is an All-American and is within breaking both SEC and USC receiving yard records. He will likely bolt after this season for the NFL due to his talent and size. He will command double-teams from everyone which should help everyone else contribute.
X: DeAngelo Smith (RS So. / 6’0” 193lbs) – There is no player who had a better spring than DeAngelo. The problem here is that he plays the position Alshon plays but he may force the staff to cross-train him at the “Y” receiver spot because he has made plays every time his number has been called in every practice, scrimmage, and then in the spring game. He attacks the ball in the air at its highest point and he has legit breakaway speed. His rise has given USC a different look at WR and a No. 2 which was one of the needs when you talked about USC’s passing attack a few months ago.
Y: D.L. Moore (RS Jr. / 6’4” 203lbs) – D.L. saw his number of plays shoot up in 2010 and should see even more time in 2011. He is a very good blocking WR and is capable of making some tough catches. He has improved every year since coming to USC and is capable of making big plays at the right times. Due to him being a legit threat, it will force opposing defenses to respect him and open up things for the offense as a whole.
Y: Nick Jones (RS Fr. / 5’9” 189lbs) – Nick is a tough and quick wide out that USC can use to go across the middle. A little bit of a unknown but look for him on those short crossing routes, slants or button hooks.
Z: Jason Barnes (RS Sr / 6’4” 214lbs) – The old man of the bunch is going to have to continue to prove himself as the stable is full of good receivers. He can stretch the field or run a slot route due to his size and toughness. He has flashed glimpses of greatness from time-to-time, just needs to be consistent in 2011 as he could be a difference maker in the offensive strategy.
Z: Ace Sanders (So. / 5’7” 173lbs) – Ace lines up in the slot and if your compare his numbers to Kenny McKinley’s freshman year, they are very very similar, with Ace having a slight edge. He gives USC a different look at WR and should be able to make his fair share of plays this year as he has the speed to take it to the house.
The Other WRs
WR: Lamar Scruggs (So. / 6’3” 218lbs) – The best word to describe Scruggs is potential. He has a lot going for him with size and speed, just needs a chance to showcase it. Should see glimpses in 2011 but 2012 will be his coming out party.
WR: Bruce Ellington (So. / 5’9” 197lbs) – Think playmaker. Look for USC to have a design play for him whether that means under center or a screen play. He is quick and elusive. May get a shot as a kick returner also.
WR: KJ Brent (Fr. / 6’3” 180lbs) – Will be good, just needs a year to learn the system. Will redshirt in 2011.
WR: Shamier Jeffery (Fr. / 6’1” 208lbs) – The brother of Alshon is a bit smaller but every bit the athlete Alshon was coming in. Shamier is a bit quicker and Alshon was a bit bigger but they resemble each other very closely at the same stage. He will likely redshirt.
WR: Damiere Byrd (Fr. / 5’9” 161lbs) – Speed is the word to use when talking about him. He is raw and could use a redshirt but may prove too quick to sit on the side lines. May get a shot to return kicks.
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Overall, quarterback Stephen Garcia has plenty to choose from as passing targets. He will rely on Alshon Jeffery but at least two other wide outs need to step up in 2011. As long as that happens good things will occur as having a strong run game behind Marcus Lattimore will open things up for Garcia’s aim.
Other LOHD Position Primers
—Gamecocks Football: Summer Position Primer – Quarterback
—Gamecocks Football: Summer Position Primer – Running Back
—Gamecocks Football: Summer Position Primer – Fullback
