South Carolina's historic season has come to an end. The first ever 11-win season for the Gamecocks ended with a 30-13 victory against Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl and showed why this was one of the best Gamecock teams ever.However, it is now time to focus on those players that will no longer be apart of the program, whether it's because of graduation or declaring early for the NFL draft. Such players include Alshon Jeffery, Melvin Ingram, and Stephon Gilmore. Players who have been the backbone of this team all season long.Three of these guys have the ability and potential to be first-round draft picks and make an immediate impact for their new teams. Let's take a look at where some of these Carolina players may get drafted.Begin Slideshow

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium. Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?" The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present. According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville. But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season. When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for. If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the starting job. The young player is committed and ready to learn. The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years. Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC. If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles. On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010. But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart. Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk. At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season.  Begin Slideshow

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium.Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?"The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present.According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville.But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season.When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for.If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the starting job. The young player is committed and ready to learn.The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years.Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC.If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles.On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010.But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart.Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk.At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season. Begin Slideshow

Columbia, South Carolina—As the slow summer sun sets each day in South Carolina, the 2010 University of South Carolina Football team is inching closer and closer to the Thursday, September 2, 2010 season opener versus the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Williams-Brice Stadium.Rabid Gamecock fans are ready to roll. Kickoff, though; is in three months. Will this finally be the "Year of the Gamecock?"The last time the Fighting Gamecocks brought home a conference championship was in 1969, when they won the ACC. The last 10- win season came in 1984, 26 years from the present.According to many "experts," this is South Carolina's best chance to make a sprint in the SEC East under offensive guru Steve Spurrier. Florida and Georgia are breaking in new quarterbacks for the first time since 2007, the year gator great Tim Tebow took control in Gainesville.But Steve Spurrier is plenty concerned about his own quarterback, who goes by the name of Stephen Garcia.Garcia passed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, but the Gamecocks coach wants the player to highly commit to film study and game preparation prior to the up-coming season.When it comes to the game itself, Spurrier wants him to cut his sack total in half along with quicker decisions. If Stephen Garcia can prosper, then the Gamecocks will be a team to watch out for.If Garcia does not commit, Steve Spurrier always has his Plan B; incoming freshman Connor Shaw. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native finished high school early and won the backup job. The young player is committed and ready to learn.The South Carolina offense will have plenty of other problems if the offensive line cannot block the skill position players. New line coach Shawn Elliott is the third coach in as many years.Elliott hopes to change the Gamecocks' recent blocking woes. South Carolina allowed 37 sacks in 2009, tied with LSU for last in the SEC.If the line blocks well, fans are hoping All-American recruit Marcus Lattimore of Byrnes, SC can revive a dented running game. Lattimore, however; will be challenged by powerful back Kenny Miles.On the defensive side of the ball, South Carolina should again rank at the top of the SEC. Ellis Johnson should lead a championship-caliber defense once again in 2010.But before you get to excited, the Gamecocks must replace the likes of LB Eric Norwood, DE Clifton Geathers, and SS Darian Stewart.Shaq Wilson will start at OLB in place of Norwood in 2010. The 5'10" Junior recorded 85 tackles while playing the MLB position for injured Rodney Paulk.At DE, freakish-sized 6'4" 260 pound senior Cliff Matthews will most likely replace Clifton Geathers, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.Lastly, DeVonte Holloman is projected to start at SS. He will be replacing Darian Stewart. The true freshman played in all 13 games last season, and many pundits expect him to break out in the upcoming season. Begin Slideshow

Rumors are saying that South Carolina and Nebraska are scheduled to debut the 2011 season in Atlanta's Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, according to the College Football Times blog.
The Gamecocks 2011 schedule has been finalized, but the school could possibly make changes if they are interested in competition against Bo Pelini's Big Red.
Steve Spurrier's squad is slated to a five-game series with East Carolina beginning on the date of September 3rd, 2011 at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. Other opponents in 2011 include Navy, The Citadel, and Clemson.
If South Carolina is to play Nebraska, it's best bet would be to drop or reschedule the Citadel or Navy contest and re-schedule the East Carolina game.
A good reason South Carolina would disagree to play Nebraska is that it already plays in the tough SEC, against opponents such as Florida and Alabama.
If the game goes through, it would be a good test for the Cornhuskers, who are moving to the Big Ten Conference in 2011.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Rumors are saying that South Carolina and Nebraska are scheduled to debut the 2011 season in Atlanta's Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game, according to the College Football Times blog.
The Gamecocks 2011 schedule has been finalized but the school could possibly make changes if they are interested in competition against Bo Pelini's Big Red.
Steve Spurrier's squad is slated to a five-game series with East Carolina beginning on the date of September 3rd, 2011 at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium. Other opponents in 2011 include Navy, The Citadel, and Clemson.
If South Carolina is to play Nebraska, it's best bet would be to drop or reschedule the Citadel or Navy contest and re-schedule the East Carolina game.
A good reason South Carolina would disagree to play Nebraska is that it already plays in the tough SEC, against opponents such as Florida and Alabama.
If the game goes through, it would be a good test for the Cornhuskers, who are moving to the Big Ten Conference in 2011.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Every year, grown men and women across the country swear, curse, throw their hands up in disgust, and cry for hours at the news that inevitably comes from every college campus with a major sports program.
"This just in... Junior 'Star Player' has decided to declare early for the NFL draft". 
Hearts break, puppies die, pacemakers explode, and fans take to the street with torches wearing little more than underpants and their emotions on their sleeve.
Every school goes through it. For South Carolina fans, it seems as though it is an epidemic that needs to be cured. 
I know that most schools go through this. For a team that is trying to get over the mediocre hump, it can be most horrifying. 
Ko Simpson, Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, Captain Munnerlyn, Clifton Geathers, Emanuel Cook, Jared Cook—all great SEC players that bolted early. Sidney Rice and Troy Williamson could have actually played together if they stayed through their careers.
Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, and Kenny McKinley playing together in 2006 would have been quite a scary site for opposing corners. 
For some, it works out very well. Sidney Rice became a second round pick and Troy Williamson was a first round pick. They both have made their money, even though Sidney Rice is the only star out of the group. 
For others, it has been a complete disaster. Emmanuel Cook went undrafted, and has yet to cling on to a team. Ko Simpson has bounced from team to team and Captain Munnerlyn (while productive so far in the NFL), was drafted in the seventh round and could have benefited from another year in school.
This year, South Carolina has a small crop of juniors, but some of them are extremely important to the program and to the team. 
Which ones could make the jump? Which ones have no chance? Which ones might make the jump but also have no chance?
No Chance, Will NOT Declare... The "Who Dat" List
Some underclassmen just do not contribute much. They hold a roster spot, and can be called upon in case of injury. Beyond that, there is nothing on the resume that would be able to get them a sniff at being drafted or even picked up in free agency.
Byron McKnight, DE
Kevin White, WR
Chris Vaughn, LS
Ryan Broadhead, C
Joey Scribner-Howard, K
Marty Markett, CB
Brandon Davis, CB
Jay Wooten, K
Small Chance
These players may contribute and have the opportunity to play some. However, for them to even be considered as NFL caliber players, they would have to surprise everyone and explode onto the scene. 
These players are very, very, very, unlikely to make the jump.
C.C. Whitlock, CB
Eric Baker, RB
Melvin Ingram, DT
Kyle Nunn, T
Quintin Richardson, T
Stephen Flint, WR
Jason Barnes, WR
Moderate Chance
These players have been consistent contributors, maybe out of a backup role. Some of these players can slip into the starting lineup or be a mainstay in rotation and put up huge numbers. 
The potential is there, but these players would still be a big surprise if they jump.
Akeem Aguste, S—Hard hitter and pretty good in coverage. His stock isn't quite there yet.  The positional switch from CB to S hurts (from the NFL draft standpoint, not his chance of success on the team). He is also a bit undersized. 
Antonio Allen, S—Could be very good. He gets his chance to start. It would take a monster year for him to jump, but it wouldn't be surprising, given the recent jump of Clifton Geathers. 
Travian Robertson, DT—A player with good size, a fair amount of experience, and a projected starter, Travian Robertson has the look of an elite player. Then you look at his production. It just isn't there. He has made plays for the team, and looked good last year before tearing his ACL at the Ole' Miss game. Applied for a medical redshirt, so obviously his eligibility is important to him. 
High Chance
By high chance, I mean relatively speaking.  These players already have some sort of track record, and have played well enough for some buzz to be garnered around them. 
If they have big seasons, any of these players could jump. 
Shaq Wilson, LB—Shaq stepped in admirably when Rodney Paulk went down with a season ending injury. A tireless worker, Wilson will be very productive this year, and will give fans reasons to be worried about an early exit. 
Stephen Garcia, QB—The much maligned QB has taken a lot of heat for his work ethic, but has performed very well at times. Steve Spurrier sees a great deal of potential in him (thus the verbal assault). If Garcia works extremely hard over the summer, he will have every opportunity to succeed. If he improves on his good 2009 numbers, he would at least have a legitimate reason to test the waters.
The Player Most Likely to Jump
If I had to put money on which player is the most likely to jump, I would put my money on Garcia.  His constant ridicule and the presence of teacher's pet Connor Shaw could be sitting in the back of his mind.
Even if he has a great season though, I think he will be back.  In fact, I don't see any reason to think any of these players will go early to the draft. 
I could have guessed that Clifton Geathers would have jumped last year.  No one stands out in this group as having that sort of attitude.  Is this the year that South Carolina finally gets the peace of mind that comes with the junior class returning to be seniors?  We will see.
 Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Every year, grown men and women across the country swear, curse, throw their hands up in disgust, and cry for hours at the news that inevitably comes from every college campus with a major sports program.
"This just in... Junior 'Star Player' has decided to declare early for the NFL draft". 
Hearts break, puppies die, pacemakers explode, and fans take to the street with torches wearing little more than underpants and their emotions on their sleeve.
Every school goes through it. For South Carolina fans, it seems as though it is an epidemic that needs to be cured. 
I know that most schools go through this. For a team that is trying to get over the mediocre hump, it can be most horrifying. 
Ko Simpson, Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, Captain Munnerlyn, Clifton Geathers, Emanuel Cook, Jared Cook—all great SEC players that bolted early. Sidney Rice and Troy Williamson could have actually played together if they stayed through their careers.
Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, and Kenny McKinley playing together in 2006 would have been quite a scary site for opposing corners. 
For some, it works out very well. Sidney Rice became a second round pick and Troy Williamson was a first round pick. They both have made their money, even though Sidney Rice is the only star out of the group. 
For others, it has been a complete disaster. Emmanuel Cook went undrafted, and has yet to cling on to a team. Ko Simpson has bounced from team to team and Captain Munnerlyn (while productive so far in the NFL), was drafted in the seventh round and could have benefited from another year in school.
This year, South Carolina has a small crop of juniors, but some of them are extremely important to the program and to the team. 
Which ones could make the jump? Which ones have no chance? Which ones might make the jump but also have no chance?
No Chance, Will NOT Declare... The "Who Dat" List
Some underclassmen just do not contribute much. They hold a roster spot, and can be called upon in case of injury. Beyond that, there is nothing on the resume that would be able to get them a sniff at being drafted or even picked up in free agency.
Byron McKnight, DE
Kevin White, WR
Chris Vaughn, LS
Ryan Broadhead, C
Joey Scribner-Howard, K
Marty Markett, CB
Brandon Davis, CB
Jay Wooten, K
Small Chance
These players may contribute and have the opportunity to play some. However, for them to even be considered as NFL caliber players, they would have to surprise everyone and explode onto the scene. 
These players are very, very, very, unlikely to make the jump.
C.C. Whitlock, CB
Eric Baker, RB
Melvin Ingram, DT
Kyle Nunn, T
Quintin Richardson, T
Stephen Flint, WR
Jason Barnes, WR
Moderate Chance
These players have been consistent contributors, maybe out of a backup role. Some of these players can slip into the starting lineup or be a mainstay in rotation and put up huge numbers. 
The potential is there, but these players would still be a big surprise if they jump.
Akeem Aguste, S—Hard hitter and pretty good in coverage. His stock isn't quite there yet.  The positional switch from CB to S hurts (from the NFL draft standpoint, not his chance of success on the team). He is also a bit undersized. 
Antonio Allen, S—Could be very good. He gets his chance to start. It would take a monster year for him to jump, but it wouldn't be surprising, given the recent jump of Clifton Geathers. 
Travian Robertson, DT—A player with good size, a fair amount of experience, and a projected starter, Travian Robertson has the look of an elite player. Then you look at his production. It just isn't there. He has made plays for the team, and looked good last year before tearing his ACL at the Ole' Miss game. Applied for a medical redshirt, so obviously his eligibility is important to him. 
High Chance
By high chance, I mean relatively speaking.  These players already have some sort of track record, and have played well enough for some buzz to be garnered around them. 
If they have big seasons, any of these players could jump. 
Shaq Wilson, LB—Shaq stepped in admirably when Rodney Paulk went down with a season ending injury. A tireless worker, Wilson will be very productive this year, and will give fans reasons to be worried about an early exit. 
Stephen Garcia, QB—The much maligned QB has taken a lot of heat for his work ethic, but has performed very well at times. Steve Spurrier sees a great deal of potential in him (thus the verbal assault). If Garcia works extremely hard over the summer, he will have every opportunity to succeed. If he improves on his good 2009 numbers, he would at least have a legitimate reason to test the waters.
The Player Most Likely to Jump
If I had to put money on which player is the most likely to jump, I would put my money on Garcia.  His constant ridicule and the presence of teacher's pet Connor Shaw could be sitting in the back of his mind.
Even if he has a great season though, I think he will be back.  In fact, I don't see any reason to think any of these players will go early to the draft. 
I could have guessed that Clifton Geathers would have jumped last year.  No one stands out in this group as having that sort of attitude.  Is this the year that South Carolina finally gets the peace of mind that comes with the junior class returning to be seniors?  We will see.
 Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Every year, grown men and women across the country swear, curse, throw their hands up in disgust, and cry for hours at the news that inevitably comes from every college campus with a major sports program.
"This just in... Junior 'Star Player' has decided to declare early for the NFL draft". 
Hearts break, puppies die, pacemakers explode, and fans take to the street with torches wearing little more than underpants and their emotions on their sleeve.
Every school goes through it. For South Carolina fans, it seems as though it is an epidemic that needs to be cured. 
I know that most schools go through this. For a team that is trying to get over the mediocre hump, it can be most horrifying. 
Ko Simpson, Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, Captain Munnerlyn, Clifton Geathers, Emanuel Cook, Jared Cook—all great SEC players that bolted early. Sidney Rice and Troy Williamson could have actually played together if they stayed through their careers.
Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, and Kenny McKinley playing together in 2006 would have been quite a scary site for opposing corners. 
For some, it works out very well. Sidney Rice became a second round pick and Troy Williamson was a first round pick. They both have made their money, even though Sidney Rice is the only star out of the group. 
For others, it has been a complete disaster. Emmanuel Cook went undrafted, and has yet to cling on to a team. Ko Simpson has bounced from team to team and Captain Munnerlyn (while productive so far in the NFL), was drafted in the seventh round and could have benefited from another year in school.
This year, South Carolina has a small crop of juniors, but some of them are extremely important to the program and to the team. 
Which ones could make the jump? Which ones have no chance? Which ones might make the jump but also have no chance?
No Chance, Will NOT Declare... The "Who Dat" List
Some underclassmen just do not contribute much. They hold a roster spot, and can be called upon in case of injury. Beyond that, there is nothing on the resume that would be able to get them a sniff at being drafted or even picked up in free agency.
Byron McKnight, DE
Kevin White, WR
Chris Vaughn, LS
Ryan Broadhead, C
Joey Scribner-Howard, K
Marty Markett, CB
Brandon Davis, CB
Jay Wooten, K
Small Chance
These players may contribute and have the opportunity to play some. However, for them to even be considered as NFL caliber players, they would have to surprise everyone and explode onto the scene. 
These players are very, very, very, unlikely to make the jump.
C.C. Whitlock, CB
Eric Baker, RB
Melvin Ingram, DT
Kyle Nunn, T
Quintin Richardson, T
Stephen Flint, WR
Jason Barnes, WR
Moderate Chance
These players have been consistent contributors, maybe out of a backup role. Some of these players can slip into the starting lineup or be a mainstay in rotation and put up huge numbers. 
The potential is there, but these players would still be a big surprise if they jump.
Akeem Aguste, S—Hard hitter and pretty good in coverage. His stock isn't quite there yet.  The positional switch from CB to S hurts (from the NFL draft standpoint, not his chance of success on the team). He is also a bit undersized. 
Antonio Allen, S—Could be very good. He gets his chance to start. It would take a monster year for him to jump, but it wouldn't be surprising, given the recent jump of Clifton Geathers. 
Travian Robertson, DT—A player with good size, a fair amount of experience, and a projected starter, Travian Robertson has the look of an elite player. Then you look at his production. It just isn't there. He has made plays for the team, and looked good last year before tearing his ACL at the Ole' Miss game. Applied for a medical redshirt, so obviously his eligibility is important to him. 
High Chance
By high chance, I mean relatively speaking.  These players already have some sort of track record, and have played well enough for some buzz to be garnered around them. 
If they have big seasons, any of these players could jump. 
Shaq Wilson, LB—Shaq stepped in admirably when Rodney Paulk went down with a season ending injury. A tireless worker, Wilson will be very productive this year, and will give fans reasons to be worried about an early exit. 
Stephen Garcia, QB—The much maligned QB has taken a lot of heat for his work ethic, but has performed very well at times. Steve Spurrier sees a great deal of potential in him (thus the verbal assault). If Garcia works extremely hard over the summer, he will have every opportunity to succeed. If he improves on his good 2009 numbers, he would at least have a legitimate reason to test the waters.
The Player Most Likely to Jump
If I had to put money on which player is the most likely to jump, I would put my money on Garcia.  His constant ridicule and the presence of teacher's pet Connor Shaw could be sitting in the back of his mind.
Even if he has a great season though, I think he will be back.  In fact, I don't see any reason to think any of these players will go early to the draft. 
I could have guessed that Clifton Geathers would have jumped last year.  No one stands out in this group as having that sort of attitude.  Is this the year that South Carolina finally gets the peace of mind that comes with the junior class returning to be seniors?  We will see.
 Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Is 2010 the Year of the Gamecock? Can the University of South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks really win an SEC Championship under th guide of Steve Spurrier? "Maybe next year"... some will say. But many proclaim it is now or never for the Gamecocks. Steve Spurrier must produce a strong season or trouble will tear up the Gamecock City- Columbia, South Carolina.

Stephen Garcia must fight to stay alive or true freshman Connor Shaw of the Flowery Branch, GA Falcons will steal his spot. The offensive line is the key to keeping order for Carolina. The defense looks like it will be good as always, but the offense is a question mark... as always.

South Carolina has the keys to contend on offense. This includes two talented quarterbacks that need to work hard over the summer, Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw. Also this includes tall wideouts Tori Gurley, Alshon Jeffery and Jason Barnes. Three great Tight ends in Jared Cook, Justice Cunningham, and TE/FB Pat DiMarco.

Nevertheless, the Gamecocks main goal is to play in the 2010 SEC Championship. South Carolina must overcome offensive problems, quarterback issues, defensive injuries, and whatever it takes in 2010 to keep order in Columbia.

The Gamecocks must win most games in the SEC and have to beat archrival Clemson in the 2010 campaign. And that's what we will preview today...
Begin Slideshow