South Carolina fullback Patrick DiMarco is a man who has been a staple on the Gamecocks football team for the last four years.  He has become a fan favorite, and a player who will be missed in the 2011 season. However, his NFL prospects do not look as bright as they should be. He is listed as a potential fifth to seventh rounder, but some draft websites have him slipping to free agency.  This shouldn't happen. Here is why...Begin Slideshow

To help get you ready for the 2010 college football season, here is a look at the South Carolina Gamecocks upcoming opponents ranked from easiest to hardest.On the last slide, we give you some scenarios as far as outcomes for the 2010 season.The Gamecocks will make noise in the SEC East in 2010; how much is yet to be determined.Spurrier and the fans have their eyes on Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.  Can it be done?  Read more to see who stands in their way and how easy those teams are going to be to reach the goal.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

South Carolina's first game against Southern Miss is only a few weeks away, and the fans cannot wait for what is expected to be a very big year for South Carolina. 
This season, each position will play a vital part in the process of bringing South Carolina an SEC Championship. 
This season, I will be bringing a weekly positional power ranking. Much like journalists do for leagues and conferences but with a twist.
Each week, all of South Carolina's positions will be ranked according to the performances that they have on the field (stock market style).  
However, on paper, there is a clear cut best and worst position on this team. Without further ado, here are South Carolina's positional rankings!
 
1.  Defensive Backs
South Carolina has many playmakers ready to step up this year. Stephon Gilmore is arguably the best athlete on the entire team. Chris Culliver, C.C. Whitlock, Akeem Auguste, and DeVonte Holloman are all great players. This is a deep and talented position, and it enters the season as the No. 1 unit. 
 
2.  Wide Receiver
Another deep position with talent is wide receivers as it comes in a respectable second in the preseason rankings. Alshon Jeffery and Tori Gurley have the potential to be elite players. Jason Barnes, Dion LeCorn, D.L. Moore, and DeMario Bennett all have skills.
 
3. Linebackers
There is a lot of talent at this position. Rodney Paulk returns from injury and should provide veteran talent and leadership. Shaw Wilson has great ability for an undersized linebacker. Josh Dickerson and Toquavius Gilchrist will play major roles as well as the "spur" players—Antonio Allen and Demario Jeffery.
 
4. Running Back
This is a group to watch. 
Many talented players are in this group, and once it produces it should shoot up the list. 
Kenny Miles is a great workmanlike back. Jarvis Giles has speed to burn. Brian Maddox is a GREAT power back. Bryce Sherman could play a role, and of course, everyone is expecting great things from freshman Marcus Lattimore. 
The fullbacks are also a part of this group, and Patrick DeMarco (who also plays tight end) could have a big season.
 
5. Quarterback 
Stephen Garcia could have a monstrous breakout season, or he could be average and lose his spot to freshman Connor Shaw. 
After the great quarterback exodus of 2009-10 that saw SC lose three quarterbacks, there is not a great deal of depth behind these two. Zac Brandise and Andrew Clifford could be good, but there isn't enough experience here to warrant higher than a five ranking.
 
6. Tight Ends
Controversy surrounds current starter and potential NFL draftee Weslye Saunders. A big body with soft hands, Saunders could be an elite SEC starter if he stays focused. 
Justice Cunningham has talent and size to spare. Pat DiMarco should also see time here, and he has proven (as a fullback) to have excellent hands. This is another position to watch.
 
7. Defensive Line
Some of South Carolina's best players could potentially be here. Cliff Matthews, Devin Taylor, Travian Robertson, and Ladi Ajiboye could have big years. Why do I have them ranked so low? Lack of depth.
 
8. Special Teams
South Carolina has a great kicker in Spencer Lanning. However, the kickoff specialist is still a question mark, and kick coverage was horrendous last year. 
Chris Culliver and Bryce Sherman are great kickoff men, and Stephon Gilmore is a reliable punt returner. Fix the coverage, and this glaring problem from last year becomes a team strength.
 
9. Offensive Line
This position has to be last coming into the season. Nine players weigh over three HUNDRED pounds, but they must get used to Coach Shawn Elliot's new scheme. This area must improve for South Carolina to have any success. 
Check back after the Southern Miss game to see the risers and fallers within the team.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Here is a list of the five games the Gamecocks must win for two reasons. Not just to get to the SEC Championship game, but to prove to everyone out there that they are for real. Even if the Gamecocks don't get to Atlanta to play for the SEC Championship, winning these five games will impress just as many people.

The SEC never fails to be impressive, and a few of the teams on this list are considered top of the heap, not just in the SEC, but in the NCAA. Begin Slideshow

Here is a list of the five games the Gamecocks must win for two reasons. Not just to get to the SEC Championship game, but to prove to everyone out there that they are for real. Even if the Gamecocks don't get to Atlanta to play for the SEC Championship, winning these five games will impress just as many people.

The SEC never fails to be impressive, and a few of the teams on this list are considered top of the heap, not just in the SEC, but in the NCAA. Begin Slideshow

This isn't about predictions or expectations, this is simply what happened at the Garnet and Black game this past Saturday, April 10th.  It is also talk about who to watch and what to watch for.
Keep in mind that a good spring game does not a starter make.  If so, Justice Cunningham would be the hands-down starter for the Gamecocks at tight end in 2010.  I don't see that happening as he has some stiff competition, especially from incumbent starter Weslye Saunders.
Steve Spurrier—who has never been known for boosting the ego of his quarterback—made less than flattering comments about 2009 starter Stephen Garcia in a recent ESPN interview.  Garcia has said that he will use the comments as motivation and work even harder as summer and the 2010 season approaches.
Garcia didn't get off to the best start this past Saturday, but rebounded nicely going 8-15 for 79 yards with a touchdown and an interception.  The interception was a pass that bounced out of his intended receiver's hands and into the hands of Akeem Auguste.
There will be positions battles this off-season, including the position always under the thumb of Spurrier—the quarterback position.  Unlike the others, with Saunders, DiMarco and Cunningham at tight end, Paulk and Dickerson at linebacker, Gurley and Lecorn at slot receiver and Auguste and Swearinger at free safety, it's Stephen Garcia vs. what seems like the world.
Garcia has true freshman and likely backup quarterback (if not starter) Connor Shaw  over his shoulder. Shaw went went 4 of 8 for 59 yards while Zac Brandise was 5 of 8 for 70 yards.  The best performing quarterback of the Garnet and Black game overall was Andrew Clifford who threw 8-12 for 100 yards.  Walk-on Seth Strickland is also in the running for the job, though not expected to earn it.
Spurrier was his usual self, not optimistic, but not overly pessimistic.  "We are certainly not a very good team yet," Spurrier said.  "We have a chance if some guys come through. We have a chance, but not until we've earned it. Don't start praising the Gamecocks yet."
I agree 100%.  Every time the Gamecocks come in with hype, it's a let down, albeit let downs have become the norm around Columbia.  After all, the Gamecocks are gunning for only their second conference championship, and the first since 1969.
Spurrier has also commented that cornerback Stephon Gilmore could play wide receiver in 2010.  It's intriguing to say the least, and since I'm not paid to coach the Gamecocks I won't question it. Maybe he's shown something to the coaches that the rest of us haven't seen.
What I can't question at all is the fact that Stephon Gilmore is a next level athlete.  There is seemingly nothing he can't do.  He's already a great corner, a dual-threat quarterback (as evidenced in the Clemson game last season) and kick returner. 
I personally think he'd be more valuable as a quarterback in the Wild Cock formation, but maybe he isn't needed with both Garcia and Shaw being dual-threats.  There are seemingly no boundaries to his potential and ability as a Gamecock.
I mentioned early that Patrick DiMarco, nephew of PGA golfer Chris DiMarco will be in the running for the spot of starting tight end.  I don't know what, if anything, that tells us, but inquiring minds wonder why he will no longer be at fullback.  With the stable of running backs in Columbia, is it possible there will be a move to a two running back set?
Overall the Garnet and Black game was a good showing, plus no injuries, be it minor or major, seemed to stop the Gamecocks.  The quarterback position may be up for grabs, but seems to be in good hands.  The running backs as well as receivers seem to be strong, as well as deep.  The defensive backs also look strong, and there is depth there as well.
As I said previously, I won't speculate on the 2010 results based on the spring game, I will only say that the Gamecocks show tremendous potential and have a roster littered with game breakers and game changers.  Only time will tell what 2010 holds for the Garnet and Black.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

This isn't about predictions or expectations.
This is simply what happened at the Garnet and Black game this past Saturday, April 10th. It is also talk about who to watch and what to watch for.
Keep in mind that a good spring game does not a starter make.
If so, Justice Cunningham would be the hands-down starter for the Gamecocks at tight end in 2010. I don't see that happening, as he has some stiff competition, especially from incumbent starter Weslye Saunders.
Steve Spurrier—who has never been known for boosting the ego of his quarterback—made less than flattering comments about 2009 starter Stephen Garcia in a recent ESPN interview. Garcia has said that he will use the comments as motivation and work even harder as summer and the 2010 season approaches.
Garcia didn't get off to the best start this past Saturday, but rebounded nicely, going 8-15 for 79 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The interception was a pass that bounced out of his intended receiver's hands and into the hands of Akeem Auguste.
There will be position battles this off-season, including the position always under the thumb of Spurrier—the quarterback position. Unlike the others, with Saunders, DiMarco and Cunningham at tight end, Paulk and Dickerson at linebacker, Gurley and Lecorn at slot receiver and Auguste and Swearinger at free safety, it's Stephen Garcia versus what seems like the world.
Garcia has true freshman and likely backup quarterback (if not starter) Connor Shaw over his shoulder. Shaw went went 4 of 8 for 59 yards while Zac Brandise was 5 of 8 for 70 yards. The best performing quarterback of the Garnet and Black game overall was Andrew Clifford, who threw 8-12 for 100 yards.  Walk-on Seth Strickland is also in the running for the job, though not expected to earn it.
Spurrier was his usual self, not optimistic, but not overly pessimistic.
"We are certainly not a very good team yet," Spurrier said. "We have a chance if some guys come through. We have a chance, but not until we've earned it. Don't start praising the Gamecocks yet."
I agree 100 percent. 
Every time the Gamecocks come in with hype, it's a let down, albeit let downs have become the norm around Columbia. After all, the Gamecocks are gunning for only their second conference championship and the first since 1969.
Spurrier has also commented that cornerback Stephon Gilmore could play wide receiver in 2010. It's intriguing to say the least, and since I'm not paid to coach the Gamecocks I won't question it. Maybe he's shown something to the coaches that the rest of us haven't seen.
What I can't question at all is the fact that Stephon Gilmore is a next level athlete. There is seemingly nothing he can't do. He's already a great corner, a dual-threat quarterback (as evidenced in the Clemson game last season) and kick returner. 
I personally think he'd be more valuable as a quarterback in the Wild Cock formation, but maybe he isn't needed with both Garcia and Shaw being dual-threats. There are seemingly no boundaries to his potential and ability as a Gamecock.
I mentioned early that Patrick DiMarco, nephew of PGA golfer Chris DiMarco, will be in the running for the spot of starting tight end. I don't know what, if anything, that tells us, but inquiring minds wonder why he will no longer be at fullback. 
With the stable of running backs in Columbia, is it possible there will be a move to a two running back set?
Overall the Garnet and Black game was a good showing, plus no injuries, be it minor or major, seemed to stop the Gamecocks. The quarterback position may be up for grabs, but seems to be in good hands.  The running backs and receivers seem to be strong. The defensive backs also look strong, and there is depth there as well.
As I said previously, I won't speculate on the 2010 results based on the spring game.
I will only say that the Gamecocks show tremendous potential and have a roster littered with game-breakers and game-changers.
Only time will tell what 2010 holds for the Garnet and Black.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com