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

The South Carolina Gamecocks (7-2, 5-2 SEC) will have their SEC finale against the Florida Gators (5-4, 3-4 SEC) set for noon on Saturday, Nov. 12. The game will be televised nationally on CBS. Carolina enters the contest ranked 15th in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches poll, and are 13th in the latest BCS Standings. The Gators are unranked.Despite the Gators being out of the SEC East title race they are positioned to play a crucial role in helping to determine who the represents the East at the SEC Championship.  If they successfully upset South Carolina, then it’s Georgia’s.  A Gators loss at the hands of USC, keeps the hopes of the “garnet & black” faithful alive for a SEC East repeat.For South Carolina to taste gridiron glory, these 10 players will need to step up big for the Gamecocks against the Florida Gators:Begin Slideshow

For the South Carolina Gamecocks to avoid an opening weekend upset, five key players must step up against the Pirates of East Carolina. Most have predicted the Gamecocks to win easily, but ECU is a team not to be overlooked as they are an admirable foe and would love nothing more than to spoil what could be a special season for USC. This game will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Network at 7 p.m. Coach Steve Spurrier has preached to his team to take it one game at a time, and the Gamecocks will need the following five football players to step up to ensure victory in Charlotte is sealed and they are:Begin Slideshow

When South Carolina and East Carolina line up across from each other in Charlotte this weekend all eyes are going to be on the offense, but what about their defensive expectations? The Gamecocks defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is known around the SEC—and around the nation—for building nationally recognized defenses. In 2010, Johnson  was third in the SEC and 12th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 112.4 yards on the ground and holding opponents to under 100 rushing yards nine times.Johnson has coached in four SEC Championship games and has been a part of a national title. It is safe to say that Ellis Johnson is no stranger to pressure and knows how to get the job done. The Gamecocks were first in the SEC with 41 sacks, for a loss of 259 yards. One amazing fact is that those 41 sacks were spread out among 12 different players. The most notable among those 12 would have to be Melvin Ingram and Devin Taylor. Ingram had nine sacks for a loss of 65 yards. The defensive lineman ranked third in the SEC for sacks and came in second on the team with 11 tackles for a loss. The senior from Hamlet, NC is possibly the best all-around athlete on this defense and could play any position asked of him.Ingram is set to line up at defensive end opposite another impact player, Devin Taylor. Taylor was named first team All-SEC by the Associated Press, Rivals.com and Phill Steele. He led the defensive linemen with 46 tackles—13 for a loss—and 7.5 sacks. Taylor is expected to step up his game this season and build on his breakout year from 2010. Rushing defense is just one aspect of a defensive game. The Gamecocks struggled at times last year in the secondary. They are going to have to improve this season to have any hopes at making a run at the SEC Championship.The problem is not the talent of the starters, but the lack of depth in the secondary. The Gamecocks have Stephon Gilmore, D.J. Swearinger, Jimmy Legree and Akeem Auguste penciled in as their starters for the 2011 season. Stephon Gilmore was the interception leader with three for 97 yards. Gilmore is an All-SEC performer that has the big play ability and work ethic required of a leader in the secondary. He led the team with 79 tackles, with six for a loss.Akeem Auguste returned to practice on Friday after dealing with an injury and plans to practice all this week to prepare for East Carolina. Auguste has been moved back to cornerback, after spending last season at free safety. He racked up 58 tackles, with four for a loss. Auguste is thought by most to have excellent instincts and is a powerful hitter. It is going to be crucial for this secondary to step up and play well this season for the Gamecocks to have a breakout year. The East Carolina Pirates defense is led by Coach Brian Mitchell. Mitchell took on the task of rebuilding the Pirates defense in 2010, after losing nine starters. His task became even harder when he lost three players during the season due to injuries. The East Carolina Defense racked 1035 tackles, 15 sacks, 11 interceptions and recovered 10 fumbles. Defensive end Matt Milner took the lead with three sacks in 2010 for the Pirates. Milner also racked up 47 tackles, with seven for a loss. He brings a mix of speed and passion for the game that makes him a man that Coach Mitchell needs to be a leader on this East Carolina Defensive line.  Milner is joined by fellow defensive lineman Derrell Johnson, who rose to the starting position as a true freshman in 2010. Johnson recorded 40 tackles—4.5 for a loss—and one sack. Much like the Gamecocks, the Pirates secondary was a sore spot for the 2010 season. But some would not put all the blame on the secondary for their performance. It was widely recognized that they were getting no help from their front seven. It is still not known if they are going to be any better this year, but they are getting one more year out of defensive back Bradley Jacobs. He will be joined by fellow defensive back Emanuel Davis. Bradley Jacobs led the secondary with 80 tackles and four interceptions, totaling 54 yards. Jacobs is full of intensity and has great ball awareness. Emanuel Davis joins Jacobs and is considered by many to be one of the best corner backs in the nation. Davis had 54 sacks, two interceptions and nine breakups. Overall, the talent is there in the secondary. The true test is going to be on the defensive line to get the pass rush. Only time will tell if this secondary unit is going to receive any help. This defensive battle is going to come down to the styles of the offenses they are going to face. The East Carolina defense, although putting up some decent numbers last year, were still far from SEC caliber.South Carolina is going to come at them with a balanced offense. They are going spread the field with their talented receiver core and then run Marcus Lattimore up the middle. It is going to be crucial for the front seven of the Pirates defense to play well. If they can’t hold the line and apply some pressure it is a lost cause for the Pirates on Saturday. South Carolina is poised to dominate the East Carolina offensive line. This will put some pressure on quarterback Dominique Davis. Davis likes to do a three step drop and get rid of the ball quickly, so it is still going to be up to the secondary to contain and control the wide receivers.This would be an excellent chance for the Gamecock secondary to prove that there is no weak link in this defense. If Melvin Ingram, Stephon Gilmore and Devin Taylor can get to Davis enough to make him rush his throws, I predict the Gamecocks secondary could have a big day.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

Many believe the University of South Carolina football team could have a special 2011 college football season.  To make this a reality, the Gamecocks must make it through a tough schedule before the taste of yet another SEC East divisional crown can be savored Here are the five crucial games on USC's 2011 schedule:Begin Slideshow

Many believe the University of South Carolina football team could have a special 2011 college football season.  To make this a reality, the Gamecocks must make it through a tough schedule before the taste of yet another SEC East divisional crown can be savored. Here are the five crucial games on USC's 2011 schedule:Begin Slideshow

The South Carolina Gamecocks football team has been picked to win the SEC Eastern Division crown in 2011.  Don’t rub your eyes, as you are reading that correctly.  For the first time since joining the Southeastern Conference in 1992, the South Carolina Gamecocks are the preseason favorite to win the Eastern Division, according to a poll of media members attending the SEC Media Days in Birmingham.  For the South Carolina football program, this is the new normal. Success began on the recruiting trail with strong 2009 and 2010 classes that yielded the likes of defensive back Stephon Gilmore and running back Marcus Lattimore.  That foundation building, combined with a solid coaching staff behind head coach Steve Spurrier, has helped to engineer the type of football performances that the Gamecock faithful have been praying for.  Last year, the Gamecocks beat then-No. 1 Alabama, avoided the bite of the Georgia Bulldogs at home and took care of the Florida Gators in the “Swamp.”  This new found success on the gridiron led to the Gamecocks being the representatives of the SEC East in the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship for the first time in the program’s history.Going into the offseason, the Gamecocks used the momentum of 2010 to land the nation’s top recruit, Jadeveon Clowney, and build crucial depth at key positions through again building a solid recruiting class to help sustain the progression of the program. South Carolina has been playing football since 1896 and has an all-time record of 534-535-44.  This will be the year that the label of mediocrity is permanently stripped due to a repeat as the SEC East champs. The Gamecocks have the offensive firepower fueled by two of the best playmakers in the conference in running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.  Their defense is vastly improved over last years’ squad with key depth and a star-studded defensive line, led by Devin Taylor. Coach Spurrier knows that as long as quarterback Stephen Garcia can manage the offense mistake-free, injuries are avoided and the defense steps up, then look out as this will, again, not be your average Gamecocks but the Gamecocks with that championship strut.  If you are still in disbelief, here is how the SEC Media voted:  SEC EAST PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:South Carolina - 931 (114)Georgia - 794 (38)Florida - 731 (12)Tennessee - 496 (2)Kentucky - 340 (1)Vanderbilt - 215(First-place votes in parentheses)SEC WEST PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:Alabama - 925 (111)LSU - 790 (30)Arkansas - 717 (23)Mississippi State - 455 (1)Auburn - 406Ole Miss - 214 (2)SEC CHAMPION: Alabama (98), LSU (29), Arkansas (18), South Carolina (14), Georgia (4), Florida (2), Ole Miss (2)Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

The South Carolina Gamecocks football team has been picked to win the SEC Eastern Division crown in 2011.  Don’t rub your eyes, as you are reading that correctly. 
For the first time since joining the Southeastern Conference in 1992, the South Carolina Gamecocks are the preseason favorite to win the Eastern Division, according to a poll of media members attending the SEC Media Days in Birmingham.  For the South Carolina football program, this is the new normal.
Success began on the recruiting trail with strong 2009 and 2010 classes that yielded the likes of defensive back Stephon Gilmore and running back Marcus Lattimore.  That foundation building, combined with a solid coaching staff behind head coach Steve Spurrier, has helped to engineer the type of football performances that the Gamecock faithful have been praying for. 
Last year, the Gamecocks beat then-No. 1 Alabama, avoided the bite of the Georgia Bulldogs at home and took care of the Florida Gators in the “Swamp.”  This new found success on the gridiron led to the Gamecocks being the representatives of the SEC East in the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship for the first time in the program’s history.
Going into the offseason, the Gamecocks used the momentum of 2010 to land the nation’s top recruit, Jadeveon Clowney, and build crucial depth at key positions through again building a solid recruiting class to help sustain the progression of the program.
South Carolina has been playing football since 1892 and has an all-time record of 543-541-44.  This will be the year that the label of mediocrity is permanently stripped due to a repeat as the SEC East champs.
The Gamecocks have the offensive firepower fueled by two of the best playmakers in the conference in running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.  Their defense is vastly improved over last years’ squad with key depth and a star-studded defensive line, led by Devin Taylor.
Coach Spurrier knows that as long as quarterback Stephen Garcia can manage the offense mistake-free, injuries are avoided and the defense steps up, then look out as this will, again, not be your average Gamecocks but the Gamecocks with that championship strut. 
If you are still in disbelief, here is how the SEC Media voted:
SEC EAST PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:
South Carolina - 931 (114)Georgia - 794 (38)Florida - 731 (12)Tennessee - 496 (2)Kentucky - 340 (1)Vanderbilt - 215(First-place votes in parentheses)SEC WEST PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:
Alabama - 925 (111)LSU - 790 (30)Arkansas - 717 (23)Mississippi State - 455 (1)Auburn - 406Ole Miss - 214 (2)SEC CHAMPION: Alabama (98), LSU (29), Arkansas (18), South Carolina (14), Georgia (4), Florida (2), Ole Miss (2)Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com

The South Carolina Gamecocks are fresh off of a 2010 that saw them earn nine wins, claim ownership of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference and put together a solid recruiting class.  USC has the opportunity to do it all again in 2011 and show the college football world that they are not a one-hit wonder. Coach Spurrier has arguably his best team coming into the 2011 season as it has speed, talent and depth.  On top of that there is opportunity for USC to claim the SEC East due to continued rebuilding amongst the "usual suspects." In order for South Carolina to repeat in the SEC East, there are five Gamecock players that must evolve during spring football as their improved play in 2011 is what will bring home gridiron glory. When people think of South Carolina football in 2011, they will say the likely names of Marcus Lattimore or Alshon Jeffery.  Those are two of the best players on the team and will be limited in spring ball to protect them.  USC success does hinge on Jeffery and Lattimore having stellar seasons again, but let's talk about five players that must step up and aid the team to success in 2011.Begin Slideshow

The South Carolina Gamecocks are fresh off of a 2010 that saw them earn nine wins, claim ownership of the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference and put together a solid recruiting class.  USC has the opportunity to do it all again in 2011 and show the college football world that they are not a one-hit wonder. Coach Spurrier has arguably his best team coming into the 2011 season as it has speed, talent and depth.  On top of that there is opportunity for USC to claim the SEC East due to continued rebuilding amongst the "usual suspects." In order for South Carolina to repeat in the SEC East, there are five Gamecock players that must evolve during spring football as their improved play in 2011 is what will bring home gridiron glory. When people think of South Carolina football in 2011, they will say the likely names of Marcus Lattimore or Alshon Jeffery.  Those are two of the best players on the team and will be limited in spring ball to protect them.  USC success does hinge on Jeffery and Lattimore having stellar seasons again, but let's talk about five players that must step up and aid the team to success in 2011.Begin Slideshow