Gamecocks Get Pumped Up

By: Madison Tucker

 

It is confirmed that Marcus Lattimore will be leaving South Carolina to play in the NFL. Lattimore announced on Wednesday, December 12^th that he has decided to play professionally. It is, however, unclear if Lattimore will try and play in the 2013 season. With the knee injury he suffered on October 27, it is unlikely that Lattimore will be able to participate fully in the physical aspects of NFL scouting, and may have to sit out the 2013 season.

Jadeveon Clowney – sophomore defensive end – has been named to the Football Writers Association of America All-American team. The announcement was made on December 14. Coach Spurrier commented at Saturday’s practice that “ Everybody is proud of him.”  Clowney is just the second person in Gamecocks history to earn a unanimous All-American appointment.

December 15 was the start of mini-camp to get the South Carolina Gamecocks ready for their bowl game against Michigan. Coach Spurrier stated that half of the team was not there for practice, and that he is getting Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson ready for the game. Spurrier said that Shaw may only play half of the game and Thompson the other half. Shaw was not at practice on Saturday, but would be on Sunday.

Coach Spurrier also said that Kyle Harris and D.L Moore would not be going with the team to Tampa. Harris is expected to transfer, and Moore’s career as a Gamecock is over. Both violated team rules, but there are no academic issues facing the team as they prepare.