Another LOI just arrived.

Happy National Signing Day y’all!

TRC Unleashed returns from a well-earned sabbatical just in time for Signing Day, and guess who they have in tow? Only six-time South Carolina Sportscaster of the Year Phil Kornblut and his mad recruiting knowledge.

But seriously, Phil brings every bit of his 30+ years of covering recruiting to the table and it is well worth listening to his take on this year’s Gamecock recruiting class (hint: it’s pretty darned good) and the players we can expect to see on the field in 2013.

You do have to listen to us ramble on about basketball for about 15 minutes before we bring Phil in, but it’s well worth the wait.

Click the graphic to LISTEN UP!

Our new favorite website is here.

It started with a tweet from PegPelvisPete (@PegPelvisPete) last football season, I think it was last football season, that said…

Clowney comin’

The simplicity of that is magnificent. Just a calm, simple two words that indicate hell is about to be unleashed on anything carrying a football not wearing the Gamecock garnet and black. And it wears number 7.

For some reason that short phrase hit me on the way to work this morning and made me LOL. And I don’t LOL much ever.

This voice in my head – an old southern gentleman, probably some type of a farmer who has seen bad times and don’t likely scare easy – calmly utters this simple phrase…Clowney comin’…and mayhem ensues. People run for cover, falling all over each other to find refuge under a bed or behind a parked car or in a hall closet. They know he’s comin, and it ain’t gonna be good.

So PPP had the idea for the Tumblr site, and I immediately thought of DJ Swearinger Photoshop master George Stevens (@Jorge_Stevens), and those two birthed the site, which is magnificent.

Kudos guys, may it live on forever.

Clowney comin’.

Today Tajh Boyd announced he will be returning in the fall to play his senior season at Clemson.

“This is a great day for me, as I have a great love for Clemson University, and a great love for college football.” Boyd said. “We still have a lot to accomplish as a team, and I have some personal goals I would like to attain at this level before turning my attention to the NFL.”

Boyd then went deeper into his decision to stay in school.

“I’m not going to lie, I like being hit. I get a real rush out of that feeling – just being tackled hard by big defensive linemen and linebackers,” he said. “I’m afraid by going to the NFL I won’t get that feeling, because those offensive linemen protect really well, unlike what I get here week in and week out.”

“This may come as a surprise, but I don’t necessarily want to be protected on every play. I crave getting hit.”

There’s one team in particular he’s looking forward to facing.

“Oh, I’ve got that trip to Williams Brice circled,” Boyd said. “I mean, let’s get one thing straight, we’re not going to win that game. As Clemson Tigers we all need to go ahead and resign ourselves to that fact. But me? I’m looking forward to getting sacked multiple times. Driven into the turf. Blindsided. You name it, I can’t wait.”   

The thought of playing against Jadeveon Clowney made for a very emotional moment for Boyd.

“When Clowney hits you it’s just the best. It’s so powerful, and it hurts like crazy. I can’t wait until November so I can feel that feeling again and again,” he said. “That hit in the Outback Bowl…”

Boyd paused for several moments with his hand over his mouth to compose himself.

“It was magical, man. I still have dreams about that – taking a shot right to the chest, helmet flying off – wishing that was me. It CAN be me, that’s one of the main reasons I came back.”

When asked what he will be working on with offensive coordinator Chad Morris during the offseason he didn’t hesitate.

“A lot of runs…to Clowney’s side.”

Polls are flawed. Polls are subjective.

Polls cause arguments that can’t be won by anyone.

Preseason polls are the worst and unnecessary, while postseason polls are ok (and necessary), but still inherently flawed.

South Carolina finished with its highest ranking ever in the final coaches poll, coming in at number seven. However, the two teams that beat the Gamecocks – Florida and LSU – finished behind us.  

One of the teams we beat – Georgia – finished ahead of us.

That is because when teams lose, they fall.  When teams win, they rise, or at worst stay where they were the previous week. It’s automatic.

So when #6 South Carolina beat #5 Georgia, we rose a little, and they fell a little.

The next week we lost to a top 5 team and Georgia was idle.  We fell a little, they rose a little.

Then the next week we lost to a top 5 team again, and Georgia won again.  We fell a little, they rose a little.  And all of a sudden the team we beat just three weeks prior, by four touchdowns no less, was deemed the better team once again. At least according to the rankings.

Certainly there are variables that lead to more precipitous drops or greater climbs in the polls, but much of your final status is determined by when you lose as much as to whom you lose.

So when I looked at the final top 25 and saw Notre Dame at number three, I just had to do something about it. With apologies to Louis Nix III, we all know they’re not the third best team in the country, right?  Not even close.

So, I gave it the old eye test.  Who looked the best for the most number of weeks throughout the season, combined with who looked the best at the close of the season.  Throw records out (somewhat) and throw statistics out (completely). And throw out transitive properties, because we all know that definitely doesn’t work.

So I put together some unidentifiable criteria in my mostly empty skull and my flawed (but less flawed) Eye Test Top 25 looks something like this:

1. Alabama – The Tide was teetering at the end of the year. They lost to TAMU, and barely squeaked by UGA to get into the title game. Then a month-long dose of Saban game-planning combined with a significantly overmatched opponent made Bama look like one of the greatest teams ever. I’m not taking anything away from U of A, they’re a dynasty, plain and simple. I’m just saying the gap between 1 and 2 is not as great as you might think.
2. Texas A&M – Pummeled everything in their path once they learned who they were. An A&M-Bama matchup for the title would’ve been a dandy, and in a 16-team tournament format I think would’ve happened. Alas, Alabama gets the edge because, you know, National Championship and all.
3. Oregon – I almost have to put them here so I don’t look SO much like an SEC homer. I admittedly didn’t see them play much this year, and there were supremely impressive when I did. Still, they had their problems along the way. Even so, they stick at #3.
4. South Carolina – Hey, this is a Gamecock blog, you really expect me to put us behind Georgia? It’s truly a toss-up for the #4 slot, and because of USC’s dominating 35-7 victory in October I have to give this one to the home team.
5. Georgia – It pains me to say it, but Georgia was awfully good by the end of the year. Their defense was enigmatic given they have at least NINE draft picks in their starting eleven. Their offense could score with anyone, and almost did in the SECCG. Phew, thank God for tipped passes.
6. Stanford – A very tough, physical football team I really enjoyed watching when I had the opportunity. David Shaw has done a remarkable job since taking over for Jim Harbaugh.
7. Louisville – You saw the Sugar Bowl, right?
8. Florida State – I really don’t know if Florida State deserves to be here. If they ever get coaching to match their top 5 talent they’ll easily be the cream of the ACC crop.
9. Florida – Florida had one of the most impressive regular season resumes out there. But you saw the Sugar Bowl, right?
10. Clemson – You won’t hear this spoken on this blog very often, but really a pretty good team. Boyd is definitely one of the top quarterbacks in the country when not playing South Carolina. And their skill talent is excellent. Still, probably would be the sixth, seventh best team in the SEC.
    (Quick, everybody do a quick chant with me:  SEC! SEC! SEC!)
11. Kansas State – Remarkable what Bill Snyder has done with this program.
12. LSU – Incredible talent. Massive brain farting by the head coach. No reason these guys shouldn’t finish top 5 every season. Instead they lose to an ACC team to close out the year.
13. Boise State – Completely off my radar all year, but finished with a great record and an impressive bowl victory, albeit against a pretty terrible Washington team.
14. Notre Dame – National Championship contender? Puh-leeze.
15. Northwestern – Pat Fitzgerald is a great, great coach. Has made a perennial doormat into a consistent winner. Don’t know why his name doesn’t come up more often in coaching circles. Maybe because he’s a Northwestern alum.
16. Oklahoma – Get sick of hearing about this team every year when they’re only slightly above average. Bitch-slapped by TAMU.
17. Vanderbilt – Might deserve to be higher. Another amazing coaching job, but James Franklin has a lot of that Dabo rah-rah in him which can wear thin pretty easily. Then again, this is Vandy. He could probably wear floppy shoes and a big red nose on the sideline and they wouldn’t care as long as he’s winning.
18. Utah State – Don’t know exactly why, but here they are.
19. Texas – See Oklahoma, but with a bowl win.
20. Michigan – Good team with a good coach. Michigan will be a Top 10 team again shortly.
21. Oregon State – Meh.
22. Nebraska – Taylor Martinez thinks they should be ranked higher.
23. Cincinnati – Meh part II.
24. UCLA – Surprisingly good job by Jim Mora. (Not Jr., he’s not a Jr., so stop calling him that.)
25. Baylor – Phil Bennett doesn’t believe the SEC has ever seen an offense like this.*Not considered because I’m a football snob:
    San Jose State
    Northern Illinois
    Tulsa

The TRC Unleashed crew returns from a month long sabbatical to review the amazing Outback Bowl victory over Michigan, and some play that some guy made that a lot of people are talking about.

And Buck tells some people to shut up.

And we break down Dabo’s sermon from New Year’s Eve.

And Tbone promises to broadcast naked if we win the National Title next year. (EWWWWWWW.)

Click the graphic and give a listen!

The “Mt. Rushmore of…” thing comes up in sports discussions (and other facets of life) on occasion.  Last week listening to sports talk radio in Atlanta they were talking about the Braves’ Mt. Rushmore and who would be on it.

I tweeted a question to our followers that night about who would make the Mt. Rushmore of Gamecock football and got several responses.  There are some givens, but there were also some surprising responses (IMHO).  So I decided to go through who the contenders are (IMHO), and then give you the definitive TRC Mt. Rushmore of Gamecock Football.

What does the Mt. Rushmore of Gamecock Football mean?  Hell, I don’t know.  But I tried to come up with people who I feel have been the greatest players or coaches, most memorable player or coaches, and had the greatest impact on the Gamecock football program over its history.  I included mostly players, and one coach.  Could a case for an AD or other administrator be made?  Maybe even a fan or booster?  Sure, but I couldn’t think of any to include in my list.

Again, these are my humble opinions (IMHO), so don’t get too bent out of shape if your favorite Gamecock didn’t make the list.  Also, Mt. Rushmore has FOUR people.  No more.  No less.  So if you think someone should have their face carved in stone, remember, you have a make a case for them that’s stronger than my final four.  Good luck.

The contenders:

Steve Wadiak (RB, 1948-1951) – Perhaps the best and most memorable football player in the first 70 years of Gamecock football.  Still ranks fourth all-time and South Carolina in rushing yards with 2,878. Southern Conference player of the year in 1950 and was mentioned on a few All-America teams.  Was drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, but tragically died in a car accident in March of 1952. Jersey number 37 is retired. 

The verdict:  If the Gamecock football Mt. Rushmore had been built prior to 2010, there is no doubt Wadiak would be a part of it.  But now, while it’s hard to leave him off, it’s also difficult to find a spot for him.  For me, it came down to Wadiak and Lattimore for the final spot.          

Jeff Grantz (QB , 1973-1975) – If this was a Mt. Rushmore of Gamecock athletes as opposed to Gamecock football players, Grantz would be a shoo-in.  He was a second-team All-America quarterback and was also an integral part of three USC baseball teams, including the 1975 College World Series team.  Besides a 260-yard rushing game, his overall numbers don’t exactly dazzle, but then again football was a different game in the 70’s.  

The verdict:  The old-timers would tell you you’re crazy for leaving Grantz off, but there are just too many ahead of him.

George Rogers (RB, 1977-1980) – 1980 Heisman Trophy winner. 

The verdict: 1980 Heisman Trophy winner, he’s in.

Sterling Sharpe (WR, 1983-1987) – I made the case for Sharpe as the greatest Gamecock football player ever back in 2010.  I still think that is the case, for now.  There are few clips left of Sharpe as a collegian, and that is a shame, as he was the most electric football player I have ever seen in person.  A two-time All-American, he was headed for the NFL Hall of Fame before a neck injury cut his career short.  Has been a successful analyst for ESPN and the NFL Network for years.  

The verdict:  A no-doubter in my mind.

Steve Taneyhill (QB, 1992-1995) – The long-haired QB from Pennsylvania led the Gamecocks to their first ever bowl victory.  Getting that monkey of the collective Gamecock Nation back puts him the running automatically.  But he was also a pretty darned good quarterback and holds the single-season records for TDs (29), completion percentage (67%), and total completions (261), and the career record for TDs with 62.

The verdict:  I’m sure there will be some wondering why Todd Ellis didn’t get consideration and Taneyhill did.  The deciding factor was that, from a national perspective, #18 was the easily most recognizable Gamecock between Rogers and Holtz, a span of almost 20 years.  Even so, Taneyhill doesn’t make the cut.      

John Abraham (DE, 1996-1999) – Prior to a guy named Clowney, the best defensive end to ever play in a USC uniform.  However, he had the misfortune of playing on the two worst Gamecock football teams ever. Led the team in sacks all four years at USC, and is still one of the most dominant ends in the NFL at age 34.  Borderline Hall of Famer. 

The verdict:  Didn’t get the pub because of the teams he played on, but Abraham was on par with Jadeveon Clowney as far as dominance at the DE position. (His NFL career if proof of that.) Closer to being in stone than you might think, but doesn’t quite make it.

Sidney Rice (WR, 2005-2006) – Depending on whose opinion you’re getting, no worse than the third best wide receiver in USC history, Rice broke multiple records in his two seasons on the gridiron. Finished with 2233 yards and 23 TD catches, including the single-season record of 13. Despite injury problems, currently one of the more dangerous wideouts in the NFL.  

The verdict:  Just a spectacular player, has more than proven his worth at the highest level.  Would’ve loved to have seen him play for SOS for at least one more year.  But with only two years on the field he doesn’t make the cut.

Alshon Jeffery (WR, 2009-2011) – Dominant and doggone fun to watch.  Holds the record for catches and yards in a single season (88-1517).  Didn’t really come onto the scene until halfway through his freshman year, and then had a sub-par junior season, but everything in between was downright spectacular.  Just ask #1 ranked Alabama.

The verdict: There were a surprising number of tweets that mentioned #1 for Gamecock Mt. Rushmore.  As great as he was, he doesn’t make the list for me.   

Marcus Lattimore (RB, 2010-2012) – I don’t think I need to go into much detail as to why he’s on the list here.  Considered as much for what he has meant to the program off the field for his considerable accomplishments on the field.  

The verdict:  As I said above, the fourth spot to me came down to Wadiak and Lattimore, and really it’s a toss-up.  I went with Latti because I feel like he might be the most beloved Gamecock of all time, and think his legacy will be lasting.  

Jadeveon Clowney (DE, 2011-present) – On his way to being the most dominant Gamecock defender ever. 

The verdict:  “On his way…” Check back this time next year and maybe he gets a spot in stone, but as of today he’s not quite there yet.

Steve Spurrier (HBC, 2005-present) – Winningest head coach ever at USC.  Has had more impact on our football program than any other individual.  

The verdict:  The last three years make this one a no-brainer.

Others considered – Paul Dietzel, Andrew Provence, Robert Brooks, Todd Ellis, Lou Holtz

And, drumroll please, here is the TRC Gamecock Football Mt. Rushmore: