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Most coaches will tell you that they just want to get out of the spring game without any major injuries. The Gamecocks spring game was a success then by that standard. There was also a very nice crowd there. I estimate around 30,000. Not bad for a very hot day.

If there was an MVP of the spring game it would have to be WR DeAngelo Smith. Smith finished the game with 3 pass receptions for touchdowns. He had 4 receptions total for 118 yards. He has played well all spring and has forced himself into the rotation when fall practice starts. He seems to catch everything thrown to him. That’s my definition of a good receiver. I think he will play a lot next year.

Everyone wants to know how the QBs did, specifically Connor Shaw. Shaw was 17-for-27 for 176 yards and one touchdown. The majority of his passes were short check down passes to the running backs. He did not throw the ball downfield much and was off target when he did. He is fleet of foot and passes well on the run but I wonder when Coach Spurrier is going to start getting on him about holding the ball to long.  He is just a redshirt freshman but it seems to me he wants to take off with the ball sometimes and we know Garcia caught plenty of grief for that. I would give a solid C+ maybe a B for the game. I know he is a hard worker and he is going to have to be to play quarterback next year in the SEC if Garcia does not return. Shaw has all the potential in the world but he has a ways to go to be a starter in the SEC. But as coach says it is what it is.

Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery saw very little action as expected. Several players did not dress out. You just don’t want to take any chances with starters in the spring game. That’s why I said in my article yesterday don’t read to much into the stats and performances.

It looked to me like there was a lot of shuffling of people around on the OL. I believe I saw Rokavius Watkins playing some at both right and left tackle. Coach Elliot likes this line.

If I had to give the kicking game a grade it would probably be a C and that’s being kind. I am just talking the kickers performance today. Our kickoffs were short. I know there was one maybe two missed field goals. The punts were short. The kickers just did not look good today at all. Coach Spurrier said in his comments they have performed well most of the spring. Hopefully it was just a bad day and they got it out of their system.

The DBs had several interceptions. Jimmy Legree had 2 interceptions to lead the way. Coach Ellis Johnson thinks his DBs have a long way to go to be ready to play in the SEC.

On offense Kenny Miles looked really good. He ran the ball hard and caught 3 passes. He looked really quick out there. He should get some carries each game giving Marcus a break. He could play the slot also because he is an excellent receiver. I think he could be a starting RB for a lot of schools so we are very fortunate to have a backup that good. Eric Baker also had a few carries today. Coach says Eric’s  his knee is 100% so we really look good at the RB position and at WR.

Overall I think it was a good spring game. No injuries. I know the coaches loved that.