Seems we go through this every year doesn't it?

Recent news is breaking that South Carolina Gamecocks signee at defensive back Victor Hampton was arrested for taking alcohol to Darlington High School today and underage drinking, two days after signing with the Gamecocks.  Is the ink dry on that letter of intent?

A spokesperson at the Darlington County jail said Hampton was booked shortly after noon today and was scheduled to attend a bond hearing this evening.

I am sure more facts surrounding this case will come out in the next few days but this is not good no matter how you want to spin it.

The 17-year-old Hampton has at least one prior arrest. He was charged with disorderly conduct in Charlotte on July 3, 2008, but said the charge was later dropped. 

Hampton, once a Florida commit at Charlotte's Independence High, had transferred to Darlington. He was one of SC's higher-rated signees in the 2010 class.

Hampton had more than 50 tackles and three interceptions in seven games at DB for the Falcons.  He also rushed for 266 yards in six regular season games and was a good player on special teams with a return TD.

South Carolina athletics spokesman Steve Fink said he had not spoken with head coach Steve Spurrier about Hampton.

Seems troblue finds this kid but no excuses as this was a dumb move by this young man.  Why does this always happen to USC?

Will be interesting to see how Spurrier handles Mr. Hampton and the situation, I feel one more chance is warranted...do you?

Our blogging pal over at the The ACC and SEC Blog  asked us to answer some questions dealing with the 2007 Gamecocks Recruiting Class.  You remember, the one that was rated #6 by Rivals and #7 by Scout.com.  These 31 players came in with all the stars and accolades yet the "would be" seniors as a whole didn't live up the hype.  Yes many are doing quite well - Geathers, Saunders, Culliver, Garcia, etc - but now looking back this was not the 6/7 best class.

Anywho, here is the questions and answers....

1. Both Scout and Rivals ranked this 2007 class in the nations’ top 10. What made this class so special on signing day?

This class caught the attention of everyone due to the number of recruits and it being loaded with talent in skill positions.  The class had a size of 31 which will grab the attention of most just based off that facet.  Some of the big names were Stephen Garcia, Chris Culliver and Brian Maddox just to name a few.  Some would say that the fact that the class was so heavy on two areas – DBs and WRs made it one to watch.  The WRs due to the fact that Spurrier’s “fun n gun” offense relies on WRs that can create and this class had that…on the surface.  The class had 6 defensive backs and 8 wide receivers in it.  Some called the WR class the best in the nation.

2. Who were the biggest surprises of this class?

Weslye Saunders and Clifton Geathers stick out in my mind.  Due to the fact that they were recruited for a position they did not end up playing yet excelled in their new position and will end up in the NFL.  Saunders was recruited as a defensive end but proved he is more valuable as a tight end.  He is a big boy that can create the mis-match in the secondary and has good speed to go with good hands.

Clifton Geathers was recruited to be on the offensive line yet switched over the defensive side of the ball to be a pass rushing end and has excelled.  He decided to leave after the bowl game and skip his senior year to try his hand in the NFL.  I am sure he will land somewhere and do well.

3. What about the biggest disappointments?

The biggest disappointment is just how many did not pan out of that 31 number.  Some of the kids didn’t live up to expectations and left the program for whatever reason.  Just look at the wide receiving class for example; only 2 of the 8 WRs are still playing that position on the team (Barnes & LeCron).  Thus you see this face evidenced in the 2009 starting line-up that was littered with freshman and sophomores due to the fact that the 2007 class didn’t live up to the hype.

4. Stephen Garcia was probably the headliner of the class.  Why do you think he has been so up and down and can he turn it around this year?

Simple - Stephen had to grow up.  He came in and was viewed as Spurrier’s “gun” to lead the offense to new heights.  He is good but he had to learn the system. 

Last year, the USC faithful witnessed him growing up before their eyes and began to understand how to be a quarterback under Steve Spurrier.  I really think the best is yet to come with Garcia.  He has two more years to play at Carolina and I really do think he will do well.  Spurrier has the right kids in now – those that want to be Gamecock football players.

5. Why do you think South Carolina was not able to maintain this momentum with the more recent classes?

I think it is more of what he was left with under Holtz.  What I mean by that is he basically had to overhaul the team to usher in his style of play.  That takes time and doesn’t happen overnight, especially with the recruiting battles in the south.  Yes the 20007 class got the accolades but some really good players have come in the last three recruiting cycles.  This makes the team very young which we all hope will bold well for Gamecocks chances down the road.

6. How will you remember this class?

Addressing the needs.  The 2010 class really addressed the needs of the team on the offensive line, six signees, and will provide depth in key positions.  These two areas needed attention and will make the team stronger.  Example, Spurrier has said that possibly 10 of the 23 recruits could play this coming season.  Most on special teams but that has been a weak area for SC.

7. What are South Carolina's biggest advantages in recruiting?

The spin you hear is that “come to USC and help Carolina win its’ first SEC East Crown or SEC title…be part of doing things that have never been done.”  That is the spin you hear but some of the ’key’  attractions are - the chance to play in the SEC, climate, Coach Spurrier and now the brand new Dodie Anderson Academic Center for athletes.

8. What about the disadvantages?

Recruiting in the SEC and the South for that matter is fierce.  Competition for the best kids is tremendous.  The big disadvantage for SC is having to go up against UF, UT, UGa, etc.  USC doesn’t have the National Championship trophies to point to or lean on like others and that is a factor.  So that makes it tough for a kid picking against USC and Alabama.

9. How important is winning the in-state recruiting battle with Clemson?  Also, where do the Gamecocks like to heavily recruit outside the state?

For USC, job number one is to win its’ backyard.  They have begun to do that as evidenced in getting the state’s “Mr. Football” for two years straight.  It has helped with the turnover at Clemson in coaching but still vital to win the recruiting battles in-state first.  Lots of credit to Spurrier for changing that because during the Holtz time it seemed that was forgotten.  Because let’s be honest, USC does not recruit on a national stage…yet.  Most of the kids for Carolina come from the Southeast and specifically SC, Georgia, N. Carolina and Florida.

The 2010 class broke down like this –

-South Carolina: 7

-Georgia: 6

-Florida: 5

-North Carolina: 3

-Kansas: 2

The two from Kansas were JUCO kids that are originally from South Carolina.  So as you can see winning the battles in our in neck of the woods is extremely important on and off the field.

That's a wrap folks...thoughts?

Please visit THE ACC & SEC BLOG when you get a second and thanks to him allowing us to provide some feedback.

Flounder recapped the Gamecocks’ recruiting class - Here. But I wanted to dive down a bit deeper.

Below is a map showing where the recruits will be coming to Columbia from, this is the breakdown...

-South Carolina: 7

-Georgia: 6

-Florida: 5

-North Carolina: 3

-Kansas: 2

No real surprises here.

More recruits came from South Carolina than any other state. Neighboring Georgia and North Carolina with recruiting hot-bed and former Spurrier stomping ground Florida are also well represented. The two from Kansas stick out as strange, but those are two JUCO players who are originally from Abbeville and Walterboro, SC.

By Position:

OL: 6

DL: 4

DB: 4

WR: 3

LB: 2

QB: 2

RB: 1

K: 1

10 signees total for the offensive and defensive lines bodes well for the future. More often said than heeded, games and teams are decided by line play. Line depth, more specifically quality line depth, is what builds a program. Offensive line is really the only position South Carolina signed more than they usually do under Spurrier. See chart below.

Well, seems we all survived yesterday and the ink is dry on all those letters of intent. So what did you think of the USC Gamecocks Recruiting Class?

I would grade it a solid 'B."

Due to the fact it mainly addressed the needs of the team, that being the offensive line and depth. Of the 23 players that signed yesterday, 6 were players for the OL.

The six are A.J. Cann (Bamberg-Ehrhardt) Cody Gibson (Tallahassee, Fla.); Du’Von Millsap (Buford, Ga.); Ronald Patrick (Cocoa, Fla.); Corey Robinson (Havelock, N.C.) and Tramell Williams (Jacksonville, Fla.).

The stud or the star of the class on paper was of course RB Marcus Lattimore. But I feel there are some others that will prove to be good gamecock football players like QB Connor Shaw, WR Ace Sanders, DBs Golightly & Hampton and DL Kelcy Quarles.  Those are just to name a few as the entire class brings a much needed element to the team overall.

This class was top the best Spurrier has every gotten but the group will have the ability to come in and have a impact which is what you want. Spurrier himself said that these freshman will get every chance to compete for playing time. Could see a few on special teams, as we do need help there.

I like the fact that this class gives the Gamecocks depth at many positions. Depth has been a issue for Carolina and this class will help in that respect. Just need this class to learn the system, keep their nose clean and get stronger.  This class may lack all the stars but again overall this class will help the Gamecocks on their quest for the SEC East.  I hope next year we continue to build and gain ground in the SEC Recruiting wars as getting the talent in with the right coaching (which we have) is the only way we will get those 8-9 wins each season we yearn for.

Oh and I will go on the record that Marcus Lattimore will get the first carry of the 2010 football season.

How the Gamecocks Class Ranks

ESPN - #23

Rivals - #25 

Scout - #34

Ranking the Class compared to other SEC schools per ESPN and Scouts

Ranking the Class compared to the SEC per The State

The gang here at LOHD will work to keep this updated as news concerning signing day flows in so do keep coming back to catch the latest on Gamecocks Recruiting.

Yesterday - Big news was Lattimore saying he is going with the Gamecocks and Golightly and Jerideau also saying they are choosing to play for USC.

Remember- 3 Gamecocks are Already on campus... FB Matt Coffee , LB Toquavius Gilchrist and QB Connor Shaw

As of 8:45am - Some back and forth on where USC commitment WR Sean Tapley of Jacksonville, Fla., will land.  He seems to be considering UNC tarheels now.  He will sign this morning with either USC or North Carolina at 10am.

As of 8:50am - Gamecocks lose out on services of DT Todd Chandler as he says he is going to sign with the USF Bulls.

As of 8:55am - The Beaufort Gazette reports this morning Beaufort LB Justin Parker will sign this afternoon with Clemson. Parker has a 3:00 signing ceremony set for his school.

As of 9am- OL Tramell Williams, TB Marcus Lattimore, WR Nick Jones and DB Sharrod Golightly have signed.  Great to see these 4 sign early today.

As of 9:06am - P Patrick Fish, OL Ronald Patrick and QB Dylan Thompson have signed

As of 9:30am - DB Cadarious Sanders  and DE Corey Simmons have signed.  Simmons could be a surprise talent once he gets a few years under his belt.

As of 9:45am - SURPRISE - USC today offered and received a commitment from WR Javon Bell of Jacksonville, FL. Bell is a teammate of long time USC commitment Sean Tapley who has been considering switching to North Carolina.  Who is this guy?  Anyone know anything?  Hearing he may have troublue getting in and could end up at GMC.

As of 9:55am - DL Kelcy Quarles has signed to be a Gamecock

Breaking News at 10:20am - Long time USC commitment WR Sean Tapley of Jacksonville, FL will sign with North Carolina this morning. Tapley confirmed his plans a few minutes ago with the Jacksonville Times-Union.  He did sign the letter of intent for UNC.

As of 10:30am - DL JT Surratt, OL Cody Gibson, DB Victor Hampton, WR Ace Sanders sign their paperwork for USC.  I feel Sanders and Hampton can come in and do some things real soon. 

As of 10:40am - it is offical that the once interested TE Mychal Rivera is going with the UT Vols.

As of 11:06am  - the OL just got stronger with OL Corey Robinson and OL Duvan Milsap signing for USC

---One of the rumors has been squashed with OG Logan Stewart signing with Vandy this morning.  Some thought we was going to buck the idea and go with the Gamecocks.

As of 11:45am - letters of intent have been recieved from DB Brison Williams, LB Brandon Golson and OL AJ Cann.  AJ is a instant impact player.

As of 12:30pm - WR Javon Bell inked his signature with the Gamecocks.  Still hearing "grades" a issue with him...anyone hearing the truth?

--- It is official.....LB Justin Parker signs with Clemson.  Boo...

As of 3:30pm - DL Byron Jerideau makes it a offical with his LOI to USC.

After the signing day drama -

-USC has agreed to terms on a contract extension for Ellis Johnson that will add two years to his deal and double his salary to around $700,000.

-USC's Class has 23 players.

- Spurrier in his press conference today say that there are a few within the class with academic issues, 1 most likely will not qualify.

Marcus Lattimore is a Gamecock!!!!!

It is a great day in the State of South Carolina as Mr. Lattimore just interjected a shot of enthusiasm into the USC Gamecocks Football program.

After months of speculation and rumors, the truth is that he will sign with South Carolina over the Auburn Tigers.

Lattimore made his announcement Tuesday night at his church inSpartanburg surrounded by friends and family. The church, which can hold several hundred people, appeared to be at capacity. Lattimore played a brief game with the crowd. He pulled a cap out of a black bag which contained an Auburn hat, and appeared to be putting it on his head. He then pulled a USC hat from underneath it.

Lattimore said he made his decision Saturday after a final in house visit with the USC coaching staff. He even claims USC Head Coach Steve Spurrier "did the cha-cha slide with his mom," which he says sold him on the program.

"There only one goal on my mind, and that's to beat Southern Miss in the first game," Lattimore said.

Marcus is a 5 star running back, the number one recruit athis position,that is listed as 6 foot about205 lbs. He can do a lot with the football from running to catching. May even get to see Marcus run the “cocky” formation in the fall.

Amazing, how one kid who is 18 years old can transform the outlook on the next 2-4 years for a football team.

I feel strongly when I say that the Gamecocks are now serious contenders for the SEC East. As Spurrier, has yet again put together a nice recruiting class to go along with back to back years of gaining new talent. The addition of Lattimore and these twolate additions should move the USC recruiting class into the Top 25.

I knowMarcus is not the “second coming” and has yet to take a snapbut he is a very good running back that will do great things at South Carolina.

Seems we were right when we wrote this.

Marcus Lattimore is the 23rd commitment of the 2010 class and the fourth commit in the last week.

Video from SBNation.com showing Marcus's "hat trick" -

Southwest Dekalb standout safety Sharrod Golightly  and Fort Scott Community College JUCO DT Byron Jerideau gave their verbal pledges to the Gamecock coaching staff. Both prospects will sign with Carolina on Wednesday.

Golightly, a 5-11, 167-pound safety, from Decatur, Ga. officially visited South Carolina this past weekend.  The three-star prospect had been committed to Vanderbilt since July, but seems the Gamecocks where able to change his mind.

The 6-1, 320-pound Jerideau was offered by USC recruiting coordinator Shane Beamer on Monday and committed to the Gamecocks on the same day. The big defensive tackle is originally from Walterboro, S.C.

After redshirting the first year, Jerideau racked up an impressive 71 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks in his second year at Fort Scott.

Jerideau was committed to Eastern Michigan and also picked up offers from Washington State and Baylor Monday.

But South Carolina came in and offered, well you see what happened.  Jerideau will have three to play three for the Gamecocks.

In other Recruiting News:

---All eyes on the Marcus Lattimore lottery as he announces this evening.  So stay tuned on whether he says Auburn or USC.  Thinkin’ USC on this one….

--- TE Keegan Funderburk (6-4 262) of Central will sign with either SC State or Georgia Military JC his coach said Tuesday.

---LB Justin Parker will make his college choice known on Wednesday.  So stay tuned to see if he says Clemson or USC.  Thinkin’ Clemson on this one…..

There has been much speculation and anticipation surrounding the recruitment for the services of Byrnes High School running back Marcus Lattimore.  Lattimore has stated that he has narrowed his choices down to either Auburn University or the University of South Carolina.

Marcus Lattimore is a gem of an athlete and is ranked high on every recruiting service.  Most top recruiting sites has Marcus as being a five star recruit and the number one running back out of high school.  I know you cannot put a lot of weight into stars and rankings as these high school kids have never taken a collegiate snap in a much faster game.  But what is for certain in dealing with Mr. Lattimore, is no matter which direction he chooses to pursue his college education and athletic career he is a big time win for the school that gets him.

With the moment of truth just around the corner for Marcus Lattimore, let me go ahead and tell you that he will sign with South Carolina.

Some may disagree but let me tell you three reasons why he will become a Gamecock:

1.  Circumstances surrounding the announcement --- Marcus will announce his college of choice in Duncan, South Carolina in front of a pro-Carolina partisan crowd.  If he was going to say Auburn, I feel strongly that it would have been done at one of the high school all-star games not in front of potentially hundreds of gamecock fans.  With all the build up and speculation, it would have been easier on him to announce he was going to Auburn at an out of state venue rather than stand in front of the cameras and admirers and pick up a Tigers ball cap.  For that, I say he chooses South Carolina. 

2.  Opportunity at South Carolina --- One could easily say that if he goes to Auburn he stands a greater chance at getting tons of rushing yards and gridiron glory.  Yet if he comes to South Carolina, he comes in to a situation where he also could decent stats but at USC he is “the man.”   At Auburn he is one of two freshman backs that must fight for playing time.  At South Carolina, he will get promised enough carries to have an impact his first year as he learns the Southeastern Conference.  For Marcus, it is come to USC where you will be both the “big man on campus” and a State’s hero.  The fans will adore you, as they can say they say you in high school and stories will make you sound like you can leap buildings while carrying USC to a Championship.  Go to Auburn and you are just a big time recruit from South Carolina.  Yes, you can potentially win some games and compile nice stats but the connection is not the same.  I feel he desires the spotlight and Coach Spurrier has promised him an emphasis in running the ball that will please his appetite to prove that he is a potential NFL caliber running back.

3.  You cannot spell Marcus without U-S-C --- this kid bleeds garnet folks.  He grew up a South Carolina fan, wore the apparel to school and attended camps in Columbia.  He has developed relationships with coaches and players.  His sister attended South Carolina and he knows the school from different angles.  Play at USC and your friends and family can come see every game.  Go to Auburn and it is more difficult to have the support there for each game.  To sum it up, his dream was and is to be a Gamecock.

I know Marcus will make the right choice for him and no matter where he goes he will be successful.  I think his choice will be South Carolina due to my three reasons above.  They are pretty simple and straightforward.  Many may try to disagree and throw out stats and how Spurrier is not a running back friendly coach.  I again say look at these three simple reasons and let’s not dive into the complicated issues.  Sometimes choices are just that easy.  In this case the answer lies in the circumstances surrounding his announcement, the opportunity to be “the man” at South Carolina and lastly you cannot spell Marcus without “U-S-C.”

Here is a list of South Carolina Gamecocks commitments and enrolled student-athletes for the class of 2010 as of today:

Other quick updates on USC recruiting…

News on the Gamecocks Recruiting Hunt today from Ace Sanders (Bradenton, Fla./Manatee) as he has committed to sign as part of South Carolina's Class of 2010.

He chose the Gamecocks over South Florida and West Virginia.  The 5-foot-7, 165-pound posted a 4.41 40-yard dash.  Last season he caught 64 passes for 1000 yards and eight touchdowns. This is exactly the kind of wide-out that would go well with Gurley and Jefferey.  He's the son of former Florida State star and NFL player Tracey Sanders.  I think this is a great "get" for Coach Spurrier.

Sanders is the 21st commitment for the Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks lost out on TE Mychal Rivera from College of the Canyons in California, who should interest late.  He has committed to Tennessee, according to ESPN.com.

Rivera committed to the Vols Wednesday night after a visit from UT’s coaching staff.

Rivera likes the idea of playing at UT because its staff, led by head coach Derek Dooley, has plenty of experience coaching tight ends.  Oh, Mychal please see the Jared Cook example and Wes Saunders example as to what Carolina can do.

DL Todd Chandler (6-3 295) of Miami met with USC recruiter Jeep Hunter Wednesday night. This weekend he will make his official visit to USC with his mother, step father and younger brother.

Beaufort LB Justin Parker revealed an updated top three in his recruiting diary in the Beaufort Gazette, and it showed Clemson as his favorite, but LSU moved ahead of USC into second with the Gamecocks third. Parker made his official visit to LSU last weekend.  Still a shot to land this kid but he changes his direction more than the wind.  USC gets a final in-house visit tonight.

DB Jonathan Mincy of Decatur, GA, who had scheduled an official visit to USC this weekend, has decided not to make the trip. Mincy, who has been committed to Auburn, apparently plans to stick with that commitment.

DL JC Copeland of LaGrange, GA, will take his visit to LSU and not Carolina this coming weekend.

DB Sharrod Golightly (5-11 175) of Decatur, GA met Monday with USC recruiter and defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward to finalize plans for his official visit to USC this weekend.  He is a Vandy commit but maybe we can turn him.

USC commitment ATH Chris Payne will not be readmitted to Fork Union Prep, VA Fork Union. Payne was dismissed from the school over the Christmas holidays but had appealed to get back in. His former coach at Columbia High, Kemper Amick, said Payne will enroll at night school in the Columbia High school district in an effort to graduate and raise his test score to the qualifying standard. It's not clear tonight if USC will resign Payne on NSD.

In Lattimore news....The Byrnes running back will have his in person meetings this week with Auburn head coach Gene Chizik and USC head coach Steve Spurrier.  Spurrier is getting the final say, which is a good thing.