There's a lot of it.... I put a few colored markers in between just in case you get lost in the murky mire of yardbird butthurt
*********************
We've been sh!+ for 3 years, lost 56 -7, AND......
They won the NC! What exactly did you expect. Not to mention that our football facility isn't close to be finished.
*********************
We've known champ has a huge uphill battle ahead of him. 2018 was a hopeful class. Taters could potentially pull that rug right underneath us. Zamir white, KJ, could get ugly.
*********************
Face it, we will never catch up to Clemson. They have too much of a head start.
*********************
Blame Spurrier. It feels better.
********************
Face it, we will never catch up to Clemson. They have too much of a head start.
*******************
Our program is historically s***
********************
Can't blame the kid for wanted to play for championships. We all know champ has an uphill battle the day he was hired. While this sets us back we just need to stay patient.
********************
Sorry, I'm not taking the high road. I'm tired of being treated like crap.
********************
His decision was to follow the money. Stop deluding yourself.
*******************
Stand up! I've never seen a fan base act so pitiful. You need to be pissed u need to mad ASF! This is a program changing life long "gamecock" went to the school we all f'n hate! I'm pissed as hell at the coaches b4 boom and now, u don't let a kid like XT just commit 10 months b4 he says he going too and then say take the high road, that's why we don't have trophys in the case and never have been a power house school, but what 4 years maybe 5 out of our established date we had somthing to brag about. Come on over a 5 star DE who grew up a gamecock yea I'm mad. Any other kid any other prospect I don't care they are 18 years old what do I care, but a homegrown gamecock who is the 3rd best player in the nation at our biggiest position of need and he goes to our hated rival! Yes it should make each and every one of you upset.
********************
His Dad posted on Twitter - how fitting. The Bagman theory is still intact IMO
********************
Good. Stay committed for all I care. Tired of hearing about him.
********************
It's funny how his dad( who I think is in jail) breaks the news. Any visits to the big house from Clemson coaches?
*******************
I hope this ends all of the XT threads for good. I have never been so sick of hearing about a player in my life.
*******************
Even the Clemson Fans were all on TCI last night talking about being fed up with his drama - but his family has his best interest at heart...
Time to update that profile to "Believer in Jesus, Follower of Christ & Member of Dabo's Cult".
******************
Yes Dabo struck a deal to get his old man out of jail
Go Cocks------
Don't forget probably get the charges dismissed & his pressure washing & auto detailing business booming
------
He can wash all the cars Clemson buys its recruits! Just kidding of course
******************
I blame Spurrier.....seriously
*****************
Should have seen it coming when he went to IMG and ignored his BS
****************
I just read his commitment ... basically a letter to his dad. Sounds like Daddy got his priced and pointe Jr where he needed to go.
*****************
How did he tweet from jail? Are phones now allowed in jail. He may have tweeted on datboys phone.
*****************
Poor Will really has a task trying to compete with the Taters who are riding the big wave of a national championship.
*****************
I'm sorry Thomas didn't handle his recruitment more honestly. If he wanted to go to Clemson, why not just say that all along.
*****************
Chris...the real reasons can't be said cause there is no proof, but we know the sudden i idea to commit to Clemson.
*****************
May not bode well to get KJ Henry now
Crap
*****************
The class of 2018, thought to be the class where Carolina would begin its turn around, just took a big hit. I hope this doesn't start an avalanche of top instate talent to reconsider USCjr.
****************
Muschamp will get good players. Losing one drama queen isn't going to change that.
****************
Yes, lets concentrate on players we can get. I will take 5 4 stars over 1 5 star any day.
****************
##################################################################################################################
****************
The class of 2018, thought to be the class where Carolina would begin its turn around, just took a big hit. I hope this doesn't start an avalanche of top instate talent to reconsider USC.
Alll out the window they got Belk, Kendrick, thomas, they could honestly get anyone they want instate if they had space. We should be thankful they are only take 12 in this class but it will still be a ridiculous haul. Hope we can land Tindall*****************
taters are set to get Henry too. This sets us back.
****************
He secured the bag, no doubt
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
****************
Henry probably will go to Clemson, and just like with Thomas, it will sting. Muschamp will still find good players. Muschamp has his hands full, but I really believe we couldn't ask for a better coach/recruiter at the moment.
****************
Why would he commit away from the date he decided on and before his visit to clemson. They obviously offered him or his dad a huge sum of money if he were to just commit now. It's a joke people don't see this
****************
Our class or potential class just took the biggest hit
****************
It's getting about time that we get some bounty hunters out on Clemsuxs bagmen.
***************
What a joke, I would not have him back on campus. Grew up a Carolina fan is BS, No real Carolina fan goes to Clem! Does he want our staff to kiss his ass, I hope they do not
***************
Three letters.
I-M-G.
It was over when XT went down to the factory.....
***************
He is a tater lock. He has been since this time last year. My uncle is big with the boosters at tater tech played on the 81' team and KJ is trending very hard towards the taters. He wants to play with kids like XT. That being said in his recent interview with rivals he did say he wanted to go to a place that needed the most help and make his own name, his dad being a coach at UNCC makes them a small but huge player for KJ.
***************
Lawrence and Thomas down, Zamir White is next
***************
If I posted what I really feel about this situation I would be banned.
***************
im with you lol it's comical. We just lay back and get them 5.7's and pray they make in 3/4 years
***************
Would love for him to come here instead, but he isn't. That being said... If offered a trade...x for Bentley, I wouldn't hesitate a second in turning it down. Bentley is much more important to our team's success
***************
You'll never get the info on what actually happened. Muschamp and staff can't comment and XT wouldn't say either...
***************
Clemson must have told those crooked preachers to work their magic.
***************
We are so far behind them right now it's not even funny. It kills me to see this happening but what can we do? They will probably get a commit from Z. White today as well.
****************
Saw this coming from a mile away...but me and Clowney were at a wedding last week and he was telling me he thought he would commit early to them but ultimately if USC pulled together a really nice season that a flip was possible...I just think let's revisit this in December and see what all say then
****************
This is heartbreak, pure and simple. And he "grew up" a Carolina fan? So what changed? We have one bad patch, and then begin a solid rebuilding program.... he stated great admiration for our current staff, so what changed? To flip to our instate rival after professing to be a lifelong Gamecock fan? I think we all know what kind of fan that is. The kind we don't need. Also pushing up his commitment date by 6-7 months...it's hard to respect his decision-making process after this. Sorry we missed you XT, but our rebuilding will continue with or without you.
****************
We know you guys can't just come out and say it, but the rumors are true. $$$$$$$$
***************
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***************
Long write up to just say "Clemson purchased his services".
College football is a sham, I'm not even sure why I follow it anymore.
***************
Just because he grew up a Carolina fan doesn't mean he has to commit to us. He has every right to commit to who he thinks is best for him. Talking bad about a 17 year old kid is childish. Muschamp will sign some 5 stars, trust the process.
***************
Reading between the lines, it's pretty clear he was paid to commit. Sad that the knowledge of this is so widespread, but nothing will happen. I know Clemson had a very refined payment system with the church that was funneling money in, apparently that is continuing.
**************
We led, then Clemson boosters put together a payment package that he couldn't turn down. Simple. His Dad is in prison, a pretty easy situation for a kid to be paid off.
***************
I guess that pretty new car was the deciding factor.
***************
His dad is the one who arranged it ... read his commitment letter. It's pretty evident his dad pushed him to Clemson.
***************
There is no way their offense doesn't take a step back. I thinking depending on how big of a back step determines if he flips.
In regards to a step back, yes, they might only win 10 games this year. Don't kid yourself, they are in the upper tier of college football and we are middle to lower middle.***************
How is his father tweeting from prison? Is he really in prison, or was he sprung yesterday?
****************
No beef with XT. I think it's odd he went from saying over and over its 12/20 and Chris clark reporting the truth about how gamecocks lean (which I know is accurate) so for something to change within 7 days all the way to a commitment, something happened
My only thought? Based off of stuff I have hard from recruits families and other people. No doubt in my mind the Clemson staff did everything they could to trash our program.
My response? Win anyway and Beat them this year
****************
This just doesn't seem right. He grows up being a USCjr fan an now he's going to Clemson. Money was definitely involved.
***************
Well what kinda stings the most is that we were gonna rebuild with in state players, and especially d line. Now they have Thomas, Belk and a better than average chance to get wynn. That's what makes it doubly tough. Taking our stated plan and flipping it right back at us.
***************
Elite schools......
You guys take this from a 75 year old Gamecock fan we are all we will ever be USCjr has had old guys like me get my hopes up year after year it never ever happens. If you want to be a dumb butt like me keep pouring your hard earned money after them and come up disappointed year after year.
Please drop the Gamecocks and sign up for an English writing class. It's not too late.*************
In regards to a step back, yes, they might only win 10 games this year. Don't kid yourself, they are in the upper tier of college football and we are middle to lower middle.
Don't kid yourself. Watson saved dabos job and carried that Clemson program. Don't kid yourself, they aren't Alabama. They're losing way too much. Think they'll be closer to 8 wins*************
I unfollowed XT and his drama. Moving on from a kid that obviously isn't a true Gamecock fan.
Hot take:
We should stop recruiting XT and lock in on KJ Henry. This kid is explosive and a disciplined coaches son. Don't we have one of those at QB right now that's pretty good?!
I realize he is currently a Clemson lean and XT will be recruiting him to Tater Land, but he's his own man. XT going there could actually help us. Before you call me crazy, think about it. The chance for immediate playing time and the spotlight is here for the taking. XT will be the star on campus at Clemson, Henry could be ours. Coach Boom always said, "If we can get him on campus (for an OV), we have a chance." Right now; we have a story to sell to Mr. Henry. Come on down and be the face of a defense, build a program. If we show marked improvement again this year, recruits will want to come here. I believe in this staff!
**************
if he becomes a Tiger after all, he can watch from the sidelines as SC pummels those MF's.
---------
We don't have a single D-lineman that can touch a Clemson QB
---------
we are not beating them this year or next. Better prepare yourself.
*************
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
*************
Well played Clemson...
It is my opinion during the Spurrier era, we were being played by Dabo and the boys. During that particular time Clemson could not match us on the field no matter what they did. And we as fans simply were too elated in our garnet and black shades to see what was being planned and perpetrated. As fans concentrated on all that mattered "state championship" with CLEMSON , they began recruiting better and better ;not only to beat us(small goal) but to beat the college football best- LSU,BAMA ,Oklahoma ,Auburn and Ohio State. This was the platform that they aspired-the national one. With each successive win over those programs ,recruiting got better and better and so did the product -national championship title, and now we can not beat them on the field or in recruiting . Why because they are a national product and we are only a state product. We have seen this play out with Martin's basketball ; they beat the National brand of Syracuse, Michigan, Baylor and Duke and on the way obtain national status while losing to Clemson. Now Martin's brand should recruit better and contend for Ncaa ,final fours and national titles while barley losing to somebody's cousin upstate. This year may be the exception depending on who returns. My point is this let build to defeat the national best named above and then we can defeat Clemson.
-------
It was our fault for not taking advantage of our streak over them and bringing in the best players in the state to do it. All that was lost.
**************
Guys! Clemson gets it. They been recruiting the family and his Dad. Bet they visited him in jail. You can bet your bottom dollar that friend received a academic scholarship just recently.
Time to just move on.
IMG was just part of the Clemson process.
**************
There was a Clowney, and there is a XT, and there will be another one in the next two years that could be better ! I believe and I wrote when Boom was hired we will be back, soon, and have the best team ever !
I believe Boom has our next Clowney on the team now and will be a freaking Beast the next two years ! So lets start looking for the next freak for 2019 Write this down in your little Garnet and Black Book. Blackshear, is our Black Sheep, and he will be a beast. He was our replacement? Everything works out for a reason. Had he been decent, not been immature, and not been shot his career would have been over and maybe he would be a back up in the NFL, but Not For Long
I believe its a blessing that he was immature and shot
Cause it allowed him to mature and come under the wings of Boom and L Thompson to develop him into the Freak he was supposed to be and the Freak we will see starting this year and for the next two years he has left.Blackshear is going to be Great, but I feel the same way about Boom and LT developing, Widman, Kinlaw, Wonnum, MJ Webb is a freak also, Stephen Taylor is silent but deadly and D Sawyer will be much improved as well
I have Faith In Our Coaches like never before. We learned what it takes to Win from Spurrier ! Its takes 12 to 14 guys starting on Offense and Defense that have the potential of the NFL. Yes, Spurrier screwed us, and we are having to start over. Boom and Co are relentless recruiters. No current or past player has anything negative to say about Boom and Co, but only positives. Boom is recruiting,building, and developing 12 to 14 NFL players and doing it now.
Have Faith the Coaches are planning now to Win Now... Aka the Jake Bentley Decision. Yes XT is a blow, but we may be very surprised what is developed going into this 2017 season and happens between now and January...
Just Sayin.. Have Faith and Believe. Berlin was not rebuilt in a season!
****************
I know this lowly post won't stop a single agonized, wailing thread, but I just gotta say:
It's April. Maybe XT is Clemson bound, maybe not. While I don't begrudge the young man his moment in the sun, it'll be interesting to see how he handles life as a "committed" player, without all the hoopla and endless drama over every. Single. Tweet. As long as Gamecocks just move along, stay off his Twitter account and let CWM work things himself behind the scenes, I tend to think he'll miss the constant ego stroking. Maybe not. Maybe so. Should be interesting to see how he handles the total lack of new "announcements" if he really is all-in. I don't think the Clemson faithful will appreciate it much if he starts retweeting and liking anything Gamecock going forward. Y'know, being all-in and all.
In the long run, it doesn't really matter, so long as Muschamp can continue to attract upgrades at each position and show progress on the field. He's made a good start there, already.
I remember when we beat "Heisman" Spiller & Co. in 2009, back when they were perceived to be a program on the upswing, and we weren't yet anything special. Things turn. It may take time, but I like the way the roster is shaping up after our 3-9 debacle. We just need to keep plugging away and building a new generation of kids that want to wear the Garnet & Black. who knows - we may just turn some heads this season with the offense we'll trot out.
As always, perspective, friends.
***************
...... we playing checkers and they are playing chess. Simple as that. They doing it right in the hills and we are just "pluggin" away. I'd go on probation in a heartbeat for a natty. We aren't doing it right lol. That's the second lifelong "gamecock" to wear errrrrnge. John Simpson last year and now XT. Let me repeat "we are playing checkers while the rest of the country playing chess"
Tough times for the cocks no pumping can over look what happend today and what's going to happen in 10 months when they come strolling in Willy b if we don't start playing the game
-----------------
Maybe at the end of spurriers years we were playing checkers....but right is we honestly are playing chess and trust me, we aren't going to be down like this for long...let the game play out
----------------
That's the loser attitude we've come to appreciate from some around here.Seriously, have you never been in a position once in your life where you had to overcome the odds. We'll be fine.
****************
Guys-- this door is closed. It's over. Trust me, please. He's not flipping.
The good news is, one door closed and another one has opened.
Mr. KJ Henry is now squarely sitting at the table. He's ready to dance. He's a non-diva who is the son of a Coach.
In the end, we may end up a lot happier now
---------------
Disagee with you, door isn't closed, maybe for right this second but not completely shut and locked, but with KJ Idk, I do know when it comes to Xavier, he will follow the trend, let's let this play out
****************
One of my biggest pet peeves on this board is the "but he was a Gamecock fan" crap. These kids aren't "fans" like us. It means absolutely nothing when they say it.
***************
"Pumping?" Really? That's the best you've got?
Maybe XT was paid, maybe not. If I'm to understand you correctly, though, that's exactly what we need to be doing. Paying kids. Because that wins games. And as we all know, football is just so critically important to my well-being as a man that I'm ready to sign off on cheating and bribery. Lotta folks do it, so that makes it OK.
Gosh, I really gotta get back to Momma with a rebuttal to the whole "everyone's doing it" argument again, because clearly, she raised me wrong ;^)
If that's fine with you, fine. It's a bit of a small and embarrassing goal in life- cheating to win an ultimately meaningless piece of crystal, buy hey, some folks really think it validates them and their school, somehow.
In the meanwhile, I'll enjoy our nationally ranked baseball and basketball programs, and look forward to seeing Bentley toss the ball around this fall. Then I'll worry about real issues, like seeing us continue to upgrade our academic standing.
That kinda stuff actually does offer some validation.
***************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***************
RETREAD FROM EARLIER, but still fantastic:
Here's why XT committing to Clemson this week could be the BEST THING that could possibly happen!!!
1) If he changed his mind based on the Spring Game, his expectations for our defense and team are at an all-time LOW. That means we have no where to go but UP with him...overachieve in the Fall and we are right back in it. Win 8+ games and we go back to being the favorite.
2) Losing XT could be a wake up call to WM and LT...it could be the straw that breaks the camel's back and lights a FIRE underneath them to get this DL up to snuff between now and August. This could be the motivating factor they need to give some of these guys their walking papers and to start doing whatever it takes to get these guys to workout and get stronger. We need them in BEAST MODE, not idle.
3) It could also put LT on the hot seat...I know we don't have a lot of talent but as a coach, you have to still coach up what you have. If our DL looks WORSE in year 2, the coach could possibly be the problem.
4) It puts a chip on the DL's shoulder. It becomes the thing they remember and what people remind them of constantly: we lost out on a 5* recruit because you guys SUCK! I'd be willing to bet that more than a few of them would take that to heart and be out to prove that they are better than what people think.
Again, XT committing now won't make or break either team...either team would have to prove they can hold on to him over the course of the season. I think we have more to gain by being the underdog than the favorite this early...
-----------------------------------------
I couldn't bit my lip on this:
1. The Spring Game has nothing to do with why XT will be a Tiger shortly. There's been a lot of other things that have happened.
2. WM doesn't need a wake up call concerning the DL. Trust me... they know how bad the DL is. They also know how important it is the recruit great DL and they are doing everything they can to get them.
3. LT is not on a hot seat and won't be. He is trying to make chicken salad out of chicken... well, you get the idea.
4. I don't know that the current DL group cares about recruiting. So I'm not sure they would have a chip on their shoulder when XT commits to Clemson.
Lastly-- you are exactly right in the fact that XT committing to Clemson won't make or break us. I truly believe in Muschamp and what he's doing. It's just going to take time. Muschamp took over a roster with only a handful of guys with talent. You need a complete roster full of talent to compete in the SEC. The roster isn't there yet, but I absolutely believe he will get it there.
****************
First off, I don't know any details, but somebody may be pulling some strings and getting his father out of jail. I didn't even know his father was in jail until I read about it on here. He may have already been getting out in short time. But maybe somebody pulled some strings to get his father out of jail and that could have been the deciding factor that swayed his decision. I can see how it could. This is just speculation on my part after reading his tweet. Just something I picked up on after reading the part about nothing means more to him than that his dad is going to be there with him to experience it all. Again, this is all just speculation on my part.
***************
Hey I think Everyone is Totally overlooking the power and allure of having a GIANT Slide in their Football Ops Building. I think if you dig deeper, THAT was the True Game Changer here. It's a Real shame because I hear secretly behind the scenes Boom is planning on installing DRONE Madden Football in ours. If only this kid had been patient. He's gonna be kicking himself for this decision in a few months.
***************
Remember all the posters from Florence or who "have a source in Florence" who assured is he would be a Gamecock? Would love to hear from some of those guys.
-----------------
Yeah, seems a lot of "insiders" say things just to get attention, a lot like 17 year old kids on twitter, I would rather they say nothing or "I don't have a feel either way" than say stuff just to have something to say.
****************
If everthing I read is true I hope coach tell him he is not welcome at Caroline any more. One thing for sure, if he committed to the tater, he was never a gamecock fan from the start with, I know I know you guys saying he is just a kid, not he's not,he is old a nuff to determine right or wrong, at least I hope so JMO. Go Cocks
****************
Reminding me of all those painful years starting after we spanked them in 1975. I will always be grateful for Spurrier and the 5 streak. May never see it again.
***************
They were on their way no matter what happened with Spurrier. It didn't help but not the sole reason. He did beat them 5 in a row. That in itself pushed their buttons. Cheating or not, they had had enough.
***************
We have got work to do... #1 QB, RB and DEF all in one place for 2018....
Sucks, so let's hope that we do what we need on the field with offense in 2017 and beyond.
------------------
Temper your expectations and be patient. Gonna take longer than we hoped.
------------------
Face it Clemson is elite right now and it sucks big time. Being in the ACC with this talent is crazy. They have surpassed FSU and might go on a run like the Noles did in the 90's in the ACC.
-----------------
FSU is not going anywhere but yes, this sets us back big time. Needed a big name for momentum.
****************
It's going to be a long, hard road with no guarantee for success and plenty of chances to fail. We're only in the beginning stages of a journey back to the fleeting glory of those 11-win seasons and one SEC East championship. Hard work will not guarantee success, and our rivals will have more resources, more talent, and will be working just as hard as we are. If we get there it'll likely take 4-5 years minimum. The only option is to grit our teeth and stay the course. As a certain ball coach used to say, "It is what it is."
****************
Should just motivate Champ, the staff & players to continue getting better & determined to elevate the SC program. Sure we could have used his talent but I have faith Champ will bring quality talent in.
****************
Move on and at least grown men can forget following every little tweet, comment, and fart in a wind storm concerning this KID. NO WAY this kid is/was a GAMECOCK FAN. Not one that I know, nor want.
CU football is a very attractive program right now. Win anyway.
****************
Yep! Boom is 0-2 for big instate haul. Need something to change momentum/perception. 8 wins this fall will definitely help.
****************
I'm not angry he chose Clemson. I'm angry about the way he went about it and lied to our coaches. And please don't make excuses for him. He should have been taught about honesty a long time ago.
****************
I don't blame him for wanting to play for championships, but I do blame him for his total lack of honesty.
He's the kind of guy I'd never want in a foxhole with me.
*****************
Does seem like we got trolled by him. My question: why show up at spring game? Wth happened to make him commit early? I know the father situation looks terrible but there's another rumor that the staff may have caused some distance. Either way it's done and it sucks for the future.
*****************
Belk was a silent commit to South Carolina for months before committing publicly to Clemson
*****************
This is a huge blow. We're gonna play second fiddle for several years.
*****************
A Clemson booster....
After their national championship a Clemson booster told me the players were basically rock stars on campus . He went on to say they drove really nice cars that were provided for their use by a car dealer.
If stuff like this is really going on why can't we prove it?
---------------
Because there is no investigative arm of the NCAA that goes after such things unless they are presented with solid evidence to begin an investigation. They're not the FBI.
---------------
Got the cash? Hire a P.I. and get solid proof, then feel free to post the findings for all the world to see.
Grumblings on a website mean jack, particularly when it sounds like sour grapes.
*****************
On to the next one. Dado couldn't recruit very well in year 2. Gotta give Muschamp time. Kinda glad this is over.
*****************
There's some kind of rumor going around that XT and his family were trying to get Muschamp to pull a few strings to get his dad out of prison. And when Muschamp couldnt pull that off they stopped all communication with our coaching staff. No idea if it's true.
*****************
Not surprised. Another reason for me to despise the previous coaching staff for putting us in this position while our athletic director did a Nero impression and allowed it to burn.
*****************
Daddy got a nice bag of Cash.
*****************
It's called shame. Daddy can't wait to go shopping. Everyone at Wilson believed him when he chose Carolina. Then suddenly he hauled ass to Florida, Daddy got rich and you know the rest of the story. I'm so sorry for him.
*****************
UPDATED: HERE'S MORE
*****************
He said he was waiting until December 20th to commit anywhere. Does this look like December to you?
Plus everything we saw said he was going here, he seemed so enthusiastic. A large part of me thinks that this is simply some giant hoax. TELL ME THIS IS A GIANTHOAX.
*****************
It’s not losing him to Clemson, it’s losing him to Clemson in MARCH when he constantly said he wasn’t going to make that decision (public) until December, on the heels of the mass of Carolina tweets from him.
I was never one to think the tweets meant he was coming to USC, just that he was paying attention, and that December was a long way off.
This sucks, but who knows, December is a long way off.
****************
He’s young. He has 2 uncles asking him to come live with him while in college. 1 offers him a brand new fully loaded Ford Mustang, the other offers him a 67 mustang and says restoring this together will make a lot of memories and it’s yours when we finish it. He chose Clemson the brand new mustang. We should offer the top OL recruit in the country and market it as him stopping XT. Tough we miss out but life will go on
***************
We desperately needed this guy, not just for the skills he brought to the table himself, but for the symbolism of being able to beat out Clemson for an elite five star recruit. You cannot hope to compete at a high level without this kind of guy. And he apparently loves Cowtech so much he’s going to throw his own rule out the window and publicly commit to them eight months early.
***************
He saw how poor our d line played last Saturday and realized if he came here he'd be drawing double/triple teams just about every play.
***************
The problem is Clemson is getting 3-4 five stars, not one. And that's on top of the rest of the four stars. I am dreading this series for the foreseeable future...
***************
Thank u to XT for committing early. Let's turn our attention to other pass rushers as we've got to improve the Dfense. No reason to even discuss his situation as we need to focus on our team.
***************
What channel is the Clemson Spring Game on, the ACC Network? Oh yea that's right, they don't have a Network! How is that Revenue Sharing working out for them at Clemson?
-------------
Revenue sharing would be pocket change compared to what they got going on up there.
***************
Hell
We just won a Naty in women's basketball and a final four in men's basketball and we're letting a high school junior ruin our day!
Let's get some perspective.
***************
Do not put your entire heart in football because they will break your heart over and over. That has been my Gamecock philosophy for 40+ years and it is one reason I am tickled to death to see the resurgence of men's basketball.
Yeah, we will have a good year now and then but metaphorically speaking, we have always been Clemson's b!tch in football. It is hard to accept but get used to it because they are likely to have a long run against us that is already 3 straight wins and counting. It took a HOF coach to come in here and shut them up. Then he drove it in the ditch.
Carolina football is such a struggle. Personally, i think one recruit should not be an issue but they are on another level right now.
**************
It won't last forever; they have their glory for the time being, but in time it will come crashing down like a house of cards.
*************
On to Dax. We saw with Kuechly the Panthers 2 years ago how dominating a great linebacker could be. Dax has that kind of potential. Not saying it's over with XT but that hurts. Having so many elite DL guys in this classs will be interesting to follow. They all talk about wanting early playing time, and most, will be wanting to have the opportunity to leave after 3 years. It will be tough for all of them to continue to get the PT and attention they want. (Good problem for Flemson to have). Wonder if they'll be able to keep everyone in the fold. They are looking like they might have quite the class this year. Praying for learning curves and frustration on the offensive side for them. It will be a tough season, being favored in only 5 of our games (let's not jump the gun there) to have a good enough season to swing guys. But with Bentley, Williams, Rico, Edwards, and Debo we're not out of anything
**************
I'm sure Muschamp has had to see how it's done, being at several big time programs. We have money but are we willing to cheat. Clemson is at a point now where they don't have to pay now. But look at Ole Miss. Backfired on them.
***************
I just unfollowed him because I don't wish him good luck. He is the enemy now. However; I would never wish ill will and totally agree that we should be morally upright. It's never a good look to wish ill will on ANY one. Amateur hour move.
****************
As I have stated in several threads, this kid was at NO TIME a TRUE USCjr fan. No one in my family would attend CU, never have, and hopefully never will.
Obviously, this recruit had his pick of either, and if he was a USCjr fan, you KNOW where he would be playing football after next year.
Not a fan, and never WAS.
Movin' on...
******************
Players look at it differently. Go to Clemson and have a good shot at playing in the playoff or go to USC which is in year 2 of a major rebuild and tons of question marks. You can have all the "faith" in the world about our football program but the hard truth is NO ONE knows what lies ahead of us in the Muschamp experiment. Clemson, and I HATE them, has a proven track record, cheating or not.
*****************
Any TRUE Gamecock would not go to Clemson, especially one of his caliber! It can't be because he thinks he'll have a better chance at the NFL playing for them. If he is as good as advertised, which I believe he is, he'll succeed at making it to the NFL anywhere he decided to go. He has proven he does not want to be here...Move on people!
*****************
Boom said it best, I'm not going to let a 17 year olds decision ruin my day.
******************
The NCAA is just a facade, all they care about is the appearance of legitimacy, as long as it's not out for the public to see they do not care.
******************
Every school cheats, but CU has the NCAA disgraces in their history to PROVE it. They still cheat, as does every other school. Some are better at it than others. Auburn cheats as much as anyone, Ole Miss, etc.
I assume that we don't cheat as well as others???
******************
I heard his father which is a convict got loads of cash and that has been going on for a long time. How can you get caught giving a players dad or relative cash? You can't so my question is why aren't we doing it? Cam Newton's father got the same thing.I don't think it is against the rules to give a players relative cash. Hell you can give money to whoever you want to as long as it's not directly to the player. In the Ole Miss case the booster paid the player and not a relative. This goes back to the CJ Spiller days and beyond. Everybody knows it and if you call the NCAA like i have several times , all you get is a busy signal. With no paper trail you can't get caught.
--------------------
His father was arrested in 2011. went to prison. then father's car washing business reopened in oct 2016 while he was still in prison. thomas announced he was going to img in nov. dad out of prison in march. commits to clemson first week of april. its not hard to put 2 and 2 together.
if your dad was in prison and his business just reopened, why would you leave the state in dec knowing that he may need help until he gets out. then the girl who was a life long gamecock, decides to go to clemson? people think it was his step sister, i thought it was his girlfriend. it is in front of everyone's face. i would be real curious to see when he was supposed to get out initially.
******************
Don't be a narc. The game is the game. We're just bad at it.
******************
I know of some "low level" stuff that occurred during our three 11 win seasons. As Forrest would say...."that's all I'm gonna say about that".
******************
Clemson fans used to say a car dealer in Rock Hill helped in a big way on mining that area for recruits.
*****************
Unless our administration understands that football is not like any other sport and becomes as determined to succeed as Clemson is we will never catch them. We get super excited about winning the women's championship in basketball and it was a great accomplishment but Clemson doesn't care-they are the national champs in football. They don't really care that our men's team made the final four, they are the football national champions. Beating us in baseball is just another twist of the knife but even if we win the CWS again they won't really care. They are the college football champions because they wanted it and were willing to do whatever they had to. Winning 5 in a row against them and then pooping out was probably the worst thing that could have happened because it made them mad and then Spurrier made it easy for them to become dominant. How many games in a row will we have to lose to them before we get mad as an institution?
****************
As I've said many times, it is Spurrier's fault. I'm not being sarcastic in the slightest.
*****************
Really needed this one for multiple reasons. Needed him because of the player of course but also needed to beat out Dabo for a 5 star player. Really thought they were going to pull this one off. Big head to head lose by the staff on this one.
******************
Show recruits the money like Clemsuxs and win more.
*****************
Catch 22 and we're caught right smack dab in the middle. We thought our basketball program was a tough sell.....WM has his freakin work cut out for him.
****************
Wining more games does not necessarily lead to better recruiting. Look what happened to our football program after Coach Spurrier went 11 and 2 for three straight years. I love Coach Spurrier and what he did for our football program but poor management, nepotism, laziness and not keeping up with the times brought our football program right back down. Winning is important and should lead to better recruiting but not always. I am optimistic that Coach Muschamp will win and most certainly recruit better. Look at our baseball program. Coach Holbrook is supposedly a great recruiter. Apparently the recruiting experts think so but is he a good manager, motivator and tactician? I have my doubts.
****************
UPDATED AGAIN
Losing the XT battle certainly hurts if for no other reason than we thought we had the edge for this 5 star recruit. We have to be realistic in the knowledge that most often when we go head up with a top rated program, we will lose more than we win. This may not always be the case however. Will Muschamp and his staff are forever working toward building our program and in time they will succeed. We must keep in mind that one recruit, no matter who he may be, will not beat us by himself. Thomas may turn out to be another Bowers or he may be another Clowney, no one knows.
I have no doubt that this year we will have one of the better SEC offenses. We are still not too good on defense. That being said, look for us to improve in all areas of the game this year.
We are better prepared to battle Clemson as this season approaches.
Recruiting still has a long way to go .We should bring in 25 or more. Clemson can make room for only 12. If Will can have a top 15 class or better this year, we will be in the thick of things in the near future
as we compete with the so called big boys of the Fall.
Lets not worry about who Clemson signs, lets be supportive and believe in our coach and our recruits and players. Remember, Feaster was the next Gallman but I wouldn't trade Williams or Dowdle for him. Jake will better than any 5* starting for Clemson this year. Our receiving corps in already better than theirs. Now, if we could only get that defense working -------- hmmmm.
*****************
If our boys win a natty, I'll buy 'em car or whatever as long as we win. Not be babies, it does go on everywhere & if it went on at Carolina, everybody on here would deny it all day long. We've got to learn to play the game...
*****************
Things that make you go hmmm.......
This should have red flags all over it,but guess what the NCAA does not care. You have to literally do all the ground work yourself, turn it over to them, and then they may take a look.
*****************
Can we get a list of who the alleged bag men are for the taters? I think that could be a good start to taking a look at this.
*****************
I wonder if he and hid dad received just as much $$$ as Tee Higgins? Didn't Higgins get close to $250k?
****************
Sure they are rock stars. Clemson never won anything playing on an even field and being the obscure land grant college that they are, will never win again except by bending or breaking the rules. Give it a little time, Dabo will get caught with his pants down. His Pizza party won't last forever.
****************
glad the drama is over, let's move on and get others, funny how these 17-18 year olds are followed. Good luck to him, but I say once you go to the other side----WAR ON and F**k U!!
****************
Somewhere in our 5 year run over clem, the big shots got their heads together and said that's enough of USC and they made a serious decision/commitment that it's going to stop now. I have no proof, but I'm inclined to think that they will do anything unethical, immoral, against the rules to beat the Gamecocks. Clem blatantly cheated one time, so why wouldn't they now?
****************
Clemson got better the same way they got started under Charlie Pell and Danny Ford. Today, we have the conference, money , facilities and yes, national brand to not only compete with them but to surpass them. I don't buy your theory on how Clemson got better. Clemson supporters are openly saying players are treated as rock stars. Rock Stars have money, women and cars, fancy digs, etc... Three years from now it will be very interesting to see if the football landscape changes dramatically in THIS STATE.
*****************
Right now as a program, we are on the beach doubting ourselves. We need a good kick in the a*s and we'll be back.
****************
And the hate for a teenager who changed his mind begins, and this is grown men, sad thing we have to listen to every year...
****************
Yep, once the money clears the bank...there ain't no going back, unless you want to end up in the documentary "Deliverance II."
****************
Ok, but we handed Muschamp a knife and sent him into a machine gun fight. We hired him to take over a 3 win program, Clempson just won the national championship. It's his job to bring in good football players, and I'm not saying we shouldn't expect that, but given the circumstances I also don't think we can grouse about losing out on the top recruit in the country to the national champion.
*****************
At least I know that our coaches are working their tails off. Cards are stacked against them. I just hope that they keep their nose to the grindstone and don't get frustrated. All it takes is one good season to turn this thing around. Anything can happen. We are on the right track, but it won't happen overnight.
****************
This staff did an amazing job with what they had to work with last year. This program has lost three in a row to Kentucky. Georgia is recruiting like never before, UT & Florida both on the rise. That's why letting this program slip into complacency has been devastating. Muschamps doesn't have the easy sale Dabo has. They still only have to worry about beating FSU. They hardly ever play Miami, UNC, or Va. Tech, and were still lucky as hell to beat NC State & Louisville. Getting X T would have been nice but Will is going to build this program the right way, and he will get there. It's just not a fast fix. We have outstanding coaches and we will "Endeavor to Persevere"!
***************
This is a huge, huge loss for Muschamp, even though we all know he and his staff tried everything within reason to bring XT on board. It is not often our state produces a 5*, especially one who grew up a Gamecock fan, and also is our biggest position of need. We simply do not have any elite pass rushers, and XT would have brought that to us. All we can do now is keep plugging along, but never, ever give up, as things will get better down the road.
***************
considering that USC wasn't even in contention for this kid before Champ got there, I'd say he did a fine job. I'd love to know what happened to cause him to commit so early.
***************
Just wtf more can WM do? This is not on him at all. I'm still waiting for someone to explain CU's class after 6-7 and a loss to USF!!!!
***************
I mean, really really sucks. But those tweets are just pathetic. "Good luck on getting a serious injury"?! Just a terrible thing to say. At the end of the day, it was xt’s decision to make and he made the one he thought was best for him. The only way this gets any worse would be to have Zion go up state as well. Sucks, he could have came to Carolina and left a lasting legacy, but he chose to be one of many greats. As much as those tweets piss me off, I would be lying if I said xt will not be public enemy #1 for the next 3 or 4 years. But I do not wish physical harm on the kid, and I even wish him much success in life, just not on 1 November Saturday for the next few years.
***************
He took the safe route to Clemson. He has been CB’d to them for quite awhile. I agree though that what’s odd is committing eight months ahead of schedule. You really have to wonder what changed his mind about that.
****************
What happened? Yeah, the chances of him going to Clemson were high, but you spend so much of your recruiting telling everyone you’re not going to announce untill December just to announce in March, on the heels of a lot of public support for the OTHER instate school.
Its not fishy that he picked Clemson, it’s the timing thats fishy.
***************
I honestly think that if Clemson goes back to there 9-3 8-4 ways (prior to deshaun watson) things could change for a few recruits. If SC can gobiut and win 8-9 this season… which if the offense can produce i think will happen. Especially those once considered SC leans. I know Upstates coach has done a great job at selling recruits the last fews years. However, except for the 3 years of watson they were still the 2nd or 3rd best team in a mediocre acc. Now the acc is much more competitive across the board. So unless elliot and scott can teach almost 100% of the starters Chad Morris’ O they could possibly go back to extremely mediocre extremely fast. Which with the rise of louisville, NC and what looks like Vt could mean 8-4 seasons this year.
I know they have plenty of talent but so has LSU the last 5 years and…. as well as georgia and southern cal. All top 5 recruit classes on average last 4-5 years. 7-5 or 8-4 records for each allot of that time. My Point being talent doesn’t guarantee winning it just helps! Time will tell with the Gamecocks as well as their reapective recruits. I am sure Muschamp has a plan still and will continue to pursue those guys. Especially the one that reffered to USC as home so many times!
***************
After we beat Clemson with walk-ons and sophomore 3 stars, let's cure that pesky cancer thing
***************
I'll try and find some more later tonight.... I hope ya'll are doing well and we couldn't have asked for better weather for the baseball game tonight!!!!!!!
Last edited:
