new Q & As concerning g-cocks

[smazza]

Q.

Joe, who has the most raw talent on our squad this year?

uscfan, lexington 5/06/04  

A.

Lex, Pound for pound, Moe Thompson might be the best athlete on the team. A former Mr. Football who was an all-state tight end, Thompson could be poised for a big season.  

Joe Person 5/06/04  

 Q.

Joe..will there be another opportunity during August practice to meet the players, get autographs, photos etc. like during the Spring game?  

Diehard, York, SC 5/05/04  

A.

Diehard, I'm not sure if USC will do a "fan day" during preseason camp or not. I don't think it did last year, but it may this year.  

Joe Person 5/06/04  

 Q.

What are the dates of the late signing period for women's college basketball? May any athletes be signed after this period? Are signings generally announced immediately?

Greg 5/03/04  

A.

Greg, Spring signing period is April 16-May 15. Schools can offer scholarships to players after that date, but there are no letters of intent to make those late offers binding. USC's women's team generally announces all of its signees at the end of the signing period.  

Joe Person 5/06/04  

 Q.

Have not heard anything at all about Mike Rathe lately. Lou and Skip did not mention him when talking about their quarterbacks in recent interviews. What is the news on him? Seems like he has been written off.

Liaa Fuhimuta, Columbia, SC 5/05/04  

A.

Liaa, Rathe is still on the team, but is buried on the depth chart. As you know, he played only sparingly in the spring game and has not been given much of a shot since last season's Georgia game.  

Joe Person 5/06/04  

 Q.

Joe, We have heard from USC about the secondary violations. Any word from the NCAA? What is the timeframe to hear back from them? I guess this could drag on for years. It does not seem too efficient from the NCAA side of things IMHO.  

Rob M, Walkersville, MD 5/02/04  

A.

Rob, During the preliminary phase of an investigation, the NCAA is not really bound by any time constraints. And you're right about the inefficiency: The NCAA's enforcement staff is woefully understaffed.  

Joe Person 5/03/04  

 Q.

joe, will s.newton be given afair chance at qb this year? also terrell davis what is his chance playing with a role in lineup this year`? also denzel hinton juco same school j. joseph play at are they recurting him big linebacker out of NORTWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF THE TROJANS 2002

terry, rock hill,sc 5/01/04  

A.

Terry, I think Newton will be given a fair shot. Davis will probably play mostly on special teams.  

Joe Person 5/03/04  

 Q.

Joe, in 1983 when Joe Morrison became the head coach, Carolina's football helmet was changed from white to garnet, and the uniforms underwent changes as well.Was this Coach Morrison's idea?

Space Rooster, Corinth, Ms. 4/30/04  

A.

Rooster, Yes, Morrison was responsible for the uniform change.  

Joe Person 5/03/04  

 Q.

Joe, I just mailed in my season ticket order. What's this about the media guide and the $10 will be refunded pending some NCAA ruling?

Rooster Chief, Acworth, Georgia 4/29/04  

A.

Chief, The NCAA is exploring scaling back on media guides in an effort to cut costs. The measure has been tabled pending further exploration.  

Joe Person 5/03/04  

 Q.

joe,i think that if carolina is to win,it has to hire more minority coaches to coach the young black athlete of today.

strodog, orangeburg 4/29/04  

A.

Strodog, USC has two minority coaches in Jappy Oliver and Ron Cooper. Right or wrong, that's about typical for a Division I school. Remember also that USC was one of the few schools with a minority coordinator when Charlie Strong coached the defense.  

Joe Person 4/29/04  

 Q.

c.j. barber what position will he play and ko simpson

terry, rock hill,sc 4/29/04  

A.

Terry, Both players are safeties. Simpson won a starting spot in the spring. Barber will enroll in August if he qualifies.  

Joe Person 4/29/04  

[The_Reaper]

Q.

Joe I hear this South Florida team is pretty darn good. What's your take on this?  Clucko McFlucko, Columbia

A.

Well Clucko, to be very honest, USF is very strong, very talented, and very physical. Frankly, we are scared crapless!!! Joe

[smazza]

not to far off

except that I asked the question

[smazza]

Q.

Joe, the current USC logo, the Block C with the Flying Gamecock inside of it... who gets credit for the design?

Space Rooster, Corinth, Ms. 5/13/04  

A.

Space, I don't know. If any reader has information and wants to share it on this topic, feel free.  

Joe Person 5/14/04  

 Q.

What is going on with NCAA investigators talking to our football players? Please don't say Derek Watson... I am asking about new and current player?

Roland, Columbia 5/13/04  

A.

Roland, Last spring the NCAA talked to several USC players that had just completed their eligibility. Investigators also have talked to Clemson players that were recruited by USC. And as you mentioned, NCAA also has talked to former players like Watson.  

Joe Person 5/14/04  

 Q.

Any idea what Kelly Morrone is dong now? How about Christina Ciocan now that she has been waived by Charlotte? Will all of the eligible players be back next year? All of the staff?  

Carley 5/11/04  

A.

Carley, I'm not sure what Kelly or Cristina are doing. At a Gamecock Club meeting last week, Susan Walvius said she expects the players who were ineligible this year (Melanie Johnson, Angela Hunter) to be available next season. I've not heard about any staff movement.  

Joe Person 5/11/04  

 Q.

Joe, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Sidney Rice going to play both football and basketball for USC? Also, who is considered USC's top NFL prospect for this upcoming season?

rufusrjones, Irmo 5/11/04  

A.

Rufus, You're right about Rice. As long as he has in grades in order, Holtz has given him the go-ahead to play basketball. I'd say both the defensive ends George Gause and Moe Thompson are among USC's top prospects. Of course, Thompson is a junior.  

Joe Person 5/11/04  

 Q.

When was the last time USC visted Blackville-Hilda ? Are they looking at Tharry Salley Fullback ?

need to know , blackville , SC 5/10/04  

A.

Need to know, According to rivals.com, Salley is getting "medium" interest from USC, Clemson, Georgia and Maryland.  

Joe Person 5/11/04  

 Q.

Well is there any news on when they plan to build onto the south endzone?? any new news?

hunter, columbia sc 5/10/04  

A.

Hunter, Either I'm confused or you have your directions mixed up. The south end zone project, which is the new weight room and training center, is underway and slated for a mid-October finish date. There has been talk about a north end zone project, adding a second deck essentially, but that has been put on hold until the new baseball stadium deal is finalized.  

Joe Person 5/11/04  

 Q.

Hi Joe...sorry to ask a baseball question but Steve hasn't been answering questions lately. Is there a Ray Tanner Show? I heard it mentioned on a live broadcast but can't seem to find it anywhere. Thanks. Andy

Andy, Isle of Palms, Sc 5/10/04  

A.

Andy, I don't think there is a Ray Tanner Show per se, but he does make weekly radio spots on most of Columbia's sports talk shows.  

Joe Person 5/11/04  

 Q.

Joe, USC chose not of offer Florida Kicker CJ Rhody because of scholarships considerations. Was that the final reason? According the State article, he hit on a 57 yard field goal last year. Different in college no doubt without the tee, but certainly impressive. Special teams are one of the weakest areas of the team and a good field goal kicker would have helped. Why not offer ? I would rather take a chance on him than offer to a guy who is going to be a project or never get much playing time. I know Josh Brown is on a scholly and maybe Coach did not want two scholarship kickers on the team. And maybe Rhody was not the answer, but unless Brown improves the FG kicking on this team is about a D+ grade right now. You agree or disagree?  

Rob M, Walkersville, MD 5/10/04  

A.

Rob, USC's scholarship situation is tight. In fact, I think the Gamecocks are still one or two above the 85-scholly limit, pending any possible transfers and/or possible academic casualties. You're right about Brown: He still has to prove himself. But he apparently has done enough to convince Holtz that he can be successful.  

Joe Person 5/10/04  

 Q.

do you think USC will underestimate the south florida bulls?

steve mazza, los angeles,ca 5/09/04  

A.

Steve, Not the way Lou Holtz builds up an opponent. He mentioned how dangerous So. Florida is at a Gamecock Club meeting last week.  

Joe Person 5/10/04  

 Q.

Joe, is it true that USC will be featuring new helmets and uniforms this season? I've heard that black helmets may be in the fold. Go Gamecocks!!

Carolina Man, 5 Points, SC 5/09/04  

A.

Carolina Man, Thanks for checking in from Five Points. The new uniform rumor gets started every year about this time. This might be the year there's a change, but no official announcment has been made, yet.  

Joe Person 5/10/04