Five Offensive “Off the Radar” Contributors in 2011

The two last entries we discussed offensive and defensive standouts in pre-season camp from the Gamecocks 2011 recruiting class. Today we will take a look at five off the radar offensive contributors who need to succeed for the upcoming 2011 season to be successful. It’s a given that USC potentially has three vital playmakers on offense this year. IMHO RB Marcus Lattimore, WR Alshon Jeffrey and QB Stephen Garcia collectively have the potential to be the most explosive three-headed offensive juggernaut in college football, but in order to achieve the success this Carolina team seeks, USC must find playmakers and a few role players to step forward on the field.
The first undervalued player is on the offensive line at the Center position. T.J. Johnson is a warrior and an anchor on the offensive line for the Gamecocks. He is entering his third consecutive year as a starter on the OL and second season at the Center position. Johnson makes all the calls and most importantly snaps the ball to the QB to jumpstart the offense. You might question “snapping” the ball as relevant or a foregone conclusion, but executing the Zone Read Option play involves a direct snap in Shotgun formation from Center to QB. Bad snaps can equal turnovers or negative yards, so just a simple snap can impact the outcome of a tight game. It is crucial Johnson stays healthy in 2011. Anyone remember last year’s Arkansas game when Johnson was injured and true freshman Ronald Patrick was called upon? If Johnson stays healthy and eliminates bad snaps, then the Gamecocks’ offensive fireworks will be explosive.

My next underestimated contributor is TE/H-Back Justice Cunningham. Cunningham is a throwback player type. He is a blue collar player who loves putting his hand in a three-point stance, firing off the ball and smacking the defensive player across the line of scrimmage in the mouth. Cunningham is being counted on to replace 2010 Team Captain Patrick Dimarco’s role as lead blocker and catch a pass every now and then. Cunningham is by far the best blocker on the team and has worked on his receiving skills over the off-season. I look for his production to increase in the receiving department, but his primary role on this team will be to either lead block for Lattimore in the I-formation when Carolina goes to its “downhill” running game or seal off the end when the Gamecocks go to the Zone Read play.

Another underappreciated element for this offense’s progression is for a 2nd & 3rd WR to step up and provide alternative options in the USC passing game. My pick to provide more support is Sophomore WR Ace Sanders. Sanders is a quick twitch, elusive WR in the slot position. From all accounts, Sanders really challenged himself in the off-season to add strength, weight and develop as a leader. From all reports in practice, Sanders has caught everything thrown to him and improved his quickness and speed. Sanders immersed himself in the playbook and now demonstrates better command of the offensive concepts. I expect a huge jump in production from Ace Sanders this year.

I mentioned my next underrated contributor when I discussed Offensive newcomer impressions in an earlier blog. If USC is to return to the Georgia Dome, then RB Shon Carson must provide 10-12 rushes per game to minimize the “wear & tear” on Lattimore over the course of a 14-game schedule (yes, I said 14-game schedule!). Carson will complement Lattimore’s style and bring a nice change of pace for opposing defenses. Carson has shown in practice to be physical between the tackles, exhibits an ability to bounce a play outside, and he is the fastest RB on the roster. Carson will not redshirt in 2011.

My final underappreciated player on offense may be a surprise, but IMHO this player must perform to a higher standard if USC is going to click on offense. At RG, Terrance Campbell must finally produce as a sixth year senior on the interior of the OL. Campbell has been a nice leader during the off-season and is well-liked by teammates. In years past, Campbell has been hurt and, at times, seemed to be overwhelmed physically by opposing SEC d-tackles. Reports from pre-season camp have been positive regarding the starting OL and in particular Terrance Campbell. As long as the sixth year senior can be serviceable, then that will provide stability to the interior of the offensive line where experience is severely lacking.

Next blog I reveal me "off the radar" contributors on defense for 2011.