Off Season Opponent Report: Jacksonville State

We continue our post Spring practice check ins with all of our 2011 opponents. We've covered Clark Atlanta and Old Dominion the last two weeks and today we take a look at our highest ranked FCS opponent and arguably one of our most exciting games in 2010.  Jacksonville State was ranked #5 entering the Dome last September and was 8-0 and ranked as high as #3 before losing 3 out of their last 4 games including the FCS Playoff opener at home vs. Wofford.  This offseason has been interesting as the JSU Board of Regents in April put possible FBS plans on the table.

When: September 17th

JSU in 2010: 9-3, Lost in FCS Playoffs - Opening Round

Spring Report: The Gamecocks will have to replace 7 starters on offense and 4 starters on defense from 2010.  I had a chance to speak with Gamecock Illustrated and they gave me some insight on the team's health, FBS transfers and his concerns exiting Spring:

To my knowledge, we came out of Spring relatively healthy. I don't know of any injuries to key players. Starting tackle Tori Mobley did not play in the Spring Game but I think he will be back this Fall. The great news was the return of Matt Jones, a Hoover [MTV] (2 a days) high school product that started as a true freshman for JSU, but had to miss all of last season w/ a knee injury. Our starting QB Marques Ivory lost about 30 pounds and looked and played like a different player in the Spring. My judgment is offensive line is a question mark for the Gamecocks. Wr Transfer Trey Smith looked great in our Spring Game but I'm not a big believer in reading too much into Spring Games.

On the defensive side of the ball, everyone seems excited about our new coordinator Chris Boone. The defensive line should be a strength of the team with several seniors and at least one guy, Monte Lewis, that may have the talent to play at the next level. Gamecock fans are anxious to see if linebacker Erik Russell will return to the team. He sat out last year for undisclosed reasons and is an impact player.  We had a few midyear transfer players that look good, but I think for now they are probably not big time impact players.

Recruits to Watch:

OG Thomas Williams - Big time OL that can play either OG position.  Had offers to Clemson, South Florida and Louisville and the Gamecocks were able to keep him home.

DT Jakarri Kinnie - A one time verbal commit according to the AJC's Chip Towers, Kinnie decided to stay at home as well.  A big time 6'1, 320lbs. noseguard who had offers from SEC, ACC and Sun Belt schools.

RB Demarcus James - Another guy that we were in the mix for that refused to leave the state.  5'10, 215lbs balanced back with very good power and good speed. 

For more on Jacksonville State football, visit the JSU football page.