USC's Davis has eye on big year for final seasonBy Travis Haney (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Friday, August 8, 2008
Mary Ann Chastain South Carolina running back Mike Davis rushed for 518 yards last season as a junior. COLUMBIA — A quick glance at Mike Davis, and you know immediately that something's different. The big, bulky back is gone. The smaller, quicker back has arrived. And it's got some, even those at the top of South Carolina's football food chain, looking for big things from the senior from Columbia. "Mike's going to have a chance to gain a whole bunch of yards this year," Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said. "He's in the best shape of his life. "I look for Mike Davis to have a big year." Believe it or not, Davis is actually listed as being two pounds heavier (212 to 214) this year compared to last. If that's true, he's certainly carrying it differently. And, because of that, he's carrying the ball differently. "Last year, he was more of a big back," sophomore fullback Pat DiMarco said. "He's making cuts he wasn't making last year. It's actually really exciting to block for a guy like that." DiMarco said, already in camp, he'll try to pave a path for Davis only to realize he's already blown by him. "Last year, it was more of a power game," DiMarco said. "He'd just come in and power through. This year, I'll hit someone and he's already ahead of me, dodging them. It's like, 'Mike's already by me now?' " Position coach Robert Gillespie, a former Florida back in Spurrier's day there, said he laid a lot on Davis' doorstep in the offseason leading into his final year. He told Davis, with Cory Boyd gone, the opportunity had come again for him to be the leader at the position. Boyd ran for 903 yards on 180 carries. Davis rushed 114 times for 518 yards, a relatively healthy average of 4.5 yards a carry. But Davis' productivity slipped late in the year, and he had a few costly fumbles. In the last half of the season, he carried the ball just 35 times for 134 yards. "I think it starts mentally," said Gillespie, in his fourth year on the staff. "I think he's excited about this being his chance again. The first couple of years, he had the duty by himself and then he had to share it. He's excited now. "This is his chance again. He wants to make up for how he finished last year. He disappointed himself, his teammates and everybody else. He has a lot to prove. He's been a good leader. Hopefully he can keep it going and have a big year and help our offense." Knowing time is dwindling has Davis wanting to do more, on and off the field. "This is my last year," he said. "I just really want to go out and see what I can do for my last season of Gamecock football." Davis will miss some of that time after suffering a left shoulder injury early in Thursday's practice. "Mike Davis just fell on the ground in a drill," Spurrier said. "Nobody touched him. So he missed the entire practice. He'll probably be out a week or so." Spurrier has been high on all the running backs so far in camp, and will get to see more of them with Davis out. That includes sophomore Brian Maddox and true freshmen Eric Baker and Kenny Miles as well as junior Taylor Rank. Maddox will move up to No. 1 tailback. "I'm ready for it. I feel a whole lot ready this year than I would have been last year," Maddox said. "It certainly is my opportunity to shine and to keep the position if I excel on the field." Overall, it's a position that's sort of a question mark without Boyd, who was a fifth-year senior and probably the most liked player on the team. "I've told them a lot of people don't think the running backs are going to do anything around here," Gillespie said. "I'm going to give anybody who's ready to play a chance to play and help us win." That might include Maddox, who had a solid spring game. Or the freshmen, who have already shown a burst in the backfield. "Both of those kids are going to be good backs for us," Gillespie said. "They're in a fortunate situation where we don't necessarily have to rely on them early. ... Those guys are going to be good. I just think they need to learn." The goal is to redshirt one of them, either Baker or Miles. Baker enrolled early, so he would seem to have the early lead for playing time. But Miles has picked up the offense quickly, Gillespie said, despite being here just a month. He's also a physical specimen; at 189 pounds, he can bench 225 pounds 18 times. "That's what some guys do," Gillespie said, "when they go to the NFL combine." Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks. |
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Comments
This article has 39 comment(s)
Posted by bigriver1 on August 8, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Davis would not start at Slippery Rock U. 6-6, 3-5, no bowl for the lamecocks. Wonder Stevie retires. Next legend please.
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike who? Never heard of him.
Posted by tigerbdog on August 8, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mikey d cant hang with da thunda and lightnin!
14-0, you gotta believe babee!!
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like a real winner.
“Mike Davis fell on the ground in a drill over here. Nobody touched him,” Spurrier said. “And he said he hurt his shoulder a little bit. So he missed the entire practice.”
Posted by tigerbdog on August 8, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
its the cop's fault...suckas...Go Tigers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard it was poppatiger's fault, but just a rumor.
Posted by tigerbdog on August 8, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
???????
Posted by MSC on August 8, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Davis is the running back,when as a sophomore, runs over Gaines Adams...as seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3WS5Uwc5...
Posted by tigerbdog on August 8, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah, he smack ran over him lol
Posted by SangareeCrew on August 8, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL at Clemson tards who are obsessed with the Gamecock program......How many points will you be from the weak ACC title this year? Next choke job, please.
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I can promise you USC is not helping our strength of schedule. Thats for sure.
Posted by whiskeyagogo on August 8, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Preseason polls vary but Scout.com recently showed USC playing four teams ranked in the top 12 - 2,4,6, and 12 to be exact. CU's highest ranked opponent is #19 BC. I'm sure your mothers are proud. Since CU has no linebackers, Davis should do well.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on August 8, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Davis can play--he's a local columbia boy too. With Ellis Johnson and the developing talent, the cocks will have to be reckoned with in the SEC east.
Now to the clemson turds. Why don't you upstate bible beaters (and girlfriend beaters) refrain from posting down here. No one wants to hear your bob jones dribble--this is gamecock country down here so go home to dung county. Can't wait to hear the air come out of the clemson sails in week 1? No way the tigs will win their first untainted and cheatfree ACC or National Championship. Nebraska = '81 champions by default. Clemson = Barry Bonds of college football. Clemson football players invented the gang rape--such nice young men. SCar will be the toughest team on clemson's schedule--they and Ala are the only top 30 teams the tigs play. That's just a fact. I am going to hammer you losers this year when you choke, choke, choke. 3 bowl losses in a row; no ACC championship and bragging rights go back to Columbia--garanteed. Teams without strong offensive line play struggle--no matter how much talent they claim.
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel-no ACC championship and bragging rights go back to Columbia--garanteed.
Want to make a little bet? Clemson wins-you never post on this site ever again. USC wins-I will never post on here again.... Sound good to you?
Posted by SangareeCrew on August 8, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Clemson1979 wrote: "Well I can promise you USC is not helping our strength of schedule. Thats for sure"
Actually, South Carolina and Alabama are the highest rated teams you play based on the Preseason Coaches' poll. So, actually, we DO help your strength of schedule. That is, unless you want to drop us off your schedule and pick up Georgia or Florida. But hey, we don't want playing real teams to get in the way of your "undefeated" season you are going to have this year!
Have fun with Duke and Georgia Tech.
Posted by SangareeCrew on August 8, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, forgot about BC. So we are the 3rd toughest team you face..........yep, we're really dragging down your strength of schedule.
Actually, even with a #9 ranking, you are only the 4th toughest team we face based on pre season polls........so you are dragging our SOS down just as much!!!! LOL!
Posted by sbs920 on August 8, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see all the Esso Club Idiots are out in full force this morning. Maybe just a little too much orange kool-aid. . .
We'll just see how the pair of dancing monkeys named "Blunder and Frightning" do against "Bama !
Eight men in the box. . . we shall see. . .
remember the last trip to atlanta against a SEC team! LOL!
Posted by tigerfan07 on August 8, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
remember your last trip to a bowl???
Posted by OldSalt on August 8, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I saw a positive story on a Gamecock player and 15 comments, I knew the usual suspects were saying the usual things. I honestly don't see what you get out of it. What on earth is wrong in the rest of your lives to generate that much hatred? Channeling your energies into something positive and constructive would be much more rewarding for you, if not quite as easy as bashing college athletes training to be their best. I feel so sorry for you.
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Old Salt dont feel bad for me. Mike Davis sucks. Clemson's 4th string RB is at least as good as he is. Our starters have NFL written all over them. Mike Davis will be lucky to play Arena football in a 3rd world country. Coots better hope Davis can run, because your QB situation is a joke.
Posted by Rooster07 on August 8, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said, OldSalt. Good Luck this year Mike!
GO GAMECOCKS!!
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
63-17
Posted by Rooster07 on August 8, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep 'em comin. We've heard it all before. We can handle it.
Posted by Chanticleer on August 8, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For all you coots that keeping saying Bama and USC are CU's toughest opponents, both Wake Forest and Boston College have been ranked ahead of those two mighty, mighty SEC teams in certain preseason polls. I will also go out on a limb and say FSU is better than USC. So with that said, at best USC is CU's 5th toughest opponent and thats being nice because NCST and GT could be better than USC as well.
Coot fact of the day: USC has never finished a season ranked in the top 10 by a major poll.
Posted by sbs920 on August 8, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OldSalt,
if you don't like the bantering between instate teams then make a note to yourself: don't read'em. . .
its not that difficult. did you graduate from clempson?
Posted by sbs920 on August 8, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chant, that is funny!
When was the last time CU finished ranked in the top 10 ?
Was that during Clinton's 1st term in office ? LOL!
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SBS want to know something even funnier? Clemson has had more 9 win seasons under Tommy B (9 yrs), than USC has had over the entire program.
Posted by rebel1 on August 8, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yall are so pathetic you brag about going undeafed with the weakest sch in college football. At least SOS has won the acc at the weakest school in the average coast conf(duke). How many has tammy won(0) in ten years. then you take off the one team on your sch that was even a little strong and add a 6-6(before bowl win)sec team. PATHETIC
Posted by Clemson1979 on August 8, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel you say--At least SOS has won the acc at the weakest school in the average coast conf(duke).
So if Spurrier can win with a crap Duke team, what does that say about USC? Not even the ole ball coach can fix the coots. Also, if USC is so much better than Clemson...why have you lost 7 of the last 9 games? please explain...thanks
Posted by Chanticleer on August 8, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More coot facts:
Following the 2007 season South Carolina has an all-time winning percentage under .500 (521-523-44), which ranks 79th all-time in D-1A football. A few of the notable football programs who have been better than the Gamecocks include such powerhouses as: Duke, Western Michigan, Toledo, Navy, UAB, Central Florida, Ball St., North Texas, Nevada, East Carolina, Houston, Northern Illinois, Utah St., San Jose St., Vanderbilt, Akron, Baylor, UNLV, Kansas, and Rutgers just to name a few.
Posted by DCartisan on August 8, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
blah.. blah... blah... blah.. blah... blah... blah.. blah... blah...
The games are played on the field, not on message boards!
Posted by SangareeCrew on August 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, I've never heard any of those stats before........yawn......
Still, why don't all you Clemson zealots go read about your fights at practice rather than spend all day on an article about that Gamecock team that you are SOOOO much better than? If you are so much better than us, then why the hell do you spend all day reading and posting in a GAMECOCK article?
According to you, Clemson is head and shoulders above South Carolina.....so why are you even the least bit worried about us? Nothing better to do? Doesn't that National Title trophy you bought back in 81 need to be polished?
Posted by Hbaker on August 8, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When CU loses their 2nd game(could easily happen before week 6)Clem1979 and Clem's tigger friends,will call for Bowden's head,and they will do the right thing,they will offer to help Bowden moooooooooooooooooove!
Posted by youmanyo on August 8, 2008 at 8:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poor chickens all they can brag about is being in the sec .
just because you live in a bad neighborhood (sec ), it doens't
make you a tough guy. it just means you get your arse stomped a lot if you are one of the weaklings.
Posted by youmanyo on August 8, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The chickens also dont like to talk about history ,(because theres suck ) ,facts (the truth hurts ) and stats (the truth hurts again ) .
Gamecock fans justify their horrible football record thru the strength of the SEC conference. But let’s look at the Gamecock’s record against the other big 4 conferences. South Carolina is 172-221-18 vs the ACC, 6-8 vs the Big 12, 22-26-5 vs the Big East, and 3-5 vs the Big Ten. This is Carolina Gamecock Football.
Posted by tallblonde on August 8, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
09/13/2008 - Go Dawgs!
Posted by tf29301 on August 9, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's look at Clemson's history. 1 national title and some ACC titles, and........probation twice during that span.
Losing record over the past 10 seasons against ranked teams.
1-4 against the SEC the past two seasons, only win was a last second field goal against a USC team without 5 defensive starters.
Whole bunch of wins against Southern Conference teams as well as the ACC (Duke, Wake etc....), nothing better than the WAC.
I agree 100% that USC needs to do better but, when you really look at what Clemson has done, the statistics only tell part of the story. The other part of the story has a lot to do with scheduling easy teams and probation. Clemson should have a terrific w/l record over the years, but it was built on beating up on easy ACC teams and probation.
Posted by Spartan on August 9, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To: Clemson1979: 1994: USC 33, Clemson 7 IN CLEMSON!! LOL
By the way early last October, every Clemson friend I had said FIRE TOMMY BOWDEN. WE want a SPURRIER type winner at Clemson. Spurrier's had three years, Tommy's had nine. You'll eat your words over the next 2-3 years. Just answer this one question: Why can't Clemson break into the top twenty in nine years with likely the weakest major college schedule the past nine years? My Clemson friends were right! Tommy can recruit but he can't coach. Hey , you ain't playing Florida, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Tennesee.
Posted by youmanyo on August 9, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spurrier's had three years and he is 6-6 , what a shame to see a legend being destroyed ( just like Holtz). We have finished 4 times in the top 25 in the last 10 years silly chicken. I really doubt the old ball coach will even be there in 2 or 3 years , no way the guy can stay with you losers to much longer . As far as recruits usc has had better recurits on average from 2003 to 2007 than us , do a little research chicken.
http://clemson.rivals.com/TeamRank.asp?p...
I will even help you out .
just because you live in a bad neighborhood(SEC), it doens't
make you a tough guy. it just means you get your arse stomped a lot if you are one of the weaklings.