Gilmore, Gurley (And Taylor, Too)
Two freshman from Rock Hill, S.C. played big roles in South Carolina’s season-opening 7-3 win over N.C. State Thursday night.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore made up for a costly pass interference penalty by turning in a game-saving defensive deflection on the Wolfpack’s final fourth down play. Meanwhile, wideout Tori Gurley caught four passes for 34 yards and snared a first quarter touchdown, although it was later called back on a pass interference penalty.
Perhaps the biggest young star of the night, however, was freshman defensive end Devin Taylor, a lanky 6-7, 232-pounder who was playing in place of suspended starter Clifton Geathers. The Beaufort, S.C. native caused a fumble on his first play as a collegiate athlete that led to the Gamecocks only score of the game. Later, he blocked a punt and registered a sack against N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson.
Gilmore, Gurley and Taylor outshone two of head coach Steve Spurrier’s “blue chip” newcomers.
Heralded wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught one pass for five yards in limited play, while highly-touted running back Jarvis Giles managed only 13 yards on five carries.
Pic: Travis Bell, Sideline Carolina
Comments
By Rock Hill Rocks on September 4th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I’m not from Rock Hill, SC… but there is one thing I’ve learned in my short time working there:
For a city of just over 60,000 people, Rock Hill has produced some outstanding NFL & NCAA football talent:
Current NFL Players: Ko Simpson, Ben Watson, Johnathan Joseph, Chris Hope
Former NFL Players: Jeff Burris, Rick Sanford and Gerald Dixon
NCAA Success Stories: Jonathan Hefney (GO VOLS), Pat Burris, Derek Ross, Tim Jones, Cookie Massey, Tony Watkins.
Not to mention the possibility of excellence from Gilmore, Hollman, Lanning & Gurley….
Perhaps I’m leaving out a few– but the short list proves, at least on the gridiron, Rock Hill Rocks!
By confused on September 4th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I may be wrong and I am sure you will correct me, but Derek Ross was arrested for stealing cars, wasn’t he? NCAA success story?
By CL on September 4th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I agree Gurley and Taylor were under the radar recruits, but how can you lump Gilmore in that group? I believe he was the highest rated recruit in last year’s class, as he was a Parade All-American and was ranked 18th on the ESPNU 150. He is unquestionably a blue chipper.
By fitsnews on September 4th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
CL-
Good point. Of course Gilmore didn’t get the same fanfare as Jeffrey or Giles because he plays on the defensive side of the ball.
-FITS
P.S. – Be interested in your take on the whole LeGarrette Blount fiasco
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/09/04/legarrette-blount-regulating-that-smack/