Scouting the SEC: South Carolina

After a promising start, Lou Holtz's Gamecocks have hit a rocky road which could get bumpier in 2003. The prospects on this roster are minimal, expect for one outstanding blocker.

And that lineman would be left tackle Travelle Wharton, an outstanding pass protector also dominant at the point of attack blocking for the run. Wharton displays punch and power, yet also uses great angles and body positioning to keep defenders away from the action. Problem for Wharton is a lack of height; at barely 6-foot 4-inches he projects to guard rather than tackle.

Defensively Jeremiah Garrison is a hard working linebacker that throws his body around the field. Garrison displays a good head for the ball but is small and lacks the great skill in pass coverage; a bad combination. He could be the eight linebacker in a three-four defense and should excel on special teams. Dunta Robinson is a nice sized corner that displays solid cover skills for the most part. Robinson also plays an aggressive style of football and could make a move up charts with a solid senior campaign.