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VIDEO: Gamecocks weigh in on upcoming football season
Posted: 07.18.2012 at 10:54 AM
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The Head Ball Coach says he hopes for another big year for the Gamecock's football team.  / secdigitalnetwork.com
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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Head Ball Coach says he hopes for another big year for the Gamecock's football team.

Speaking at the SEC Media Days, Steve Spurrier weighed in on the accomplishments and goals of the program.

Quarterback Connor Shaw, wide receiver Ace Sanders and defensive back DJ Swearinger also attended the event.

"We've still not won the SEC. That's our ultimate goal. We know it's not going to be easy. It would be extremely difficult. But that's our goal. That's what we're shooting for. Who knows if it can work out for us this coming year," said Spurrier.

Shaw says the team has high expectations.

"We want to get back to Atlanta and win that game," said Shaw.

The coach believes that the attitude of the Gamecock community has changed for the better during his eight years in Columbia.

"When I first got there, some fans would say, 'Coach, if you beat Clemson, I don't care if you lose the rest of them. What sort of attitude is that? That was the mentality, just beat Clemson," said Spurrier. " Finally we convinced them that every game is important. Whatever your record is is what you are. Your final record is extremely important. Every game is extremely important."

Spurrier is looking to Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney to maintain the quality of the team's defensive line, which is something that Swearinger has plenty of confidence in.

"I think our defense is one of the best in the nation, not just in the SEC. We've got to work to earn it though, and we're working hard in the offseason to try and get in the No. 1 spot this year," said Swearinger. 

Spurrier expects Shaw to improve in his role as the starting quarterback for the team. "...[Shaw]'s only played about half a year as a starter. Through all the practice, making decisions back there, practice, practice, I think he's going to get better. He certainly should get better," said Spurrier.

Both Shaw and Sanders believe star tailback Marcus Lattimore will be 100 percent ready for the season. Lattimore has been recovering from a knee injury he suffered against Mississippi State last season.

"When I see him lifting weights, working out, he's back where he was before the injury, and I'm ready to see what he does," said Sanders.

According to Spurrier, the Gamecocks will "probably be more of a running team," but the team will have a different offensive style than in previous years.

Watch the Gamecocks talk with the media about their takes on the season in the clips below.

 



 

 

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