VIDEO: Coach Crowe Comments on Tuesday's Scrimmage


JACKSONVILLE – Junior quarterback Matt Hardin threw six touchdowns and passed for 176 yards in the Gamecocks’ first scrimmage of the preseason at Paul Snow Stadium Tuesday evening.

The Panama City, Fla., native completed 13-of-25 passes, including a string of seven consecutive passes, to eight different receivers in the 80-plus play scrimmage that lasted just over two hours.

“We’ve anticipated that Matt, just based on his history coming out of high school, would be able to find the field and his receivers and I thought that’s what he did today,” head coach Jack Crowe said following the scrimmage. “A lot of his throws were not inside to the first design of what was called.

“Today, it was obvious that he had a lot of feel,” added Crowe. “A lot of things he threw today were on his own rhythm after the defense reacted and it was very much what we saw when we decided to sign him.”

Senior tight end Keller Speaks led all receivers with 44 yards on three catches, including two touchdowns. Maurice Dupree had a 35-yard touchdown catch, while James Wilkerson added a 32-yard touchdown reception. Raynodd Zeine had two catches for eight yards and a touchdown, whle Kenny Walker had a 16-yard touchdown reception and Taurean Rhetta had a pair of catches for 16 yards.

“We counted plays and really didn’t have much offensive or defensive or even kicking game tied to the scrimmage,” Crowe said. “It was trying to get the right people in the right places to go forward. We have to reduce the number of people that we can work with.”

Crowe did mention a pair of walk-on players that continue to impress the seventh year head coach.

“Santez Mayes and Josh Cain are two walkons that’ve probably earned scholarships,” said Crowe. “I’m very pleased and optimistic with what I saw and what’s ahead of us.”

The ground game was led by sophomore Markus Douglas with 50 yards on 12 carries, while freshman signee Shawn Green added 38 yards on eight carries. Sophomore Daniel Jackson finished with 33 yards on 10 carries and All-American Clay Green had 17 yards on five carries.

Redshirt sophomore Gavin Hallford solidified the placekicking duties after hitting 4-of-5 field goals and going a perfect 6-for-6 on extra point kicks. Hallford connected on field goals from 21, 36, 45 and 48 yards, while his 51-yard attempt fell just short.

The Gamecocks return to the field for a two-a-day workout on Wednesday, with the morning practice beginning at 6:15 a.m. and the afternoon practice scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

STATISTICS:
Rushing: Markus Douglas (12-50), Shawn Green (8-38), Daniel Jackson (10-33), Clay Green (5-17), Ty Griswold (7-9, 1 TD), Raynodd Zeine (2-1).

Passing: Matt Hardin (13-25-0, 176 yards, 6 TD), Shea Allen (0-3-0, 0 yards).

Receiving: Keller Speaks (3-44, 2 TD), Maurice Dupree (1-35, 1 TD), James Wilkerson (1-32, 1 TD), Taurean Rhetta (2-21), Kenny Walker (1-16, 1 TD), Raynodd Zeine (2-8, 1 TD), Josh Moten (1-7), Brody Thomas (1-3).

Kicking: Gavin Hallford (4-5 FG - 21, 36, 45, 48, miss 51; 6-6 PAT); Punting: Zach Walden (3-32.6 avg).