Category: Ford Wilder

Why Lanorris Sellers may not be the Gamecocks Best Fit

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, the South Carolina Gamecocks are off to an okay start to the 2024 season.

They are 3-2 and their two losses have come to top fifteen-ranked SEC opponents LSU and Ole Miss. The Gamecocks are looking to at least become bowl-eligible and finish the season off strong. This will be tough though because they have a very tough October slate of games. They will face ranked SEC opponents Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. To go along with that the Gamecocks defense looks quite strong, and is playing well. The problem is the offense.

The South Carolina offense has been led by Lanorris Sellers thus far who has shown great glimpses of what he can be, but also poor moments setting the offense back. Sellers has been productive on the ground game with 55 carries for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. Where he has struggled though is in the pass game. Through four games he has completed 49 passes of 85 attempts with 555 yards,2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. This combines for a QBR of 43.4 which is 96th in the country. This struggle in the pass game has set the Gamecocks offense back tremendously causing them to only put up 3 points versus Ole Miss. To give Lanorris the benefit of the doubt the receiving core and offensive line have been sort of lackluster but this does not excuse the poor decisions and throws he has made consistently throughout the year. His lack of experience is showing against fast and physical SEC defenses. If this continues it may be time for the Gamecocks to look for a change.

Adjacently, this is where Robby Ashford comes into play. Ashford transferred to USC this year after playing at Auburn the previous years. Ashford has SEC starting experience under the Tigers and showed his great dual threat capabilities there where he rushed for 710 yards and 7 touchdowns at Auburn in 2022 and also threw for 9 touchdowns. Ashford has started one game this season for the Gamecocks this year against Akromn after Sellers suffered an ankle sprain against LSU. Akron may not be the greatest opponent but Ashford used this opportunity and showed out. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for an additional 133 rushing yards and a touchdown. This performance showed many that Ashford may be an option looking ahead for the Gamecocks.

Furthermore, Sellers is considered to be the future of USC as he is just a sophomore compared to Ashford being a senior. This may be true and all but if the Gamecocks want to win right now in the SEC; I believe they should consider starting Ashford due to his experience, and the capabilities he has shown thus far.

Why Lifting Weights is Necessary for Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, there are numerous reasons why all athletes should utilize the weight room to some extent. Using the weight room could be that extra push an athlete needs to be great instead of just good. Many athletes overlook lifting weights and only work on skill work and practice of their sport or sports. I am here to tell you why that may be setting them back, and how the weight room is vital to athletes.

The first of many reasons is the most important one which is increased strength. By lifting weights and getting stronger, one’s sports performance will continue to rise. This is because an increased output in power allows athletes to become faster, quicker, more agile, and have more force and stability in their upper and lower body. Not only will you have a higher force output, but by lifting weights you will also cause hypertrophy, increasing the size of your muscle fibers. Not only will you get stronger and more athletic by lifting weights, but you will also become more toned and look the part. Balance the weights with a well-balanced diet and you will see the great benefits to come with your athletic abilities and performance.

Next off, weight lifting also is vital to injury prevention. While some injuries are inevitable, the latest research suggests that resistance weight training can assist heavily in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. This is because by lifting weights with the correct form and targeting the right muscle groups you can increase stability and support in your body. By utilizing the weight room athletes can prevent injuries and also get rid of them by strengthening the surrounding ligaments and muscles around the affected area.

Lastly, lifting weights is very beneficial for one’s mental state. Many studies show regular weight training can boost one’s mood and decrease anxiety. This is because lifting weights and exercising releases endorphins which play a major role in having a good mood. Also, lifting weights can improve brain health because studies show that resistance training can increase neuroprotective factors. One of these factors is the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is linked to learning and memory.

To summarize, many athletes overlook the importance of weight training and how it can enhance performance. This is why athletes should begin a weightlifting program and pay attention to the benefits that come with it.   

Why Protein is so Vital to Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To start off, many athletes are great within the mental and physical aspects of their sport,but they lack what most might say matters most: nutrition. Nutrition is very important for not just athletes but everyone in general because it fuels your body day in and day out.The main sources of nutrients you need to consume everyday are carbs,fats,proteins,water,minerals, and vitamins. These are all essential nutrients but ,in my opinion, protein is most important to athletes.I believe this because protein is vital for numerous aspects which I will dive into.

The first of reasons is because protein is essential for muscle building and recovery.In long and strenuous weight training sessions,practices,and games.Without protein, your body is unable to give your muscles the amino acids it needs to repair and rebuild. If you do not intake the amount of protein you need then your body will become sore, you will lose muscle mass, and your metabolism will be slowed.

Next off, protein is vital because it balances your diet by ensuring you stay full and satiated throughout workouts and the day in general. By keeping your protein intake at a stable level; it will allow you to limit cravings and keep your diet in check. If your diet is unstable; it will cause you to feel lethargic,sore, and weak.

How one should get their protein intake is a question many ask. This can be answered in pretty simple means. A person should aim for at least one gram of protein per pound you weigh ,so if someone weighs 165 pounds; they should aim for at least 165 grams of protein per day. Athletes should consume their protein through sources of chicken, beef, fish, dairy, protein bars, protein shakes,etc. Also, athletes should aim to get 30 grams of protein within an hour after their workout to ensure muscle recovery.

In all, protein is very essential in the everyday life of athletes and should be a vocal point in their diets. Without the correct amount of protein taken in everyday, a number of consequences will be followed.