The Side Line Oct. 30, 2013

Page 21

GamecockCentral.com

RECRUIT TO WATCH BY CHRIS CLARK

Whole Latta Love

Pee Dee prospect Donell Stanley bolsters offensive line

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outh Carolina Offensive line caoch Shawn Elliott believed he could rebuild the Gamecock offensive line when he took the job back in 2010. Four seasons later, Elliott has his group performing at a high level and has continued adding depth and talent to his pool of players. This month, Elliott added even more talent when highly touted offensive lineman Donell Stanley chose South Carolina. The four-star recruit from Latta

OF F E NSI VE GU A R D

DONELL STANLEY Hometown: Latta, S.C. High School: : Latta

Height / Weight: 6-5 / 320 to him straight,” German said. “He let him know what they want from him, what he could do for the program. He said he wasn’t going to beg him, but he could have a home there. He responds well to it. Donell knows [Elliott] sees something in him, and he needs to listen to it.” Kelly Williamson, Stanley’s coach at Latta High School, believes that his star player is a quality individual off the field as well. “Donell is special,” he told gamecockcentral.com. “He is not in trouble. He isn’t hanging

“I like [Elliott’s] way of coaching. He is an energetic coach and is going to get his point across. He is going to push you to be the best you can be.” High School announced his decision, which he’d made in private more than a month prior to his public announcement, at a ceremony on his school’s campus. “It was closest to home, part of the SEC, and one of the top programs in the conference,” the 6-foot-5, 320-pounder told gamecockcentral.com after the announcement. “I like [Elliott’s] way of coaching. He is an energetic coach and is going to get his point across. He is going to push you to be the best you can be.” The Pee Dee product’s uncle, Chris German, guided Stanley during the recruiting process. He agreed with his nephew that Elliott played a large role in Stanley’s decision. “[Elliott] is going to shoot it

22 freetimes |

around people he shouldn’t be hanging around. He is doing the things he should be doing. He loves his teammates. He always wants to put the limelight on someone else. He always wants to help someone. He volunteers to be a coach at the rec. He is there after practice, after he does his work, he is always out there. That is just him. He is a real big thing around here.” Additionally, Willaimson thinks that Stanley will mesh well with Elliott’s coaching style. “He is going to get coached, but Donell lets that roll off his back,” Williamson said. “he knows what the mission [is] we are trying to accomplish and he doesn’t take it personally. I’ve gotten on him a bunch. I think he will respond well.” MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. USC


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