Ellis Predicts Success for Gamecocks This Season



August 9, 2011: Todd Ellis, the voice of Gamecocks Football broadcasting, brought us an overview of the upcoming football season at the University of South Carolina. Todd, a native of North Carolina, is a graduate of USC and holds every major quarterback record in Gamecocks Football since the great year of 1989. His passing record for the Gamecocks is 9953 yards!

Following graduation he signed with the Denver Broncos as a back-up to John Elway. Realizing that Elway was there for the long haul, he returned to USC to get a law degree and currently practices in Columbia. During football season, however, he is all football.

He lauded Coach Steve Spurrier, who is in his 7th season, as an outstanding advocate for both Gamecocks Football and the state of South Carolina. Ellis and the Spurrier family work hard together long into the early morning hours preparing the Sunday broadcast shows.

Looking ahead he sees the 2011 Gamecocks as the best ever in the school’s history. He highlighted Quarterback Steve Garcia, who though prone to getting into situations outside of football, has the full support of the total team. Todd notes that Garcia is under incredible scrutiny everywhere, a pressure that few would want to endure.

He praised Marcus Latimore as a terrific person and football player who is expected to have a banner year. He also highlighted Alshon Jeffery, one of football’s great receivers, and defensive player Jadeveon Clowney, last year’s No.1 freshman pick.

Asked about discipline on the team, Todd noted that in speaking to young people he tries to make them all understand that they are personally under public scrutiny every time they put something on Facebook. He notes that in any group of 100 people, 10 will make serious mistakes, and the public picks up on it.

All you Gamecock fans get ready, he predicts a great 2011 Gamecocks Football year!

Submitted by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee