Helms preparing to play center in season opener if called upon
When the preseason depth chart was released, Wake Forest transfer Cory Helms was listed at two spots – starting right guard and backup center to Alan Knott.
However, Knott’s hand injury has forced Helms into snapping the ball exclusively through the first eight practices of preseason camp.
“We’re just going right now with what we’ve got,” Helms told reporters after Monday afternoon’s practice. “I like playing both positions. At center, you feel more in control and you’re in charge of the cadence and a lot of the calls.
“At guard, you don’t have to snap it. You just put your hand in the ground and try to maul people. Both have their perks. Obviously, my goal is to go to the next level. It shows I can play every position.”
Center is hardly unfamiliar territory for Helms, who graduated from Milton High School in Alpharetta, Ga. Sixteen of his 23 starts at Wake Forest came at center, including 11 as a true freshman in 2013 when he earned Freshman All-America accolades. He was the first Demon Deacon freshman to start his first college football game in 26 years.
Wake Forest was one of three offers Helms received from FBS schools (North Carolina and Syracuse were the others) during recruiting, and subsequently signed with the Deacons in February 2013.
The Gamecocks did not offer Helms coming out of high school.
When Knott’s hand finally heals, Helms could shift back to guard or stay where he is right now.
“I haven’t forgotten how to play guard,” Helms said. “Whatever Coach Elliott wants to do is fine with me. I don’t care if I’m playing center or guard.”
Because of NCAA transfer rules, Helms has not played in a real game since November 2014, making him more than ready to take the field on Sept. 1 for the nationally televised clash at Vanderbilt (8 p.m., ESPN).
“I wouldn’t say I have any anxiety, but I would say I’m extremely excited,” Helms said. “Even this whole camp, I’ve been excited every day to hit people. I can’t wait for September 1st.”
Helms is one of several veterans being counted on by offensive coach Shawn Elliott to form one of the more experienced offensive line units in the SEC. Without a doubt, the O-Line is the strength of the Gamecocks’ offense going into the season.
“We like what we’ve got right now,” Helms said. “Every day, we’re trying to take a little step forward. So far, I think we’ve done that. We’re pretty confident in what we can do.”
Playing Center has allowed Helms to battle USC’s experienced group of defensive tackles on a daily basis. He senses the group has improved from last season.
“Kelsey (Griffin) does a good job with his hands,” Helms said. “Honestly, I think they have all gotten so much better. Kobe Smith has gotten a lot better, Ulric (Jones) has gotten a lot better. Taylor (Stallworth) can really play when he is healthy.
“Overall, the entire D-Line has gotten so much better. I’m not really sure what he (D-Line coach Lance Thompson) is doing, but it’s working. They’re better.”
After spending his freshman season playing for the relatively quiet Jim Grobe (now interim head coach at Baylor) Helms enjoys playing for the energetic and vocal Will Muschamp.
“I think (Muschamp’s style) is right up my alley,” Helms said. “I like when people are into it and get fired up. It really brings the energy.”
Even though he has yet to play a down for the Gamecocks, Helms has already been embraced as a team leader despite being on campus for just over a year.
“I came in and showed them how hard I worked and how much I wanted this,” Helms said. “I’ve worked my tail off since the first day I got here. I learned all the playbooks from left tackle to right tackle. I know every play. They just see how hard I work and how badly I want it. I think they’re looking for leadership by example.
TALLEY WORKING WITH TOP RB GROUP: As a former walk-on given a scholarship prior to last season, Rod Talley understandably takes nothing for granted. So, even though he is now practicing with the top running back group along with A.J. Turner and Darius Paulk, he realizes circumstances can change quickly.
“Right now, it’s A.J. first, Darius second and me with the (first team offense),” Talley said. “But it can change any day, so I can’t get too comfortable with myself. Keep working every day. A.J. is going to play a huge role on this team. He is deceptively strong. He can run between the tackles.”
Former four-star prospect David Williams is practicing with the second group alongside other younger ball carriers. Rico Dowdle and Mon Denson are sidelined with injuries.
Talley admits the running back competition is more wide open than he anticipated when preseason camp opened.
“Everybody expected David would be the guy, but coach had a problem with him at the beginning (of camp),” Talley said. “They are still trying to get him to be consistent every day. But we a lot of great backs in the backfield that want to take your spot, so you can’t get comfortable. You have to be on your toes at all times.
Another running back who has caught Talley’s eye: North Carolina transfer Ty’shon Williams. However, he is sitting out the 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
“He’s a great back, very fast,” Talley said. “He gives great effort and is really explosive. He’s a natural runner.”
NOTES
-- Fan Appreciation Day will be held Sunday, Aug. 21 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center adjacent to Colonial Life Arena. Gamecock coaches and players will sign autographs. Doors will open to the public at 2 p.m., with the team scheduled to arrive at 2:30 and sign until 4 pm. Fans are asked to limit their autograph signings to one poster per person.
