Former USC player Staley and ex-coach Reaves square off on radio show
By Travis Haney
COLUMBIA — An interesting exchange took place on Columbia radio waves this afternoon, with former South Carolina running back Duce Staley calling out former USC recruiting coordinator David Reaves.
Reaves, who recently joined Tennessee's new coaching staff, was then invited on WNKT-FM's "Halftime Show," with Staley and co-host Jay Philips.
Predictably, Reaves defended himself against accusations that he's been playing dirty with Gamecocks recruits since leaving for UT after the Nov. 29 Clemson game.
"In clearing that up, I've never said a bad thing about the University of South Carolina," Reaves said. "People are going to say what they're going to say, but I would never do anything to hurt the University of South Carolina."
Several issues have surfaced pertaining to Reaves and recruiting in the short time since he's been gone.
In the days after he left, sources said he was in contact with Rock Hill prospects Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman, Rivals four-star recruits who are hard commitments with the Gamecocks.
Reaves said, yes, he had been in touch with them. But only to let them know he was leaving and to, as he said, "wish them well at USC." He noted that a coordinator develops a bond after recruiting kids for a year or two.
Reaves was later asked about actually visiting one of their homes in Rock Hill. He said that it happened, but there is a distinction between visiting a family and a prospect. Reaves said the family contacted him and wanted to talk with him about Tennessee, where Reaves' brother-in-law Lane Kiffin was just hired. Reaves said it would've been foolish not to follow up on the family's request.
Additionally, some have asserted that Reaves has told prospects that he knows USC coach Steve Spurrier will retire in the next year, preying on a widely held idea that Spurrier is frustrated with how things have gone in four seasons.
"No, I've never said that to any recruit. I've never mentioned coach Spurrier is going to retire," Reaves said. "I've talked to coach Spurrier. He's very excited at the University of South Carolina, and he's looking forward to coaching at South Carolina and winning championships there."
This past weekend, Tampa, Fla., running back Jarvis Giles said Reaves told him he went to Tennessee to win championships. Some insinuated that meant Reaves didn't feel like he could win them at USC, where the Gamecocks have one conference title (1969 ACC) to their credit.
He said he was speaking more to the Volunteers' rich tradition. As an example, he cited UT's five appearances in the SEC title game in the past 10 years and 13 conference titles overall.
Giles, a four-star prospect according to Rivals, formally committed to the Gamecocks today.
Giles decommitted from Tennessee after Phillip Fulmer's ouster. And he made it known Tuesday he'd been a silent commit to the Gamecocks for a few weeks. He said Tuesday that he firmed up that commitment last week when Spurrier and running backs coach Robert Gillespie visited him in Florida.
When UT made a final push last week, Reaves said he didn't even go inside Giles' home, out of respect for USC.
Undoubtedly, Reaves has been slammed by a lot of Gamecocks fans the past two weeks. Staley didn't exactly hold back either, before talking to Reaves. Or even when he had the young assistant on the phone line.
"I'm going to be real with you right now, Reaves," Staley said. "Your name is mud here."
Staley insisted to Reaves that he wanted to have him on so it didn't seem like he was talking bad about him behind his back. He thanked Reaves for coming on and "being a man about it."
Throughout the interview, Staley, a 10-year NFL veteran, referred to him as "Reaves."
Reaves, who also coached USC's quarterbacks, said he wanted to reach out to someone in Columbia because friends had told him what his reputation had become.
"I guess that happens when you make a change," he said. "I would never do anything to discredit the university."
Spurrier will coach the quarterbacks in the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl. With two current openings -- including offensive line coach, as well -- he's making a decision about how he wants to shake up his offensive staff.
When asked Sunday evening about Reaves, Spurrier just shook his head and said he didn't need to say anything about that. Being aware that Giles was firmly in his camp probably helped to keep the Ball Coach's lips closed.
Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks.
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softbatch (anonymous) says...
Thats what happens when a coach leaves Columbia, everyone still connected to the program will bash you. Happened to Brad Scott even though he captured their first bowl win in school history. Happened to Lou even though he won 2 outback bowls vs. Ohio St. And it will happen (or is happening now depending on who you listen to) to Spurrier once he leaves.
South Carolina is a "stepping stone" to bigger programs. They will not be able to win consistantly because....
1) Even god himself couldn't recruit 18 year olds to the wasteland that is Columbia, SC.
2) Florida and Georgia aren't going anywhere.
December 9, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WLM8288 (anonymous) says...
You know these people in Columbia eat up everything Duce Staley says. If anyone ever listened to anything he says on the radio with and objective ear you would realize how much of an idiot this guy is. All he ever talks about is "punching them in mouth". He was an OK college player and an average NFL player. He opens his mouth to much. He Bashes on people/teams but when it comes to eating those words (i.e. all the crap he talked leading up to the Clemson game) he whines and hides behind his anger. He is trying to live through coach Spurrier just like every other gamecock fan. You people need to realize Spurrier is a hall of fame coach who is coaching a team that shouldn't even be in the SEC. Being in the SEC only serves as an excuse for the constantly falling on your face. One title to your name, and that was in the ACC, which you people constantly say is a joke of a league. How long was USC in the ACC and managed to win only one ACC title? That speaks for itself. Stop trying to live on a coaches past accomplishments.
December 9, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSC (anonymous) says...
Softdick, have you spent anytime in Columbia? Typical Charleston attitude. Maybe you prefer the cow fields and klan rallies in Pickens County.
December 9, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JoanneH (anonymous) says...
Maybe you aren't aware of how BS trashed USC to recruits. If anyone at USC talked about him it was WELL-deserved.
WLM, you don't have to support Duce. We who appreciate his humor and enthusiasm will. He is a "homer" because he CAN be and because he paid the price to be what and who he is.
Just sign your comment TATERWLM, why don't you?
December 9, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
You are right softbatch we're having a lot of trouble with recruits, I think at this point we have more 4 star guys according to rivals than Clemson has commits. And if there ever was a fan base that would know about their team not winning consistantly within their conference, it would be Clemson.
December 9, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Bitemeiptay (anonymous) says...
You tools are an embarrassment to the beautiful city of Charleston.Your ignorance of Columbia and the Flagship University are pathetic.I have a news flash for you.Duce doesn't have to care about what some narrow minded redneck or jealous fan thinks.He is one of ours and he marches to his own drum beat.If it offends you,turn the station,but I'd keep my mouth shut about the man if I were you.
December 9, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Upstatecock (anonymous) says...
OK WLM we all know the ACC is a basketball conference. USC is the only University in the state with a ACC championship in BB how many years 54-0.
December 9, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WLM8288 (anonymous) says...
So why should I keep my mouth shut about Duce?
December 10, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmid (anonymous) says...
It is a full month and half to signing day....
December 10, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
You're right it is a full month and a half, and most of the top guys are gone, the ones left have already gotten the sales pitch from Clemson, mainly from the people still on staff. Just curious, who do you all think you are going to be signing?
December 10, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigriver1 (anonymous) says...
In recruiting against sc all you have to do is tell the truth. 1, ONE title in 108 years. DUKE has a winning record against sc. LOL. All those kids must love losing because they will get a BIG dose of it at sc. Really not too late recruits. RUN away fast. LOL.
December 10, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
Or bigriver, maybe they'd like the opportunity to make history and do something that's never been done. Not all programs are as fortunate as Oklahoma to have the history and some kids want the opportunity to continue history and some like to make history. That's part of why kids continue to come to SC.
December 10, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cw218 (anonymous) says...
USC had the #3 recruiting class in the country two years ago according to ESPN... Those recruits haven't been to scary when it comes to actually playing football. USC may finish with a top 10 class but what they do on the field.. we shall see.
December 10, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WLM8288 (anonymous) says...
Are all of you USC fans totally happy with the direction of the football program under Spurrier? How much of an improvement has there really been?
December 10, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
To answer you question yes, as far as depth goes it's a tremendous improvement. The talent level has increased as well. The problem is, and most SC fans forget this, when Lou left there wasn't much here as far as depth on either side of the ball. The '05 and '06 teams benefited from very few injuries while the downfall of the '07 team was injuries. After several solid recruiting classes you're seeing on the defensive side of the ball first quality players going two deep at every position. The offense is struggling to get there, especially on the line. Lou helped make this an uphill battle as well considering he didn't sign 1 Olineman in the '05 class before he left and there wasn't much left by the time Steve was able to get out there, he was hired right before the dead period. Aside from McKinley, J. Cook, M. Davis, and Moe Brown, there aren't any skill position players that play significant snaps above a Soph. This is also a problem on the Oline. Unless you've got an Andre Smith or a Michael Oher, you don't want to have to start Freshman and Sophs unless you have to. Youth and inexperience along the line and at the skill positions have hampered the offense catching up to the defenese but the depth is building there. Spurrier said when he got here it was going to take several years to build the talent and depth on the team and some time to get the players ready. A lot of the SC fans you hear complaining and calling for his head apparently don't understand this. The fact is Steve has had SC bowl eligible every year, this will be the third bowl in four years of SOS, something no other coach has done. We've finished .500 or better 2 in the SEC, something I believe only Lou was able to accomplish. He's outperformed his predecessors and is continuing to get good recruits. You've got to crawl before you can walk, right now we're trying to walk, seemingly passing Tennessee in the East was big this year, getting back on track against Vandy is next, that's a speed bump no one saw coming and has cost us the last two years.
Improved, absolutely. Rome wasn't built in a day.
December 10, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Lou's last year they were 6-5. This year they are 7-5, which followed a 6-6 season. Not much, if any, improvement since Steve took over.
December 10, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WLM8288 (anonymous) says...
Ok one other question. This is kind of off the subject of the article and all. Do you think that there is truly a need for 11 hours of USC coverage a day. They have different titles to each show but its pretty much the same thing everyday, every hour. Except from 9-12, and then overnight. It just seems a little overboard. There are a lot more stories nationally that a lot of people would be interested in listening to sometimes. The only show that really covers anything besides the gamecocks is the morning show. The others might occasionally skim over the NFL or something but thats about it. I'm not sure if the other day they really mentioned much about the Carolina Panthers Monday night game. That could even be considered regional you know?
December 10, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uscsax (anonymous) says...
Records don't always tell the tale softbatch. Did you think after going 9-3 (reg. season) last year that you would go 7-5 this season and fight for a bowl game? Did anyone think that Bama would go from 6-6 last year losing to UL-Monroe that they'd go undefeated in the reg season and to a BCS bowl game? Actually when looking at it consistancy is an improvement compared to the past. Lou went 1-10, the 0-11, then 8-4, then 9-3, then 5-7, 5-7, and 6-5. Steve's been right between 6-6 and 8-4 every year. You also have to look within the program to see the improvement, the overall makeup of the team and the progress towards improvement within the athletic department.
December 10, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bigriver1 (anonymous) says...
Sax you might be the only lamecock I respect, just a little. You dont seem to talk much knowing the losing history of sc football, if more lamecocks were like you sc might have more respect because in 100+ years you have not earned it on the football field. Vandy fans dont talk like sc fans. Both programs are about equal. Most people pull for Vandy. I think most would pull for sc if not for sc fans talking junk and LOSING year after year after year.
Next legend please.
December 10, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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