USC will not be getting Big Mack
College football recruiting “junkies,” to borrow a phrase from Steve Spurrier, will sing the praises of a prospect from the highest barstool until said recruit spurns State U.
Then it’s: “See ya, buddy – and don’t let the door hit you on your way out of state.”
Such seems to be the case with Calhoun County offensive lineman Eric Mack, who de-committed from USC on Tuesday and apparently will be heading to Auburn.
Mack had been a longtime USC commit, a product of the same, Class A school in St. Matthews that produced Gamecocks freshman WR Alshon Jeffery. Mack has wavered at various times – and it seems USC may have been wavering on Mack following his visit last weekend.
I wasn’t hanging around the dorms or the Floyd Building, so I don’t know how Mack might have conducted himself.
But scales don’t lie. And the 6-foot-4 Mack was said to be tipping them at about 350 pounds lately.
A couple weeks ago, while Mack was still (sort of) solidly in the Gamecocks’ camp, I talked to Scout.com regional analyst Miller Safrit for a story I was doing updating USC’s recruiting efforts.
Safrit had been in Orlando for the Under Armour All-Star Game, where he got an up-close view of Mack and Bamberg-Ehrhardt’s A.J. Cann, another USC O-line commit.
Safrit liked Cann’s technique and said his fundamentals were such that he would have a shot at playing this fall as a freshman.
Here’s what Safrit said about Mack:
“I’m really concerned about where he is now weight-wise. He’s a really, really big kid and he sort of wore down as the game progressed. … I’d like to see him lose some weight, and I’m sure South Carolina would, as well.”
Again, it’s too easy for fans to pile on a prospect, especially a local kid, when he opts to sign elsewhere. But this one appears to be mutual.
Mack won’t be helping USC. And according to the recruiting experts, he might not be helping anyone any time soon unless he improves his work ethic and drops some pounds.
50 Comments to “USC will not be getting Big Mack”
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USC football beat writer Joe Person has covered the Gamecocks since the start of the 2002 season. He's been on the college football beat since 1993. 
Something in the milk just doesn’t seem clean. This is so unlike Mack. I live in the Orangeburg area and everything that I know and/or have heard is the Mack has always had his priorities in order. I know he has a young child, an was recently trying to work part-time to provide income and Christmas for his family. Trust me, he’s very muture for his age!! An he really is a good kid, I hope he and SOS can get this worked out.
Kind of suspected”OVER RATED’
“Junkies” is a good word, but “pedophile” is the proper phrase for middle-aged men who lust after teenage boys. I cant wait for signing day to get here so I can stop hearing all this junk about recruiting. The undue amount of attention that is paid to the college decisions of teenage football players has a net negative impact on society. The attention is not good for the kids or their families.
I am 6 foot 3, 190 lbs. The thought of gaining 170 lbs to be in Mack’s weight class is absolutely disgusting. At 6′4″ and 350lbs there is no possible way he is all that he has been hyped up to be. The best o-linemen are smart, strong, mean, and FAST.
Just noticed it should be 160lbs, not 170. But still!
Wonder what Spurrier and the rest of the staff did to run Mack off? Hopefully none of the other recruits will hear about it.
TEENAGE FATHER, OVERWEIGHT, LAZY, WITH NO COMMITMENT. SOUNDS LIKE HE WOULD FIT IN AT UT.
yeah, i heard that usc was the one to tell mack to hit the road if he wasn’t going to work hard and stay in shape. we don’t need any other lazy apathetic offensive linemen who are overrated just because they are “big”. hit the road mack! you obviously are not the smart strong hardworking kid we thought you were. you were just getting over because you were so much bigger than other “high school kids”. but you won’t be around “kids” any longer. now that it’s time for you to step up, you have made it abundantly clear to the people at usc that you are not going to do so. your laziness is a tale tell sign that you will be a bust on the college level, and the gamecocks are smart in turning you loose. grow up!
Total sour grapes. If Mack is 350 lbs, I’m 8-feet tall. USCe lost out on a guy they really wanted and none of this malarky about weight issues would have been talked about had he stuck with the Gamecocks.
Geez, learn to deal with disappointment like adults.
These posts are crazy- the kid is 18 years old, give him a break
Forget about football. How could you leave your daugther behind?
Because his mom is helping raise his daughter and told him to go where he felt the most comfortable and where he wanted to get an education. Judgmental much?
I don’t care what people say about the young man but please leave his daugther and the fact that he has a child out of the comments. They have absolutely nothing to do with playing football at the university of south carolina.
NO reason to badmouth Mack – instead wish him good luck. USC needs players who will work hard in the classroom and on the playing field and who really want to represent the Gamecocks. For whatever reasons Mack decided to attend Auburn – so be it. There does NOT have to have been anything done wrong by Spurrier or the coaching staff – and nothing wrong done by Mack – he just wants to leave the state to play football. Other 18 year old young men join the Navy to see the world – Mack is going out of state -let’s rather hope that the recruits who do come to USC come with a commitment to be and do their best!
Sour grapes. You USC fans sound a lot like Obnoxious Alabama fans that were drooling over recruiting Tim Tebow, until he decided to be a Gator. Then he was crucified. You guys grow up. No wonder he wanted to come to Auburn University with a football team that is heading in the right direction. He is smart just like Marcus Latimore, who is the next one to come our way.
Thanks for raising these boys, now we will make men out of them and get them ready for the NFL.
black magic84…are you a fan of usc or not. Ive seen you post the same thread or something else negative elsewhere as well and I don’t get it…Why do we(usc) have to be at fault any where in this deal.Get over it and try and look into the mind of an 18 yr old.That my friend is almost impossible.
Two posts: This one and…
One during next season when Mack is a postitive and important part of a top 20 team. I’ll be looking for apologies from all whove insulted Big Mack here.
When I don’t see any apologies I’ll call you out one last time- You, predictably, won’t respond and your lack of credibility will be fully established.
On the contrary, the fact that he has a daughter plays into the decision, especially if his family is not in a position to follow him to school. I’m not going to guess why things fell apart between Mack and USC – he did seem to have some snarky quotes in his AU announcement though. But you only have to look to the upstate to see the regret in being away from your child. C.J. Spiller nearly transferred to Florida to be with his daughter, and spoke of his regret at missing out on her life. If he’d already become a father before going to Clemson, there’s no doubt that he’d have chosen to go to Florida. I just hope Mack doesn’t come to regret his decision, because as of 14 days from now that decision becomes a lot harder to correct.
How many stars did UCONN’s offensive linemen have
coming out of high school? I’m guessing bewteen 0 and 3. Stars, schmars, give me a player who simply wants to be really good.
The fact that he has a child 35 minutes away from Columbia is of importance Carolinatrav. No less than 1 week ago I made the comment that he would stay at USC because of the fact that he has a daughter so close. One of the folks I was talking with said Auburn would be a good choice if he wanted to get away and not have responsibility. Seems like that may be the case.
Plus, at that size he doesnt really fit that well with the run game and offense we want to install. Our lineman have to be big and strong yes, but they have to be able to pull and trap as well. Its hard to do that at 350 and even if he dropped some weight he still has a me first type of attitude. We need as many positive players on this team as possible.
Saunders ia a big, fat tub of goo who is throwing away what could have been a great career because -strange as it sounds – he’s not hungry enough. Wow, what a waste.
I do not know enough about Big Mack to comment but I do worry about the ability of USC to attract top quality players. Is Big Mack a top quality player–only time will tell
I’m sure Mack would have been as good as any OL we have since what we have aren’t very good. I just don’t know who those OL were that used our uniforms and played against Clemson. If Mack is going to Auburn, then Lattimore probably is too. We need a QB.
Would have loved to have him and still think Coach Wolf leaving had a lot too do with this but can’t cry over spilt milk lets concentrate on Lattimore and not let Auburn burn us twice.
I totally agree with socbuoy about his comment on the attention paid to these teenage athletes. It truly is sickening. But try to tell that to the media that cover them.
Maybe Auburn got his ” Baby Mama ” a job and a crib.
Alum79. First, we dont need a qb, thats just plain ignorant. Second, Mack going to Auburn will probably help us in the long run and has no bearing at Latt’s decision. Third, the other o-line commits we have are pretty darn good. You just think Mack was the best because he got the most attention and was labeled a 4*. That doesnt mean a dang thing, watch and see.
HoytHolden, that big fat tub of goo may need an attitude adjustment, but he is a heck of a ball player. Not to mention id bet he is stronger, faster and overall just more athletic than you, mr. internetforumjunktalker.
etf
I dont care if he’s just an 18 year old kid, has a daughter, is a local…whatever. The reality of the situation is that the university and fans have EVERY right to be pissed at this KID. His enrollment at the university would have cost a SOLID $84,000 for just schooling, plus the expenses that come with traveling with a football team…you’re looking at a good 90-100,000 dollar investment.
I understand that he was a “commit” and had no obligation to coming to the university, but the way that he conducted himself through this process does not indicate to me that he deserves any of that money. He played the coaches, university staff, fans, and everybody involved like a fiddle — i just dont find that acceptable when you are dealing with professionals in a professional environment. I really dont care if the break was mutual or not.
You want to see a kid act with some maturity? See Marcus Lattimore. Even if he goes to AU, I will applaud him for treating his recruitment in a humble, professional manner. As for Mack? “dont let the door hit ya on the way out.”
Let him go. At first I was just as mad as everyone is especially since I work with an auburn fan! I was more upset that we missed out on Floyd and Fulton. Anyway lets hope we get Lattimore although I am very nervous. Besides I really think I’d rather have Morgan Moses, that guy is a beast! Go Cocks!
VA tech does well and never is ranked in the top 25 most of the time…i want players who wanna be here…so if u wanna be here welcome to the family…if not have a good life…]
GOOO COCKS!!
Guest, what I’m saying is it is not your place or anybody else place to bring up his child or family. This is just football nothing else!! It just sickens me when people who don’t even know a person make comments as if they do. Like I said before making a comment about a person’s child has noting to do with playing football period. Ask yourself how would you feel if people were commenting about one of your kids? (asuming you have any)
You guys sound like a jilted lover. An 18 year old goes to a school where he is more comfortable and you people go nuts. Get over it! The program in Columbia is in a shambles. Spurrier has done nothing to grow the team. Your recruiting is in the bottom half of the conference by the majority of the recruiting services. You get killed in 2 bowol games and three weeks later you are jacked up about competing for the SEC east title. IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Too many teams have to much talent and depth for you to compete. Spurriers 2 best years were with Holtz’s recruits. Explain that. How overrated will you say Lattimore is when he commits to Auburn. Oh well we will find out very soon. Even lattimore questioned the direction of the Gamecocks. He sounds like a pretty smart young man. Best of luck in compiling another 6 and 5 season.
[...] not be helping anyone any time soon unless he improves his work ethic and drops some pounds. LINK Mess with the Feathers your get the Spur [...]
I am guessing Sean Elliott and Eric Mack got a good look at each other, and Mack’s offer was withdrawn. Elliott seems to be very intense and from what Joe is reporting here, Mack is not. Better to find out now than later. Good luck at Allbarn Eric.
Bubba…Bubba…Bubba.
Well, I thought saying it over and over would make it sound less rednecky, but that just doesn’t work. Fits in well in Clumpson or Alibamy or whatever rock you crawled out from under. Nobody on here badmouthed Auburn at all because of Mack’s decision, but you just had to throw your 85 IQ around didn’t you?
sad
Truley sad that it appears most of you believe this crap. Funny how when a girl breaks up with you…. you dumped her….Same thing. This guy is a spectactular athlete and decided to go to a spectactular program. More will follow if you guys keep up this “Screw Him” attitude. Don’t think that other potential recruits aren’t reading this crap too. Stop making USC look bad! Mack probably saw how many local guys don’t pan out, and wanted to get away from the old friends that might get him in trouble. Lots of USC players get into trouble each yr. Auburn does’nt have that problem. Either way, stop trashing the guy! Your only hurting the school. We represent the fanbase. Please do it with some ounce of dignity.
Hoyt.. you’re an idiot..
And despite the “shambles” that Carolina Football has become under Steve Spurrier, somehow…
34-17
Chew on that one for awhile, Tater.
Best of luck getting back to whatever half-empty stadium will be hosting the ACC Championship game next year.
Auburn coaches will have this kid ready to play, regardless of his weight right now. I can tell by all the negative posts about this kid that Gamecock fans are not bitter at all about him leaving (SARCASM). What a bunch of sore losers.
Leaving a 2 yr old daughter behind for 4 years with his mom says it all. This kid needs to step up and be responsible.
BlackMagic84, calling you out. Who do you really think you’re fooling with your posts on here tater?
Hey bubba, you know clemsux has had some highly ranked recruiting classes the last 4 or so years and they still got chewed up in columbia in november. Sounds like your tiger rag still is still bloody from your cycle in columbia, so heres an idea, go wash it and find some people who really give a $hit about the clutter coming from your mouth
Cocksrock-Auburn doesnt have guys that get in trouble? 3 arrested for DUI since August at Auburn. It is not a screw him attitude, not for me at least. It is a, “Wow, how completely immature and naive you are” attitude with him. Not to mention like Ive said, Mack does not really fit our style of offense that we want to run, especially at 350 lbs. His attitude and work ethic are very similar to Stanly Doughty, and we know how well that worked out.
[...] The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C., alleges that South Carolina wasn’t too broken up about Eric Mack flipping to Auburn this week. Person writes that Mack apparently tipped the scales at more than 350 pounds on his [...]
GoCocks74, you call? By the way, since I am significantly younger than you based upon ‘74 being you graduation date, I will keep on hand tied behind my back when typing a reply to your over the top posts.
He is not fooling anyone Gococks74.
I think it is fairly obvious blackmagic is a slow-witted, half brain that really loves clemson and really hates carolina.
too big to move, is too big to block, the SEC pounding would leave him weak in the 4th.
Tuscon Tiger….Before touting your horn about Auburn, check the record of Gene Chizik @ Iowa State. He won 5 games in two seasons with records of 3-9 and 2-9. Coming off an 8-5 season @ Auburn is not impressive or make you a distinguished program. 9 schools won 7 or 8 games in the SEC last season. Your team is average like many others in the conference.
Our coach has won 6 SEC Championships as a college coach before becoming our coach. Your coach won 5 games in 2 losing seasons. Next year, teams will actually game plan for Auburn and it will be worse for you. Teams have always game planned for Steve Spurrier, and he still wins more than he loses.