USC's new quarterbacks coach Dan Werner has jumped right in to the task of identifying 2019 targets for his position and he's already been in touch with Garrett Shrader of Charlotte. Shrader was already involved with the Gamecocks and he will further enhance the relationship with an unofficial visit with the Gamecocks Saturday.
"I'm just getting to know the knew guys and trying to figure out what they want to do, McClendon and Coach Werner," Shrader said. "I talked to Werner for a little bit and I'll be down there this weekend and talk to him some more, just trying to figure out what they are trying to do, what they are trying to have their identity as as an offense."
And Shrader has been given some insight as to what the Gamecocks new offensive brain trust of McClendon and Werner want to do.
"They say they want to be a pro-style pass scheme with more of a spread style run game with a little bit more tempo. That's what they're going for. That's what I'm looking for," Shrader said. "I'd probably add the running element, something that's missing right now from the quarterback. Just a little bit more power read, read option, I think I'd be a little bit more of a threat. That's basically what they are trying to do, get Jake (Bentley) to run the ball a little bit more."
Shrader has visited USC several times for camps and games so he's already familiar with the campus, the academics and the program.
"It's hard to beat SEC football 90 miles away," he said. "I like the school. They have all the majors I'm looking into. I'm just trying to figure out if it's the right fit for me. I'm open, I'm not trying to rush anything. I'm very comfortable with South Carolina. I like what they are doing, they have a positive trend for them right now winning nine games and a bowl game. But there are still some schools I need to check out."
Shrader said he also plans to see Tennessee, Missouri and Mississippi State. USC recruiter Bobby Bentley was by his school Tuesday, and Werner came by last week but Shrader wasn't in school that day. Louisville also has been in this week to check on him. He'd like to make his decision this spring. Some of his other offers are Alabama, Syracuse, Penn State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Pitt and Wake Forest. He said he's still trying to figure out his leader.
Last season Shrader passed for 2302 yards, 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and rushed for 791 yards and 10 touchdowns.