Tailgate Talks with DiMarco and Garcia

Just three Florida boys who took I-95 North to chase their dreams and wound up living through some of the glory days of Gamecock athletics. Robert Beary found himself right in the middle of countless key moments during Carolina's run to back-to-back national titles. Now the former high school rival of our own Pat DiMarco sits down to talk about how it all came to be.

From record-setting high school quarterback to walk-on at Carolina to... Russell Wilson's personal assistant?? What a ride for former Gamecock Bailey Hart. He'll be the first to admit his jersey probably won't be retired, but his teammates certainly won't forget the impact he made on the team.

Dubbed an "honorary Gamecock" by our hosts, Palmetto State native Tyler Thigpen went from under-recruited high school wingback to starting NFL quarterback. The former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer reconnects with Pat and Stephen to share his story.

He's a big dude with a bigger personality who left a huge impact on his teammates. Weslye Saunders was highly recruited out of high school and made some massive plays for the Gamecocks, but similarly to his quarterback, his time in college was cut short. Three key members of the 2007 recruiting class get together to chop it up about the dorm-room days, reminisce about those incredibly talented Spurrier teams, and open up about a couple of painful early exits.

A true Gamecock, Branden Conrad embodies what it means to "bleed Garnet & Black." A member of the USC basketball team from 2006-2009, Branden not only guarded the likes of Tre' Kelly and Devan Downey every day in practice, but also carved out a role in the lineup on his way to helping secure an SEC Eastern Division title.

You DON'T want to meet this guy in the A-gap! Buckle the chin strap for our next guest: 7-year NFL veteran and former All-SEC linebacker Jasper Brinkley. The first-off-the-bus candidate, defensive captain, and locker room leader joins his former teammates this week on the tailgate.

A Palmetto State kid who made a name for himself in a talented defensive backfield, Jimmy Legree got his first major offer from South Carolina and never looked back. The U.S. Army Veteran takes us back through his successful career, how he fought through some difficult challenges in life, and what he's up to now.

One of the O.G. members of the "new DBU," Johnathan Joseph helped set a standard for an incredible run of standout defensive backs from the University of South Carolina. The former first round NFL draft pick talks about his path to Columbia, shares some stories from pro ball, and dives into some x's and o's.

He's perhaps the fastest man to ever suit up for the Garnet & Black, and if you don't believe it, just ask any SEC defensive back from 2011-2014. Damiere Byrd was an absolute blur on a football field, but this week he's slowing down to talk about his playing days, his wild official visit, and his development into a 9-year NFL wide receiver.

Right in the middle of a long line of underrated tight ends from South Carolina, Busta Anderson left his mark on the Gamecocks program. Overlapping with Garcia for one year (okay, half a year), the former teammates chat about the first night they met, the success of those Spurrier teams, and why USC is a sneaky pick for "Tight End U."

He might've only been in Columbia for one season, but Nate Adkins left his mark in a big way. As every South Carolina fan knows, if you make plays in the Palmetto Bowl, you're etched in Gamecock history. Catch up with the 2022 "Clemson killer" and current Denver Bronco on this week's tailgate.

One of the best to ever do it! He's a Hall of Famer, All-Pro, SEC Legend, and the list goes on. John Abraham will be remembered forever by the numbers he put up on the field, but that's only half the story. Get to know the man opposing quarterbacks feared for two decades, right here on the tailgate.

5 star recruit. All-SEC defensive back. NFL draft pick. Chris Culliver came into every locker room with high expectations, and made sure to leave his mark on the game. Now he sits down with his former teammates to reminisce on the journey, both on and off the field.

Jack of all trades. The ultimate teammate. A Gamecock through and through. Dakereon Joyner made the most of his six years in the Garnet & Black, and will be remembered in Columbia for years to come. DK sits down with Stephen and Pat to look back through it all.

Y'all wanted stories, right? We put Stephen Garcia and G.A. Mangus on a patio together and hit record. The former QB and his coach had plenty of memories to share, 15 years later.

It's Bama week, so of course we had to throw it back to 2010! What better way to relive the takedown of the Tide than hearing a new perspective of that memorable day in Columbia? A.J. McCarron is one of the most decorated college quarterbacks of all time, but before all the accolades, he was a part of the biggest win in Willy-B's history.

She might be the queen of the SEC Network now, but she's a Gamecock first and foremost! From USC's J-School to the sidelines of the biggest venues in sports, Alyssa Lang has become a star in the broadcasting world. Amidst the madness of her fall schedule, she found time to join the tailgate to discuss her wild journey to the big stage.

The man that makes the whole operation run! Steve Fink has been with the University of South Carolina Athletics Department for over two decades, and has just about seen it all. And although he may or may not still have nightmares about Stephen Garcia's time at Carolina, the Gamecock Football SID was nice enough to join the guys for a tailgate anyway!

It's a bird, it's a plane! No, it's just an absolute rocket of a punt off the foot of Kai Kroeger. The former Gamecock standout is now a starter in the NFL for his favorite childhood team, and is next up on the tailgate. Stephen and Pat look back through his career at South Carolina, including the trickery that made him a fan favorite, and check in on the two most important things happening now: his rookie season and his golf game.

No need for coffee this morning, our guest is bringing all the energy you need today! T-Camp is in the building, ladies and gentlemen. Terrence Campbell, the heartbeat of every locker room he's been in, reconnects with Stephen and Pat and has ALL the stories you need from back in the day.

Another fullback! We found one! How often do you get the chance to have two fullbacks in the same (virtual) room? If you like talking ball, run schemes, and blitz pickup in the A gap, this week's episode is for you. Former Gamecock and the newest Denver Bronco, Adam Prentice, tells his story and gets us in the fullback mindset for a big matchup against Missouri this weekend.

Who wants some SEC football? Vanderbilt comes to Willy-B this Saturday, so Stephen and Pat invited an old foe-turned-friend onto the show this week to talk up his Commodores. NFL pro-bowl defensive back Casey Hayward previews the weekend matchup, shares some NFL stories, and reconnects with a certain USC quarterback that loved throwing him the ball.

The Gamecocks get the win in Atlanta to open up the 2025 season! Pat and Stephen break down what they saw and look ahead to the rest of the year. The guys also sit down with one of the many people responsible for the product fans see on the field. In this ever-changing, sometimes complicated world of college football, roster construction is a fascinating piece of the puzzle. Perhaps no one is better equipped to peel back the curtain than South Carolina's Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting, Darren Uscher. The Gamecock graduate joins the tailgate to let us in on how it all works.

It's finally GAME WEEK! The Gamecocks are just days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Atlanta, and like the rest of us, Pat and Stephen are itching to hear some pads pop! A man who knows all about that is none other than this week's guest, former Gamecock standout, Dunta Robinson. Buckle up the chinstrap for this one!

Star power, anyone? Eleven days out from the 2025 Gamecock football season, we're bringing you three of the biggest names wearing the "Block C" this year. A video game cheat code with world-class speed looking to take the next step, a feared defensive player of the year candidate, and a Swiss Army Knife that bleeds Garnet & Black. This week has it all. Get ready for kickoff with Nyck Harbor, Dylan Stewart, and Luke Doty!

A two-for-one special this week on the Tailgate! Heisman candidate and South Carolina's QB1, LaNorris Sellers, is up first. The game-changing playmaker is back under center for the Gamecocks in one of the most anticipated seasons in recent history. He's followed up by a man who protects him in the pocket and opens up running lanes. Cason Henry has become a leader on the offensive line, and if they want to take that next step, he'll play a key role. Pull up a chair as Stephen and Pat chat with the guys right after practice.

Arguably the greatest backfield trio in Gamecock history, together again like it's 2010. Marcus Lattimore will go down as one of the best to ever wear the Garnet & Black purely based off his accomplishments on the field, but it's the lasting impact he left on all of us that will be immortalized. You know part of his story already, but you haven't heard it like this. Brothers in the backfield sharing memories from historic wins, opening up about the heartbreak of devastating injuries, and catching up like old times.

There are some conflicting reports around our next guest on the Tailgate, so let's go to the source, himself. Mike Uva, a transplant from New England, has made a name for himself as a Gamecock insider, covering South Carolina athletics for a decade. How did he get his start, what are the biggest stories he's reported on, and how does one become an "insider?"

First team All-SEC, NCAA record, top ten NFL draft pick. Troy Williamson covered a lot of ground in his three years in the Garnet & Black, and surely left his mark. The South Carolina native went on to play for six years in the NFL and is now back in the Midlands, raising kids and cheering on the Gamecocks.

Steve Spurrier's right hand man, DFO, NFL liaison. Whatever title you want to use, one thing is certain: Jamie Speronis wore more hats than you could count. The man who spent 12 seasons with Gamecock football and more than two decades alongside the Head Ball Coach has plenty of great memories and even more stories to share.

Offensive lineman never get the love they deserve, right? Well, they do on the Tailgate! John Strickland, the Gamecocks' center from 2000-2004, might be the biggest South Carolina fan out there. From big bowl wins, to a brawl, and playing for legendary coach Lou Holtz, John has plenty of great stories for Gamecock nation.

From under-recruited to second round pick, who doesn't love an underdog story? Demetrius Knight played sparingly his first four years in college, but became a fan favorite in a matter of a few months in the Garnet & Black. D-Knight joins the Tailgate right after his life-changing phone call on NFL Draft night.

Up next on the tailgate is a man who truly needs no introduction to Carolina fans. He's the 2010 College World Series MVP, an MLB All-Star, a Gold-Glove winner, and World Series champion, but true Gamecocks only need to hear three letters: JBJ.

There's a diehard Gamecock fan in just about every industry you can think of, and NASCAR is no different. "Spotter Brett" made a name for himself on the circuit, helping change the game and how spotters are used during a race. Stephen chops it up with his old friend, Brett Griffin, to learn more about the racing industry, his Carolina fandom, and hear some stories from the pit any racing fan will love.

He might just be one of the most famous Carolina fans on the internet right now. USC alum, current "Bussin' with the Boys" producer, and diehard Gamecock fan, J.P. Hovey joins the tailgate! Stephen and Pat dive into J.P.'s career, how he's always reppin' the Gamecocks, and some wild stories from the Bus.

Where were you for Whit's hit? Every Gamecock fan can answer that question. Next up on the Tailgate is South Carolina baseball legend, Whit Merrifield. A guy who came in the same time as Stephen and Pat, Whit made a name for himself in Columbia before going on to play in the big leagues for nearly a decade.

It's an '07 recruiting class reunion on the tailgate this week as T-Rob -- ah em -- Coach T-Rob sits down with his former teammates. The guys share stories from their days in Bates West, chat about the keys to the success they had, and share why they think the current Gamecock football team is showing a lot of similarities.

It's time for round two with former Gamecock football strength coach, Joe Connolly! This time, we dive into the specifics of sports performance training with the 2024 Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. What all goes into getting a college football team ready for play? How has training changed over the years? What is a wet fart in an astronaut suit, and how is that relevant? We answer it all.

Coming off one of the most impressive NFL Combine showings to date, Nick Emmanwori is finding himself flying up the draft boards. Before he hears his name called in just a few weeks, he's joining the tailgate to talk with Pat and Stephen about where it all started, his time at Carolina, and getting ready for the NFL.

Plenty of people immediately come to mind when thinking about the success of the South Carolina football program during the Spurrier era. Some of the greatest Gamecocks of all time came from those days, but there's a name you may or may not recognize that contributed greatly to the program's historic stretch: Joe Connolly. Pat and Stephen catch up with their old strength coach to give you insight on why Connolly played such a significant role in their success.

He became a Gamecock legend in 2010, and now ranks among the top first basemen in the game of baseball 15 years later. Christian Walker, fresh off a new contract with the Houston Astros, has just about seen it all in his baseball career. As MLB Opening Day nears, Stephen and Pat take Christian back down memory lane, talk hitting mechanics, and share stories from college and the Bigs you won't want to miss.

It's the second edition of a two part episode with Gamecock baseball legend, Michael Roth! Part two picks up with Roth's senior year as the guys talk about nearly completing a three-peat in 2012 before Michael starts his professional career with the Angels. From crazy minor league stories and a wild MLB debut, to playing all over the world and starting a family, you'll get a bit of everything in the second half of Michael Roth's story.

What a ride for former coach and athletics director, Ray Tanner! Nearly three decades in athletics at South Carolina with tremendous success lends itself to some great moments and plenty of stories. Tanner sits down with Pat and Stephen, a couple guys he knows well from his time as a coach, to look back on it all.

Get ready for a series of star-studded Gamecock baseball guests joining the tailgate! Stephen Garcia and Patrick DiMarco may have made their names on the gridiron, but they just happen to be classmates with some of the biggest names in South Carolina baseball history. Up first is a guy that toed the rubber under the brightest lights time and again: Michael Roth. Hear some incredible stories including Roth's move to the mound, how a fluke infield drill led to his famous sidearm delivery, and a recount of the World Series runs like you've never heard before. And yes, there were so many stories, we had to split it up! Part two coming soon.

A South Carolinian through and through, Brandon Wallace was a jack of all trades stat-stuffer during his time in the Garnet & Black, and now he's back in Columbia doing what he loves. Pat and Stephen talk with Dave Odom's Swiss Army Knife about his time at Carolina, the life of a pro player overseas, and his current role as a high school coach.

From the field to the ring! Matrick Belton, known to many as "Trick Williams," is a rising star in the world of professional wrestling, but before he was a WWE champion, he was playing under the lights at Willy-B. The former Gamecock receiver talks about his time in Columbia and his rise up the wrestling ranks.

Don't tell him kickers aren't real football players! Perhaps one of the most versatile special teamers to ever come through Columbia, Ryan Succop did it all during his time as a Gamecock. The 14-year NFL veteran joins his old teammates with some wild NFL stories you'll have to hear to believe.

Pat and Stephen went bowling with Gamecock football to kick off 2025 with an epic tailgate in Orlando. They caught up with former teammates, took fan questions, and shared stories of their less-than-perfect bowl experiences. They may not have brought the team much luck, but hey, bowl games have never really been their thing.

That's a wrap on our first season! Tailgate Talks kicked off in August, and what a great whirlwind it's been. As 2025 begins, Patrick DiMarco and Stephen Garcia look back at the show's inception, the incredible guests they've had so far, and look ahead to what the new year holds.

Often called one of the most underrated players to ever come through Carolina, he owns the single-season passing record and carried the torch in the post-Garcia and Shaw days. Dylan Thompson will go down as one of the best signal-callers in Gamecock history. Now working with the Commanders in the NFL, he takes a break for a tailgate session with the boys.