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.