The South Carolina Gamecocks held their fourth spring practice and “partial” scrimmage today in Williams Brice Stadium that was open to the public. What continues to stand out is the play of the defense as they continue to impress to start 2011.
Here are some observations:
— The Gamecocks’ first offensive line had senior Rokevious Watkins at left tackle, senior Terrence Campbell at left guard, junior T.J. Johnson at center, freshman A.J. Cann at right guard and senior Kyle Nunn at right tackle. South Carolina rotated in Ronald Patrick, Kaleb Broome, Travis Ford, Cody Gibson and Corey Robinson.
— Eric Baker, running back, got lots of touches and looked great. Seems fully healed from his knee injury that limited him in 2010. Making the race for the #2 slot interesting.
— The first team defensive line included Melvin Ingram and Devin Taylor at ends and Byron Jerideau and Aldrick Fordham at tackle.
— Corey Simmons is getting every chance to be a TE at USC. He played on the DL last season. He did play TE in high school.
–Stephen Garcia and Andrew Clifford returned to practice but only took part in team drills.
–Redshirt freshman Dylan Thompson had the best day among the quarterbacks, completing 8-of-14 passes for 86 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown pass to DeAngelo Smith.
— Speaking of Smith, he looked really good at WR along with Ace Sanders and Jason Barnes.
— Jimmy Legree is emerging as a solid option in the DB unit, should provide great depth.
— Jay Wooten is top guy at FG, Patrick Fish is likely the punter and Adam Yates is the PAT guy.
— Several walk-ons look sharp in the spring: Josh Blue at RB, Billy Bryne at FB and Josh Hinch at RB.
— Defensive line coach Brad Lawing missed his second straight day of practice but should be back on Monday. Word is he had a small outpatient procedure for a heart issue.
–Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore did not take part in scrimmage, only team drills.
— D.J. Swearinger, Jared Shaw and Shaq Wilson each had an interception today.
Injury Report
— Rodney Paulk, Ryan Broadhead, Matt O’Brien, Mike Triglia, Marty Markett and Qua Gilchrist were in yellow jerseys. Dalton Wilson did not practice due to injury and was not present.
— Justice Cunningham sat out today due to a infection on his back.
— Quin Smith practiced with a club cast on his right hand.
— Travian Robertson did not do much today, only light running.
SCRIMMAGE STATISTICS
PASSING (Comp-Att-Yards-INT)
Connor Shaw 6-15-78-2,
Dylan Thompson 8-14-131-1
Seth Strickland 8-10-23
RUSHING
Kenny Miles 5-8, Connor Shaw 5-(-1), Eric Baker 7-34, Dylan Thompson 1-(-3), Seth Strickland 1-1, Ace Sanders 1-2, Josh Hinch 2-12, Joshua Blue 1-5
RECEIVING
Corey Simmons 1-3, Lamar Scruggs 2-5, Bryce Sherman 1-7, Jason Barnes 2-35, DeAngelo Smith 1-38, Eric Baker 4-17, D.L. Moore 1-5, Kenny Miles 2-20, Chaun Gresham 2-13, Billy Byrne 1-4, Ace Sanders 4-61, Nick Jones 1-14
SCORING PLAYS
DeAngelo Smith 38 pass from Dylan Thompson (Adam Yates kick)
Jay Wooten 35 FG
Ace Sanders 45 pass from Dylan Thompson (Joey Scribner-Howard kick)
