Football season is finally here as South Carolina started fall practice this morning starting at 9:00 am. There is a lot to be excited about and lots of questions that still need to be answered. Here is some quick notes on what happened today.
SEE ALSO: Gamecocks Fall Camp Questions That Still Need To Be Answered
PRACTICE
-Steve Spurrier said that the first day had great energy and enthusiasm. He was impressed, particularly by the newcomers.
-Gamecocks assistant Lorenzo Ward and Deke Adams both said that the defensive linemen showed up ready to go and in really good shape. They also said there are a couple of guys who need to drop about 5 or 6 more pounds but that the players have shown up in good physical condition.
-The Gamecocks were in shorts and helmets. They’ll have one more day in shorts and helmets, then two days in shells (helmet and shoulder pads) before going to full pads on Saturday.
-USC has new practice jerseys. While garnet (offense) and white (defense) jerseys are familiar, the new togs have “Carolina” above the number on the front and the Block C logo on each sleeve.
-The indoor practice facility isn’t complete, but the team can move indoors if necessary. The Springs Brooks Plaza remains on schedule for Sept. 12.
-Defensive tackle Abu Lamin lost over 30 pounds and is also in very good shape.
-The Kansas transfer Isaiah Johnson, practiced with the second team today.
-The ‘Head Ball Coach’ Steve Spurrier says that they are keeping a very close eye on all the quarterbacks. He also says that they are doing a lot more charting on each one of them this fall. Spurrier never specified whether or not any one of them showed out today, he just simply said that all the quarterbacks split pretty even reps and that all did well today.
INJURIES
Here’s the latest on the injury front for the Gamecocks:
-Freshman linebacker Sherrod Pittman is at about 90 percent. He did everything in practice though. Linebacker Larenz Bryant is also 100 percent.
-Offensive tackle Mike Matulis didn’t practice today. Cornerback Rico McWilliams (hamstring) didn’t practice today either.
-Defensive end Gerald Dixon had a rod put in his leg and is out right now. The timetable for his return is unknown. Defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth is also still out with his pectoral injury. He doesn’t know the timetable for his return. Says one or two weeks, he hopes.