Aug. 8, 2009

The University of South Carolina football squad had its longest workout of the fall on Saturday night, practicing for about two hours and 15 minutes at the Bluff Road Proving Grounds. A big crowd was on hand to see the Gamecocks practice for the fifth time this fall and for the first time in full pads.

“I thought the defense played pretty well tonight and had some good, clean hits,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the session. “It was a pretty good practice for a lot of guys. Hopefully we can get the snap to the quarterback from the center and throw a few completions every now and again. Right now, it’s difficult (offensively).”

Coach Spurrier indicated that redshirt freshman Aramis Hillary has supplanted Reid McCollum as the number two quarterback. “Aramis is number two right now. Aramis made some plays here and there and is doing pretty doggone well, so he would be number two right now. He’s getting a little bit more on his passes. He’s still got a ways to go, but he can make some plays.”

Walk-on running back Bryce Sherman continued to impress. “I’m glad we got Bryce Sherman out here. He played about the whole scrimmage with the young guys and did well. He’s a tough, little kid. He catches the ball, can get open, and knows how to play football. We’re glad he’s here.”

Junior college transfers Steven Singleton and Rokevious Watkins opened some eyes in their first contact. “They did ok for just showing up. Coach Wolford likes those guys. He thinks they can block people. Gamecocks know we need some blocking. They’ve got a chance. We’ll see if they can work their way up to the first team.”

The Gamecocks will not practice on Sunday, but will take part in the annual media day festivities. The squad will return to the practice field on Monday at 7:30 p.m. All practices from now on will be closed to the public unless otherwise noted.