Aug. 12, 2002

Columbia, SC –

One note from USC’s afternoon preseason football practice:
* Freshman offensive lineman Chris White (Chester, S.C.) injured his neck during the workout and was taken to Richland Memorial Hospital for further tests. White, a 6-4, 293-pounder, walked off the practice field on his own with the assistance of the trainer. His condition will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

Morning practice notes:
* USC’s football team hit the practice fields again Monday morning with a two-hour workout in shorts and shoulder pads. The offense concentrated on installation of its passing game, with quarterbacks Corey Jenkins and Dondrial Pinkins receiving the majority of the snaps from center.

* Assistant head coach Skip Holtz met with the media following the morning workout. “We need our senior leaders to step forward and push the underclassmen through these two-a-day practices,” said Skip. “That’s one of the differences between good teams and bad teams — being able to push yourselves through the dog days of preseason football camp.”

* Skip said that tailback/receiver Ryan Brewer continues to be sore following off-season ankle surgery. “Ryan will work some, get sore and pull back, then work some more,” said Skip. “It’s too early to make an evaluation of where he really is health-wise right now.”

* Wide receiver Corey Taylor continues to be slowed with a hamstring pull. Offensive tackle Jonathan Alston, who had offseason shoulder surgery, is being held from contact drills. Wide receiver Andrea Gause has returned after suffering bruised ribs last week.

* Skip said there was good competition going on for the starting role at center between C.J. Frye, Na’shan Goddard and John Strickland. Skip also noted that junior Jeff Barnes was having a good camp and was bidding for extensive playing time at tackle. “I feel good about our offensive line, in particular the starting unit,” said Skip. “Travelle (Wharton) is solid at left tackle, Cedric (Williams) at left guard, Watts Sanderson at right tackle and Shane Hall at right guard. Barnes would be the next tackle.”

* Skip also said that the competition at wide receiver had heated up. “Our receivers are making strides and there is good competition there, as well,” said Skip. “Certainly, we need to become more consistent at that position, but there is some talent there.”

* Skip said that at the split end position, James Adkisson, Chavez Donnings and Troy Williamson were all making bids for playing time. Freshman Kris Clark from Lexington was also leaving a good impression with the coaching staff. At the Z position, Matthew Thomas, Michael Ages and Jared Farabee were in the hunt. At the A position, Andrea Gause, Mikal Goodman and Andre Hemphill were in the thick of things.

* Skip said that the players and coaches were all looking forward to putting on the pads Tuesday for the first time. “Everyone is a little sore right now, but the coaches are looking forward to seeing the team in full pads for the first time,” said Skip. “The first scrimmage on Wednesday will also go a long ways in seeing just where we stand.”

* Skip said that Corey Jenkins had looked good throwing the football thus far. Up until Monday morning, Corey had thrown two interceptions during practice, which Skip said “was two too many.” He threw two more picks Monday morning, but Skip said those came on busted routes by the receiver. “We’ve done a pretty decent job of protecting the football, but we’ve still got to eliminate some mistakes.”

MEDIA AVAILABILITY ON TUESDAY, 8/13:

8:05 a.m. — morning practice, media may attend and film first 15 minutes of individual drills

10:20 a.m. — Coach Lou Holtz available to media in press room behind lobby of football building

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. — Requested players available outside players’ entrance