April 9, 2007
The University of South Carolina football squad worked out for 90 minutes in the cool April air Monday night as they began their fourth and final week of spring drills. The squad will work out again on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m, then practice for the final time on Friday at 4:15 p.m. in preparation for Saturday’s Garnet & Black Spring Game.
The big news of the night was head coach Steve Spurrier announcing that redshirt sophomore Lemuel Jeanpierre had moved from defensive tackle to offensive guard. Jeanpierre has never played on the offensive line in his career.
On hand to watch Monday’s practice was current East Carolina head coach and former Carolina assistant Skip Holtz.
Dave Reaves and Steve Spurrier, Jr. will likely call the plays for the respective teams on Saturday, according to Coach Spurrier.
Following Monday’s practice, Coach Spurrier met with the media:
“Looking forward to Saturday. Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can have a big crowd. Hootie & The Blowfish will be performing an hour before the game and at halftime. We encourage all of our fans that can be here to come.
“Blake (Mitchell) threw some good passes (tonight). Our other quarterbacks are struggling right now. Chris Smelley will probably get to play for one team the whole game. Tommy Beecher actually sprained his shoulder (in Friday’s scrimmage). There’s a chance he may not be able to play on Saturday. Chris Smelley will get a chance to throw 30 to 35 balls and see if he can hit a few. If Chris Smelley throws about 400 of those “cover two fade routes” this summer he might be able to hit one when the season starts. You have to practice these throws.
“Lemuel Jeanpierre is coming over to offensive guard to help our offensive line. I predict he will be a starter by the first game next year – Louisiana-Lafayette. I think he’s got the ability to do it and the commitment. He’s that type of young man. We’ll give him a chance to be a starter and play the whole game. We’re trying to find our best athletes to get on the field.”
