Sept. 18, 2006

The University of South Carolina football squad returned to the practice fields Monday night for the first time since its 27-20 win over Wofford on Saturday night. The Gamecocks (2-1) began their preparations for Saturday’s 7 p.m. contest against Florida Atlantic (0-3) in full pads on Monday.

Tailback Cory Boyd wore a boot on his injured right ankle and did not practice. He is listed as questionable for the FAU contest. Fullback Lanard Stafford (ankle) did not practice, but is probable for Saturday’s game. Linebacker Cody Wells suffered a mild right ankle injury during practice, but it is not considered serious. Quarterback Chris Smelley was limited with a sore heel. Tight end Andy Boyd (shoulder) returned to full practice. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (right forearm) practiced without pads. Wide receiver Mike West (hamstring) and offensive tackle Gurminder Thind (foot) did not practice and will not play on Saturday.

Head coach Steve Spurrier announced that Jared Cook has moved back to wide receiver. Cook, a redshirt freshman, practiced at wide receiver last year but was moved to tight end in the spring.

Following the two-hour session, Coach Spurrier addressed the media:

“We had a pretty good Monday night practice. We went full pads tonight instead of our usual shorts. So it was spirited and hopefully we can show some improvement because we’ve got a lot of room for improvement.”

“Wofford’s got an excellent defensive line. That number 91 of theirs was very difficult to block. Hopefully Auburn, Florida and Tennessee don’t have anybody quite like that guy.”

“We need to get (offensive guard) Matt Raysor a chance. You can look for him to play some – hopefully a lot this week.”

“Syvelle (Newton) is back at quarterback. He thought it was difficult back there. He’s there, we’ve got Blake (Mitchell) and we’ve got Cade (Thompson). Chris Smelley didn’t do much. He’s got a little bit of a bad heel. I don’t know what we’re going to do with him. He hasn’t played since the second game, so I don’t know – he may be held out. Syvelle is going to start. I think he gives us the best chance to win.”

The Gamecocks will practice again on Tuesday afternoon.