Nov. 2, 2004

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s football team (5-3/3-3) went through a two-hour practice Tuesday in full pads as preparations continued for the Gamecocks’ clash against the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-4/1-3) this Saturday (11/6) at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:33 p.m. with Jefferson-Pilot Sports televising across its SEC network

* Injury update from the Gamecock camp: OT Jabari Levey (ankle) returned to practice; FS Chris Hampton (ankle) returned to practice; DE Seth Edwards (ankle) is out.

* Following the workout, head coach Lou Holtz spoke to the media . Here are some of his comments: “Defensively, we bounced back pretty well today. We didn’t throw the ball very well, but our receivers had a good day. Jabari Levey and Na’Shan Goddard are having excellent seasons. So are Ricardo Hurley and Rodriques Wilson. We may start Marque Hall at defensive tackle Saturday. He is playing well. That means we would start two true freshmen on defense — Ko Simpson (FS) and Marque Hall (DT). Preston Thorne is also playing very well and is really becoming a good leader on defense. ESPN really wanted to show this game (vs. Arkansas) on Thursday, but we didn’t think three days of preparation for Matt Jones and their offense would be adequate. Plus, Arkansas would be coming off of an open date. So, we decided not to move it (this past summer). Today wasn’t a very emotional practice, but it is one we can build upon. Dondrial’s (Pinkins) shoulder got a little tight on him today. Syvelle’s (Newton) ankle is still not all of the way healed. Demetris Summers had a very good practice today. He and Cory Boyd are two very good backs. Looking at Arkansas, Matt Jones (quarterback) doesn’t look to be that fast. But, he is. He’s very deceptive. I’ve never seen one guy tackle him … Ko Simpson (USC free safety) is having a great season. I never thought in my wildest dreams he would play this well as a true freshman. He wasn’t one of our early offers. When we did sign him, we told him we would have to bring him in in January and he stayed true to his commitment. During spring practice, he really caught our attention. I think he’s worthy of all-conference. Marque Hall (defensive tackle) has the chance to be a special player and I believe we will start him on Saturday … Andrea Gause has had his best year yet. He’s comfortable now playing the receiver/tailback position. He has good quickness and good hands. He and George have done a good job for us. Even though they are cousins, they have different personalities. Andrea is more outgoing, while George is quiet and laid back. Yet, George is like E.F. Hutton. When he says something, people listen.”

* Assistant head coach Skip Holtz will be available following Wednesday’s practice outside the players’ entrance at approximately 6:35 p.m.