Aug. 3, 2011

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Fans got their first glimpse of the 2011 edition of South Carolina Gamecock football team Wednesday night, as the squad worked out at the Bluff Road practice fields. The squad was dressed in helmets and shorts for the first workout of the fall, which lasted about two hours and drew a couple thousand fans.

“I thought it was a pretty nice practice,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the workout. “All the coaches were really noticing the difference in our team speed. I think our speed has really improved with the addition of a lot of players, as well as the conditioning work of Coach Fitz(gerald) and the strength coaches this summer. We have a fast team. Hopefully we’ll have a team that can really play well.” Coach Spurrier identified Bruce Ellington, Damiere Byrd, Shamier Jeffery and Shon Carson as guys who stood out in the speed department.

Coach Spurrier indicted that practices would remain open, at least for a while. “We appreciate the fans coming out,” continued Coach Spurrier. “We’re going to keep it open for at least a week or two. If the NFL guys can open up, certainly we can open up. We don’t have any secrets to hide out here.”

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery did not participate in Wednesday’s drills. Coach Spurrier indicated he had been in a car accident on Tuesday and suffered some whiplash and a sore back. He is expected to be back in a couple of days.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.