April 3, 2002

South Carolina had its 12th football practice of the spring Wednesday, with a full contact workout at the USC practice facility.

The Gamecocks will have three more workouts before concluding spring drills. All three of those workouts will be scrimmage-like sessions and are closed to the public, with the exception of the Spring Game on April 13.

A few of the Gamecocks have some nagging injuries, including spur Jonathan Martin (heel) and wide receiver Matthew Thomas (high ankle sprain from playing basketball). Thomas is not expected to practice again this spring.

Willis Ham, a rising senior wide receiver from Columbia, practiced on Wednesday for the first time this spring. Ham, who prepped at Spring Valley High School, had indicated that he may transfer to South Carolina State following this semester. However, it appears he may have a change in heart and could return to USC for his senior season. Ham said he should make a final decision by this Saturday. “My heart is with Carolina,” said Ham, who appeared in eight games and had five receptions in 2001. “I’m still doing some soul-searching, trying to decide what’s best for me in the longterm.” Head coach Lou Holtz said he welcomed Ham’s return and would hope that he would decide to play his senior year. “Willis is an outstanding leader and could contribute to this football team,” said Coach Holtz. “We’re hopeful that he will decide to return this fall.”

Eric Stroman, a redshirt freshman defensive end from Aiken, was also back at practice after having missed the earlier workouts due to a knee sprain. Dennis Quinn, a senior defensive end who likewise had been sidelined with a knee sprain, also participated in Wednesday’s practice. Offensive lineman John Strickland, who had been slowed with an ankle sprain, also returned to practice.

Coach Holtz said that the quarterbacks had begun to fall into some kind of order. “Right now, Corey Jenkins and Dondrial Pinkins are ahead of the rest,” said Coach Holtz. “They both have had good springs. I feel comfortable with both of them.”

Defensively, Coach Holtz said that Dunta Robinson had caught his eye with his solid play at the defensive back position. Rodriques Wilson, who was moved to spur last week, also was showing some positive signs. Holtz said that moving Wilson to spur may allow Rashad Faison to rotate between the spur and free safety positions.

Coach Holtz said the secondary had shown signs of improvement. “We cover pretty well back there,” said Holtz, “but, we don’t catch the ball well. We need to let them know that it’s not a penalty if you intercept a ball.”

Defensive lineman Langston Moore has missed the last two practices because of his mother having surgery in Charleston.

Coach Holtz said while this year’s talent level may be down on the team, the expectations remain high. “Sure, our talent level may be down, but I think we’ve done a good job of selecting players,” said Coach Holtz. “We have high expectations. I go home sometimes, though, and ask myself, why?”

Coach Holtz said that runningbacks Andrew Pinnock and Ryan Brewer were both having excellent springs. “Every team wants to have players like Andrew Pinnock and Ryan Brewer,” said Coach Holtz. “Andrew and Ryan are a lot alike. They are quiet leaders, hard workers and excellent, excellent football players and excellent, excellent young men.”

USC will scrimmage on Saturday. The scrimmage is closed to the public.