Aug. 5, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
South Carolina Head Football Coach Lou Holtz said Monday that after a pair of workouts, “this is not a typical freshman class” as he was both surprised and impressed with what he saw on the Carolina practice field in morning and afternoon sessions.

“We don’t have very many players out there right now … our numbers are small,” said Holtz. “It’s only one day, but that’s as talented a group of players that I’ve been around in a while. We had some (good newcomer classes) at Notre Dame that were comparable to this group, but with the limited number now that you now have to work with, this is impressive.

“I liked the way they worked. Today, I didn’t see a player out there who doesn’t have a chance to contribute to this program; but I’ll take it a step further and say I saw a lot of individuals today who have the chance to contribute this season. These guys are going to blend in well when the upperclassmen get here later this week. As a group, they have speed, great awareness and love for the game. It’s an impressive group … but then again, we’ve only been here one day so far.

“We had some (good newcomer classes) at Notre Dame that were comparable to this group, but with the limited number now that you now have to work with, this is impressive.” Head Coach Lou Holtz

“The offensive linemen will really be good prospects. Our receivers – man, they can run. I don’t want to name anyone in particular. I just want to say that this really is an impressive group. With a limited number of players in camp now, we can only do certain things, but I’m very pleased.

The Gamecocks will practice twice Tuesday then Wednesday, according to Holtz, will be spent entirely on academics (placement tests). He said the entire team – including veterans – will meet Wednesday night, media day is Thursday and the team will have its first combined workout at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

Holtz noted Monday that MRIs on spur Rod Wilson (hamstring) and kicker Joey Bowers (back) were negative and the two can continue preparations for the season. He also said that running back/wide receiver Ryan Brewer is healing well and he and Brewer are awaiting the go-ahead for Brewer’s complete participation in workouts.