Aug. 13, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* Head coach Lou Holtz called Monday evening’s practice “one of the best we’ve had.” “I challenged the team to really have a good practice Monday night,” said the USC coach. “I guess what I forgot to do was challenge them again Tuesday morning, because our practice today was not so good.”

* Coach Holtz said that the Gamecock offense was very inconsistent at the present time. “We’re having a difficult time snapping the ball on a consistent basis and that’s not a good sign.”

* Coach Holtz said that at times the team looks good and at other times, it resembles a grade school team. “We look just good enough to get a coach fired,” said Holtz. “We’ve got some talent, but we are way too inconsistent.”

* The Gamecocks worked out in shorts and shoulder pads in Tuesday morning’s practice. The team will have its first scrimmage Wednesday afternoon. “It will be important to take a look at some of the younger players,” said Coach Holtz. “Some people carry themselves better in pads better than others. Some people aren’t as aggressive as you’d like for them to be because they are confused. We’ve got to start putting this team together. This isn’t spring practice.”

* Ryan Brewer, who is still recuperating from off-season ankle surgery, is expected to see some playing time on Wednesday. “He couldn’t practice Monday morning because he was sore, but he did practice in the afternoon and again this morning,” said Coach Holtz. “I’ve never seen anyone come back from serious ankle surgery in less than nine months, but we’ll see.”

* Coach Holtz said that senior Andrew Pinnock has been running the ball with authority, but that it was important for him to become more consistent in the passing game. “Andrew needs to realize that there’s more to offense than just running the football,” said Coach Holtz. “He needs to become more of a threat catching the football and I think he will.”

* Coach Holtz said that redshirt freshman tailback Thez Robinson had looked good thus far. “Thez has had a good camp,” said Coach Holtz. “He will get some playing time. Regis (Edgerson) and Kenny Irons (both freshmen) have also looked impressive.”

* On the injury-front, freshman offensive lineman Chris White (Chester, S.C.) was discharged from Richland Memorial Hospital Tuesday morning after spending the night there and having some tests run on his neck. White injured his neck during Monday afternoon’s practice and was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. His condition has not been determined at this time.

* Coach Holtz also said that senior defensive back Brian Elam (Augusta, S.C.) could possibly return to the football team this fall but it is doubtful if he will play. Elam has not practiced yet during preseason camp. He would have a redshirt year available.

* Following Wednesday afternoon’s scrimmage, the Gamecock team will go bowling with a group of cancer patients. Coach Holtz said he was even going to bowl a few frames. “I haven’t bowled in 25 years,” said Coach Holtz.

* Wednesday’s media availability:

* Both practices are closed. Coach Holtz will be available in the press room behind the lobby of the football building at approximately 5:35 p.m. Requested players will be available outside the players’ entrance after the scrimmage.