Aug. 21, 2002
Columbia, SC –
* Wednesday marked the final day of preseason football practice prior to the beginning of fall classes at the University of South Carolina, which start up on Thursday. USC head coach Lou Holtz commented that you never know what kind of practice the team will have that first day of classes. “Their heads will really be swimming on Thursday. They’ll have to find their way around campus, get to their classes and then head over to the stadium. It will be a different experience for the newcomers. It’s always interesting to see how they react to the change.”
* Coach Holtz said that the offensive line starting positions are pretty much set, although it was a dead heat between Jeff Barnes and Watts Sanderson at right tackle. Travelle Wharton is at left tackle, Cedric Williams at left guard, C.J. Frye is at center, and Shane Hall is at right guard.
* Coach Holtz said that fullback Andrew Pinnock is nursing a sore shoulder but should be okay. Tailback Kenny Irons has a sore knee and did not practice Wednesday. Offensive lineman Chad Walker is out with a foot sprain. Defensive back Isaac Stackhouse remains in the hospital with a deep back bruise. He could be released on Thursday.
* Coach Holtz commented that many of the new players should figure into the playing rotation this season. “We’re working with a lot of young people now and it’s hard to get continuity because of that,” said Coach Holtz. “But, I like the level of talent we brought in.”
* Freshman linebacker Ricardo Hurley from Greenwood has caught Coach Holtz’s eye. “Ricardo is a real talent,” said the head coach. “He loves the game, he plays hard and when he arrives to the ball, he will hit someone. He’s been a joy to coach.” Coach Holtz also noted that junior college linebacker Darel Slay has also been impressive.
* Coach Holtz noted the wide receivers are working hard and still have plenty of room for improvement. “They are practicing hard, but when I know what’s happening at wide receiver, I’ll make sure and let you know.”
* Senior Mikal Goodman, who played quarterback his first two years at USC but was at wide receiver last season, has been moved back to quarterback in order to shore up the depth situation at that position due to the injuries to Dondrial Pinkins and Bennett Swygert. Team doctors said Wednesday that Swygert (knee ligament damage) would be re-examined 10 days from now and a decision would be made on how his injury would be treated.
SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY:
USC will practice once in the afternoon. Head coach Lou Holtz will be available to the media following practice at approximately 6 p.m. in the press room behind the lobby of the football building.
