Oct. 6, 2002

Columbia, SC –

* Injury update for South Carolina coming out of last Saturday’s 34-10 victory over Mississippi State: QB Corey Jenkins, left ankle sprain (probable); DE Dennis Quinn, left ankle sprain (questionable). Quarterback Dondrial Pinkins has a slight bruise of the left hand but should be okay. Additionally, wide receiver James Adkisson, who sprained his knee against Virginia on Sept. 7 and has been out ever since, is expected to return to the practice field this week and should be available for this week’s game at Kentucky. Linebacker Rod Thomas underwent corrective ankle surgery last Friday and is out for the season.

* When asked to assess the play of the offense halfway through the season, offensive coordinator Skip Holtz said: “The frustrating thing is that we have too many turnovers (16, which is one more than all of the 2001 season). We’ve turned the ball over five or six times in the red zone and we cannot continue to do that. On the positive side, we have had some young players emerge. Troy Williamson (receiver), Kris Clark (receiver), Kenny Irons (tailback), Jabari Levey (offensive lineman), and Daccus Turman (fullback) have all stepped up and done a nice job. I wouldn’t say that I’m disappointed in the offense, but I would like to see it become more productive this second half.”

* Skip said that moving receivers Matthew Thomas and Andre Hemphill to cornerback was done in the best interests of the team. “We’re a corner short and Coach Holtz thought these two could help out there,” said Skip. Only time will tell. If they are not able to help out there, I would think they would move back to receiver.”

* Skip said that Troy Williamson, a true freshman wide receiver gets better every game. “Troy runs exceptionally well. He is doing so many good things for us. He has a tremendous attitude and is a real talent.”

* Skip also said that true freshman Jabari Levey played pretty well in his first action of the season. He also said that center Na’shan Goddard, who received his first career start, did a nice job except for six or seven missed assignments.

* Senior wide receiver Michael Ages is playing the best football of his career. Said Skip: “We thought Michael may have a big year last season, but he got hurt and had to have shoulder surgery. He’s been a nice addition and has a great attitude. I’ve been extremely pleased with his performance.”

* Corey Jenkins could be limited in Monday’s practice, depending on how tender his ankle his. “I’m glad we were able to get Dondrial some work last week,” said Skip. “He’s talented and is going to be a good quarterback.”

* Skip also said that Corey Jenkins has developed into a solid quarterback. “Corey is an excellent quarterback who is also a great athlete. At the beginning of the season, he was a great athlete who was playing quarterback. I think that analogy has changed now. He is throwing the ball accurately and learning to read the defenses much better.”

* James Adkisson is expected to be available for this week’s game at Kentucky. He did some limited work during practice last week, but looks to be ready to go full speed this week.

* When asked about USC’s last touchdown vs. Mississippi State, one of which MSU coach Jackie Sherrill evidently complained about, Skip Holtz said: “I can’t speak for Coach Sherrill, but we were basically trying to run the clock out. We had run the ball into the line for two or three straight series and they were still blitzing and jamming the line of scrimmage. We threw a little swing pass and Kenny Irons broke some tackles and scored. We were not throwing the ball downfield into the end zone.”

* Skip said that recruiting seemed to be going exceedingly well. “Overall, the response has been very positive,” said Skip. “We’d like to get a quarterback and tailback in every class and we’d definitely like to get another group of offensive linemen and some receivers.”

* South Carolina and Kentucky will square off this Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington. The game will be televised nationally by ESPN2 and will kick off shortly after 6:30 p.m.