Oct. 22, 2002

Columbia, SC –

? Coach Lou Holtz described Tuesday’s practice as a “physical one.” The Gamecocks worked hard on fundamentals and finished up the workout with a controlled scrimmage. “We had a very physical practice today,” said Holtz. “It was more physical than our normal Tuesday practice.”

? Running back Gonzie Gray, who had been coming on during the last week of practice, sprained his ankle and could miss some practice time. “It’s a shame because Gonzie had really been doing some good things the last few days,” said Holtz. “He was making a move to get on the field more. I hope he can get back soon.”

? Senior tailback/wide receiver Ryan Brewer remained hospitalized Tuesday with a viral infection. Brewer also has had his left ankle put in a cast because of an injury he suffered in the LSU game last Saturday. Team doctors are hopeful that he can be released from the hospital on Wednesday.

? Offensive tackle Jeff Barnes had an MRI performed late Tuesday afternoon on his left wrist, which he injured against LSU. Preliminary x-rays earlier in the week were negative, but team doctors wanted to make sure there was no underlying damage.

? Linebacker Ricardo Hurley missed his second straight day of practice due to a hamstring pull. Hurley did some conditioning in the weight room during practice. His status for the Tennessee game on Nov. 2 is undetermined.

? Coach Holtz said he was anxious to see many of the freshmen players develop. “I can hardly wait to see players like Jabari Levey, Moe Thompson, Kenny Irons, Daccus Turman and Regis Edgerson develop over the next couple of years,” said Holtz. “I can remember what players like Langston Moore, Cedric Williams and Shane Hall were like when they were freshmen. We have a good group of talented young players.”

? Coach Holtz stated that Matthew Thomas was making a bid to earn the starting cornerback position opposite Dunta Robinson. He also said that the Gamecock defense had to improve at stopping the run. “We’re giving up way too many yards,” said Holtz. “We’ve had seven 100-yard rushers against us in eight games. That must cease. We’re trying to get better fundamentally.”

? Holtz said that likely candidates for kickoff return duty included Troy Williamson, James Adkisson, Matthew Thomas and Jared Farrabe. “Ryan Brewer gives us so much stability back there and when he hurt his ankle the other night, we didn’t handle that aspect of the game very well.”