Nov. 6, 2002

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina football team practiced for two hours Wednesday in preparation for the 2002 home finale Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kickoff is set for 12:32 p.m. at Wiliams-Brice Stadium.

Assistant Head Coach Skip Holtz addressed the media after Wednesday’s workout, updating several injuries. Running back/wide receiver Ryan Brewer was (ankle) was limited in practice and is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game. Wide receiver Michael Ages (shoulder) is out while cornerback Dunta Robinson (elbow) is probable after an MRI Tuesday revealed a slight tear in a ligament in his right elbow. The injury will not require surgery and Robinson will wear a protective cover in this weekend’s game.

“Matthew Thomas has looked really good over the last two days,” said Holtz of the sophomore who recently returned to wide receiver from defensive back. “He has new energy and a new enthusiasm and since his move back, he’s like a kid in a candy store. It’s like he’s saying ‘tell me what to do and I’ll do it.’ James (Adkisson) has been hampered by his hamstring a little this week, but I’m hoping both of them step up and have big days on Saturday.” Holtz said that he looks for Thomas, Adkisson and freshman Troy Williamson to start at wideout this weekend.

Holtz took a moment to look back at the staff’s initial recruiting class, a group that will play its last game in Columbia this Saturday. “When you look at Ryan Brewer, Shane Hall, Andrew Pinnock, Michael Ages and others, there were some really good football players in that crowd that didn’t redshirt and have been part of turning this thing around. They’ve done that not just because of their talent, but it’s been their attitude as well. (Playing the last game at home) is going to be hard for them, but it’s going to be hard for us as coaches to think about playing without those guys.”