March 23, 2003

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 160 days until the season-opener at Williams-Brice Stadium, Sat., Aug. 30 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.

GOING CAMPING: USC conducted its first practice in pads this spring with a two-hour session under a mix of sun, clouds and occasional raindrops at the practice fields west of Williams-Brice Stadium.

HIGHLIGHT REEL: The quarterbacks combined to complete 16-of-25 passes with two touchdowns during pass skeleton drills. Rodriques Wilson and Orus Lambert each recorded an interception during drills, with Lambert’s coming during 11-on-11 action.

QUOTING ASSISTANT HEAD COACH SKIP HOLTZ: Assistant head coach Skip Holtz spoke to the media following today’s practice.

(on the first practice in pads) – “I thought it was a positive, spirited and physical practice today. We got after it and guys were flying around. There was a lot of hitting out there. I was very pleased with a lot of things we did offensively.”

(on the offensive line) – “Our line did some good things and we made some holes in practice today, but there is still a lot to work on. Travelle Wharton is the only starter we have right now, otherwise the competition is open. We will be rotating guys around to try to find the best position for each of them.”

(on early spring standouts) – “Taqiy Muhammad brings athleticism, speed and a lot of emotion to the offense. Even though he is still learning the wide receiver position, he is upbeat and vocal with others in the huddle. Brian Brownlee has caught our attention at tight end. He has done very well as a receiver and is someone that has jumped out thus far.”

(on Dondrial Pinkins) – “Dondrial has done a good job at quarterback. He looks crisp and sharp and has shown good retention and has made good decisions. Right now I feel really good about his progress and ability.”

INJURY NOTE: Freshman wide receiver D’von Hill tweaked a hamstring that has slowed his participation in drills.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE: After three consecutive days of practice, the Gamecocks take Monday off before returning to the gridiron for an afternoon session on Tuesday.

DID YOU KNOW?: South Carolina’s eight home games in 2003 ties for the highest single-season total in school history. The Gamecocks hosted eight games in 1982, going 4-4 at Williams-Brice Stadium that season.