Aug. 19, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – Tuesday marked the end of two-a-day preseason football practice for the South Carolina Gamecocks. USC will have one practice on Wednesday, with classes beginning on Thursday.
* Two players who had been excused from Monday afternoon’s practice – freshman tailback Demetris Summers and sophomore defensive end Moe Thompson – were back on the practice field Tuesday morning.
* Injury update: DT Brandon Schweitzer, who had been out the past week with a knee sprain, has been cleared to return to full contact. DE Jason Capers has been battling asthma and did not work out Tuesday morning. Capers did return to the practice field for the afternoon workout. LB Lance Laury (knee) has returned on a limited basis. DL Fran Person is out with pneumonia and CB Rachiem Monroe has been battling a virus. In the afternoon workout, WR Taqiy Muhammad dislocated a finger on his right hand but he is expected to be okay.
* DE Charles Silas did not practice Tuesday morning or afternoon due to the fact that his final admission transcripts have not been received by USC. There was a 14-day period in which Silas could practice while the school awaited the final documents. Once that official transcript is received, verified and admitted, Silas may return to the practice field.
* Following the morning workout, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments:
“I’ve been pleased with how the defense has responded the past couple of days. We need to put more work into the kicking game. Dondrial Pinkins looks much more confident and comfortable at quarterback this year. He’s had a good preseason camp. Our offensive line has been impressive. With Travelle Wharton, Jonathan Alston, Na’Shan Goddard, John Strickland and Jabari Levey in that first unit, that is an imposing group. It is at least an $8 cab ride just to get around Jabari Levey. Daccus Turman is playing exceptionally well without the football. He doesn’t get the ball much, but when he does touch it, he averages seven yards a carry. He reminds me a lot of Rodney Culver (former Notre Dame back). He’s unselfish, he doesn’t say a word; he just gets the job done. The competition on both sides of the ball has been excellent.”
* Wednesday’s schedule: The team will have an early afternoon practice. Head coach Lou Holtz will be available at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the press room of the football building. Player availability will be between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at the stadium. There will be no player availability after practice. Media requesting players Wednesday need to contact the USC SID Office in advance.
