March 28, 2004

Columbia, SC – ? South Carolina went through its sixth practice of the spring Sunday afternoon. The team worked out in shorts and shoulder pads, concentrating primarily on correcting mistakes from previous practices.

? On the injury front: WR Matthew Thomas is out with a left ankle sprain. It has been put in a soft cast to expedite the healing process. WR Derrick Harper has a broken bone in his left hand and is out for the spring. WR Noah Whiteside, who rolled his ankle during Saturday’s practice, returned to action Sunday.

? Both of the young quarterbacks – redshirt freshman Blake Mitchell and sophomore Syvelle Newton – have done some good things during camp thus far. Newton said Sunday that he plans on being patient and wants to stay at quarterback, after playing wide receiver a year ago as a true freshman. Newton even said he would consider a redshirt season if need be. Mitchell said that Dondrial Pinkins is doing a good job of leading the team this spring and that he and Newton were splitting time behind the senior. “I plan on being patient, as well,”said Mitchell. “I figure my time will come. Syvelle and I are rotating out every three plays or so. I’m starting to get comfortable with the offense and I’ve been throwing the ball pretty well, but I’ve still got a lot of improving to do.”

? Rick Stockstill, USC’s first-year wide receivers coach, said that three receivers have separated themselves from the others thus far this spring. “Noah Whiteside has had a good spring,” said Stockstill. “He’s really competing and catching the ball well. He’s starting to do the little things. Matthew Thomas is beginning to take advantage of all of his weapons. He’s played more than any of the rest of the receivers. He’s giving good effort. Troy Williamson is also doing well. He’s a speed receiver with a lot of talent. Kris Clark and Michael Flint are two others who are doing a nice job. They both understand the offense. They may not have all the athleticism in the world, but they are very capable. I’d like to see Noah take it from the field to the stadium. He’s not going to back away from any challenge. He’s got a big upside.”

? South Carolina returns to the practice field this Tuesday. The first 30 minutes of individual are open to the media beginning at 4 p.m. Assistant head coach Skip Holtz will be available to the media following Tuesday’s workout.