Aug. 8, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
o South Carolina’s football team went through its second preseason workout on Sunday afternoon. The three-hour session was conducted in shorts and helmets. The team will practice in shells (shorts, shoulder pads and helmets) for the first time on Monday.

o There were no injuries to report. Following the practice, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “I probably know less today that I did on Saturday about this team. Two-thirds of our offense is already in. You can tell that their heads are swimming. The receivers have done a nice job of catching the ball. Noah Whiteside, Matthew Thomas and Troy Williamson have been impressive. Austin LeSane and D’Von Hill also have caught my eye. They both made some nice catches out there today … We look very quick on defense. We’ll have some light hitting (thud) on Monday when we practice in shells. Both of the young freshmen from Canada (Justin Sorensen and Gurminder Thind are talented. James Thompson also does some good things. I don’t think there’s any doubt that we will have to play some freshmen along the offensive line …. Sidney Rice is a young receiver who has also caught my eye. He does a good job of going up and catching the football. It’s kind of like going up and getting a rebound … I think he could help our basketball team. Once we get through with the national championship game, he will be free to go over to basketball … I am pleased with how the upperclassmen are pulling for and encouraging the younger players. They are trying to help them get through the practices mentally … I think the leadership on this football team will develop. You’d like to see your offensive line become the real leaders. George Gause doesn’t say much, but he’s kind of like E.F. Hutton. When he does say something, people tend to listen. Sometimes, when I want the team to hear something from me, I’ll have George tell them.”

o Coach Holtz noted that senior Andrea Gause, who has been moved to running back after having played wide receiver and defensive back during his career, has done some good things … Freshman placekicker Josh Epps from Sumter has also been noticed by Coach Holtz. The Gamecock coach also said that Josh Brown has been punting the ball extremely well … Cody Wells, a redshirt freshman who worked at safety a year ago, is also going to get some work as the nickle back on defense, according to Holtz.

o The freshmen will go through academic orientation Monday morning, while the returning varsity squad will watch film and have position meetings … The Gamecocks return to the practice field Monday afternoon. The first part of practice (pre-practice and the first 20 minutes of individual) will be open to the media beginning at 2:50 p.m. Assistant head coach Skip Holtz, along with requested players, will be available to the media outside the players’ entrance Monday at approximately 6:25 p.m.