Aug. 23, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
The South Carolina Gamecocks returned to the practice field Monday, working out in shorts under lights. The team had the day off on Sunday and reported back to camp Monday afternoon to watch the film of the 140-play scrimmage which was held on Saturday.

* Injury update: OL Jonathan Alston (ankle) did not practice Monday. He is listed as day-to-day. WR Sidney Rice (shoulder) was limited Monday.

* There was no update Monday on the admission status of incoming recruit Antonio Lamar. The fullback from Snellville, Ga., has yet to report and is still awaiting final notification from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

* Following Monday evening’s workout, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “When I walked off the field Saturday after the scrimmage, I was somewhat disappointed. But, after looking at the film, there were some good things. We put together 15-20 plays in which there were 10 players doing exactly what needed to be done and one person who wasn’t. I was fairly encouraged with how we did offensively. I think if we played today on offense, we’d have either Andy Boyd or Brian Brownlee at tight end; Na’Shan Goddard at right tackle; Jonathan Alston at right guard; John Strickland at center; Chris White at left guard; and Jabari Levey at left tackle. We’d go with three wide receivers — Troy Williamson, Noah Whiteside and Matthew Thomas. We’d go with Dondrial Pinkins at quarterback and Syvelle Newton would play some. At the running back, it’s a little uncertain. I couldn’t tell you right now who we would start there. We haven’t been able to locate a true fullback. The ones we’ve tried there just haven’t progressed enough. I think we’re best served to go with the one back and three receiver set. We haven’t given up on the two backs, but until we find us a fullback, I think we’re better off in the one back … On defense, we’d go with Darrell Shropshire and Jason Capers at the tackles; Moe Thompson and George Gause at the ends; Marcus Lawrence, Ricardo Hurley and Rodriques Wilson at linebackers. In the secondary, we’d have Fred Bennett and Jonathan Joseph at the corners and Ko Simpson and Jamacia Jackson at safety. Josh Brown has been the most consistent at placekicking and punting. Joey Bowers will kick off. We have some freshman kickers (Josh Epps and Greg Dunning) who are talented but not as consistent as Brown has been …I think Dondrial (Pinkins) has been pretty accurate during camp throwing the ball. He’s also taken better command of the huddle, there’s no question about that.”

* Coach Holtz said that Chris Tucker, who has played defensive tackle during his three-year career at USC, is being moved to the offensive line. He will work at guard. Holtz also said that freshman Jamon Meredith, who has been working at tight end, has been moved to offensive tackle.

MEDIA NOTE – Following Tuesday’s practice, head coach Lou Holtz will be available to the media at approximately 6:40 p.m. in the press room behind the lobby of the football building. Player requests should be directed to Gavin Lang, assistant SID.