Aug. 24, 2004
Columbia, S.C. –
The South Carolina Gamecocks worked out in full pads Tuesday afternoon, as preparations continue for the season opener Sept. 4 at Vanderbilt.
* Injury update: OL Jonathan Alston (ankle) did not practice Tuesday. He is listed as day-to-day. WR Sidney Rice (shoulder) was limited again on Tuesday. Both could return to practice by week’s end. TE Brian Brownlee had an in-grown toenail that was treated after practice.
* Incoming freshman Antonio Lamar was accepted to USC on Tuesday, after having his final admission documents approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The
6-0, 240-pound fullback from Snellville, Ga., arrived in Columbia late in the afternoon and stopped by for the final 60 minutes of Carolina’s practice with his father, Fred. Lamar must pass all of USC’s medical exams before he can be cleared to practice. Since he just now is reporting, he must practice the first two days in shorts and helmet and the second two days in shorts, shoulder pads and helmet before he can engage in full contact.
* Following Tuesday’s workout, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments: “We had another physical practice today. These are the dog days of camp. It’s like you can’t see the end of training camp, but you know you must push through it. I haven’t had to ride this team at all. They have had a marvelous attitude and good work habits. They have been very positive. If we can get some confidence early on, I believe we can become a good football team. I have a pretty good feeling about this team … I hope we can protect the passer. That is a concern. Chris White is working at left guard right now. The quarterbacks are throwing the ball pretty well and the receivers have been doing a good job … (when asked if Antonio Lamar can be a factor early on) “I couldn’t tell you. I haven’t even seen him line up in a stance. I believe it will be extremely difficult for him to be able to do anything for the Vanderbilt game. If he could, then why would you have preseason camp? We moved Jamie Peters back to fullback, and I’ll tell you, he’s a pretty good talent there. He has a long ways to go, but I think he has a chance … I think Moe Thompson and George Gause can be as good as any two defensive ends in the conference. There is some pretty good competition going on when Moe and George go up against Jabari (Levey) and Na’Shan (Goddard) every day in practice … I think the defense is responding well to Rick Minter. They are flying around the football. I’ve been exceptionally pleased with the play of the linebackers.”
MEDIA NOTE – Following Wednesday’s practice, assistant head coach Skip Holtz will be available to the media at approximately 6:40 p.m. outside the players’ entrance. Player requests should be directed to Gavin Lang, assistant SID, before 11 a.m. Class schedules permitting, requested players will be made available at the stadium between 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
