March 19, 2005

Columbia, S.C. – o The University of South Carolina opened spring football practice Saturday morning, as the coach Steve Spurrier era at USC took to the playing fields. The Gamecocks worked out in shorts and helmets, spending the first 75 minutes at the practice fields and the final 60 minutes on the turf at Williams-Brice Stadium.

o The workout was open to the public and approximately 2,500 fans were in attendance. Also attending the practice were more than 45 junior prospects from around the state of South Carolina.

o Following the workout, head coach Steve Spurrier made these comments to the media: “I was disappointed that Cory Boyd hurt his hamstring. We threw the ball around a little bit. We threw some interceptions, but we also caught a few. We have a long way to go. But, we shouldn’t be ready to play yet. The quarterbacks looked ok. Blake Mitchell has a chance and Brett Nichols, a walkon, looked pretty good. The defense looked quick. Mike West had a nice pick. We mixed in 6-7 running plays and 5-6 pass plays. I thought it was a typical first spring practice. We’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us.”

o Syvelle Newton, who started five games at quarterback a year ago, has made the move back to receiver. The rising junior says he’s excited about the switch. “I just wanted to be where I thought I could help the team the most. I still may have the chance to play some quarterback. If they asked me to move back there tomorrow, I would. Practice moved along at a quick pace. There’s a real good environment out there. The coaches and players were excited to be out on the field again. I think I’ve learned from the incident I was involved with and this is something that should make me better in the long run.”

o Injury update: RB Cory Boyd (pulled hamstring); OL James Thompson (stress fracture, right foot); Ol William Brown (low back strain); OL John Paul Gillis (recovering from back surgery); CB Fred Bennett (recovering from shoulder surgery); WR Michael Flint (recovering from shoulder surgery).

o Monday’s practice will begin at 4:15 p.m. at the practice fields. It is open to the public. Coach Spurrier will be available to the media following practice at approximately 6:15 p.m. Requested players will be available in the media room underneath the west stands following practice.