Aug. 11, 2006

The South Carolina Gamecocks returned to the Bluff Road practice fields for a two-hour workout on Friday night. They were in full pads in their final preparation before Saturday’s first scrimmage of the fall. That scrimmage is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium and is open to the public.

Following Friday night’s workout, Head Coach Steve Spurrier addressed the media:

On the return of sophomore running back Mike Davis to practice: “Mike was in a gold jersey. He’s easing back into it. He needs to work his way back into shape a little bit.”

On the status of running back Cory Boyd: “Cory Boyd will play a little bit tomorrow. He was fine tonight.”

What he will be looking for in Saturday’s scrimmage: “Like we always do. We let all the guys play a little bit and see how they play and start grading individuals – not keeping score – judging each individual, how he plays his assignments, plays with effort. We’re all on one team and we’ll try to protect each other and just play some ball. If we look bad, nobody cares. We’re just practicing. We certainly looked bad a few times last year in these scrimmages.”

On the development of freshman quarterback Chris Smelley: “We’re trying to get some rhythm. He’s used to holding it real still then setting and slinging it. We’re trying to make a passer out of him instead of a slinger. He’s a natural passer. He throws a pretty ball, very catchable ball, but if he uses his legs and feet a little bit better he will be more accurate.”