July 26, 2007

Hoover, Ala. – South Carolina senior linebacker Jasper Brinkley and senior running back Cory Boyd spoke with the media on Wednesday afternoon at the 2007 SEC Media Day in Hoover, Ala. Below are some comments from both players as the Gamecocks get ready for the new season.

Linebacker Jasper Brinkley

On being at SEC Media Days:
“It’s kind of overwhelming to see so many cameras in your face, but it’s also kind of exciting to me, and I’m enjoying it.”

On the team’s incoming freshman talent on the defensive side of the ball:
“We’ve got some great incoming freshmen, the best in school history. Coach Spurrier let us know that we’ll have to work to maintain our spots because those freshman can come in and take the spot.”

On being close to having a breakthrough season:
“We were close last year, but we’ve been working hard this off-season. It’s time for that hard work to pay dividends. We’re looking to take advantage of the opportunities we have and to compete this year.”

On the conference overall:
“It’s the hardest conference in America. Every week, we play someone tough.”

Running Back Cory Boyd

On staying for his senior year:
“I’m always happy with my decision. I’ve got to be a leader amongst the younger guys. Jasper Brinkley and I both made this decision and we came up with what we had to do. It feels good to come back for that fifth year. Also, I graduate at the end of the season so I can go home with my papers and hopefully take my game to the next level.”

On Steve Spurrier’s goal to win his first SEC Championship at South Carolina:
“It’s definitely exciting. The young guys that come in can really look forward to doing things for the first time. He’s (Spurrier) always big on trying to do things for the first time and trying to have bigger goals. You can’t really win something unless you really install it in your mind and I think that’s what he’s trying to do with us.”

On the support amongst the team:
“We all have to understand that we’re all going to have our ups and downs, but what keeps us strong is our togetherness and the belief that we have in each other, in our coaches and in our program. We try to stay strong with each other and try to encourage each other and not put each other down or leave each other out from the situation. We try to build around the situation and see what we can do better.”

On the off-season:
“I’ve been here for five years and I have to say hands down, this has been the best summer workout that I’ve ever been around. We don’t have anyone second guessing the coaches or the program and everybody is committed to greatness. Hopefully, it will pay off when late November comes and we’re in the middle of the battle. Then, everyone can sit back and think of all the things we did in two-a-days and summer workouts when we had to get up at 5:30 in the morning. Hopefully it will pay off this time, and the ball will bounce our way in some of the games we came close to last year. “