Coach Spurrier Post Practice Comments

Aug. 4, 2007

The 2007 edition of the University of South Carolina football program made its debut Saturday night, working out in helmets and shorts for about two and a half hours at the Bluff Road practice fields in front of an estimated crowd of 3,100 fans.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Sunday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. That practice will also be open to the public.

Following Saturday’s practice, Head Coach Steve Spurrier addressed the media:

“It was a decent first practice. I don’t think anybody got hurt. We were out here for quite a while. We did a lot – got a lot of plays, a lot of throws, a lot of runs.

“We had several players that were out of practice due to university/team rules. They’ll be out one more night. We have some guys missing two practices and some guys missing five days.

“There was a wonderful turnout (of fans). I think it’s the largest at the practice field since I’ve been here. I appreciate them coming out. Come out again tomorrow night (Sunday night at 7:30 p.m.) then Monday we’ll close up.

“(Freshman quarterback) Stephen (Garcia) did ok. He threw the ball around decently, nothing spectacular yet. These freshmen receivers can all run. They all looked pretty good. I’m excited about those guys.

“Our team is a better looking team. There’s no question. We got stronger, faster guys than we had the first two years.

Other Notes: Freshman offensive lineman Quintin Richardson returned to the squad after serving a suspension… freshman linebacker Melvin Ingram missed Saturday’s practice due to a family funeral… Mike West has moved back to the defensive side of the ball… two years ago he played linebacker but was converted to wide receiver last season… Ryan Brown also returned to the defensive side after working out at fullback in the spring… Ryan Succop wowed the crowd with a 60-yard field goal… three freshmen walk-ons have been added to the 105 roster including quarterback Zac Brindise, cornerback Cedric Snead and deep snapper Chris Vaughn.