March 25, 2010

The University of South Carolina Gamecock football squad conducted its eighth practice of the spring at the Bluff Road practice fields Thursday afternoon.

“We had a decent practice today,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the workout. “Stephen Garcia threw the ball the best he’s thrown it all spring today, so that’s encouraging. Connor Shaw had a good practice. The receivers caught about everything. Weslye Saunders caught a few passes. So it was an encouraging day for us.

“The defense looked good too,” continued the Head Ball Coach. “They were quick. They were tough to throw on down here around the goal line.”

Alshon Jeffery missed practice on Thursday. “Alshon had another academic issue. He had to miss practice. He was in study hall today. He’ll be back tomorrow and Saturday.”

“We’re a little encouraged with some things that happened,” Coach Spurrier reiterated. “Again, this is not our real team. This is who’s available to practice right now.”

The Gamecocks will practice again on Saturday when they move into Williams-Brice Stadium for their second scrimmage of the spring. The practice session is expected to begin around 10 a.m. with the scrimmage starting closer to 11.