March 29, 2012

The University of South Carolina football team worked out Thursday afternoon at the Bluff Road practice fields. Thursday’s practice was spring practice number eight, as the Gamecocks have crossed the halfway point of their allotted 15 spring practices.

“We had a decent practice today,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the two-hour workout. “A lot of youngsters got some work in like we usually do in spring ball. So it was a good practice. Same thing tomorrow. Then Saturday morning around 10:30, we will scrimmage, open to the public.” Fans are invited to attend the scrimmage, which will feature primarily the younger players.

Coach Spurrier was pleased with how the Gamecocks performed in Wednesday’s Pro Timing Day. “It was the largest group of NFL guys I guess we’ve had in the seven years I’ve been here. One of the guys said there’s a possibility we may have three first rounders with Alshon (Jeffery), Melvin Ingram and Stephon Gilmore. Hopefully that will happen. It was a good crowd and a good day for that yesterday.”

Coach Spurrier reminded everyone that a youth day will be part of the annual Garnet & Black Spring Game, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 14. Several current and former Gamecock players will address the youth beginning at 11 a.m., prior to the 1 p.m. kick.

In other news, walk-on wide receiver Blair Lowery was moved to running back to help provide depth at that position after walk-on Dwayne Duckett suffered a sprained ankle on Thursday. “We are running low on running backs right now,” noted the Head Ball Coach.

Questions continue to be asked about two-sport athlete Bruce Ellington, who worked out with the football team for the second time this spring on Thursday. “Bruce wants to play both sports is what he told me,” said Coach Spurrier. “I’m all for him playing both sports.”

Ellington told a few members of the media that he has already spoken with new coach Frank Martin who indicated, “Whatever you do, I’m behind it.”

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Friday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. All practices are open to the public.