March 5, 2013

The 2013 edition of the University of South Carolina football squad took the field for the first time on Tuesday, as spring practice got underway at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds.” The squad worked out for about two hours in helmets and shorts on a windy and mostly overcast afternoon in Columbia.

“It was a fun day for most of the players,” said head coach Steve Spurrier following the practice session. Nobody got hurt. We ran around and tried to throw it around a little bit. Kelvin Rainey had two interceptions on his first day on defense, so he is probably the star of the first spring practice. We’ve got about 10 or 12 walk-on players out here,” continued the Head Ball Coach, “that did some good things here and there. So it was a bit of a productive day.”

Coach Spurrier was complimentary of new defensive line coach Deke Adams. “Coach Adams is an excellent coach. He has a track record. He didn’t work his way up to this job by being an average coach. He knows what he’s doing. He has a good demeanor about him. I think all of our guys will enjoy playing their hearts out for him and for the Gamecocks.”

Coach Spurrier was also high on wide receiver Shamier Jeffery. “One player I’m going to predict is going to be a good player is Shamier Jeffery. Shamier is finally, after a couple of years here just hanging around watching, has decided he wants to be a ballplayer. You can tell his body shape is completely different. He’s probably lost 15 pounds or more. He’s fit, he can run faster, can catch the ball and I think he’s going to be a real player for us.”

Coach Spurrier feels good about the running back tandem in place. “Brandon Wilds and Mike Davis both have had an excellent winter conditioning season. Brandon Wilds is faster than he’s ever been. He’s really fit. Those two backs are ready. I have huge confidence in both those guys.”

News and Notes:

• The South Carolina – North Carolina season opener, set for Thursday, August 29, will kick at 6 p.m. ET it was announced today. The home game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

• Shaq Roland did not participate in Tuesday’s practice due to an academic issue. He was not allowed to practice Tuesday but is expected to practice on Thursday.

• Damiere Byrd did not practice on Tuesday. He recently underway LASIK eye surgery.

• Former Gamecocks D.J. Swearinger and Travian Robertson attended Tuesday’s practice.

• An ESPN crew was on campus Tuesday with Tom Rinaldi interviewing Coach Spurrier and Jadeveon Clowney.

• The next scheduled practice is Thursday, March 7, at 4:15 p.m. Practice is open to the public.