April 9, 2013

The University of South Carolina football team worked out for about two hours on Tuesday afternoon at the Bluff Road practice fields. It was practice number 12 of the 15 spring practices allowed.

A special guest was on hand today, as Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a rookie competitor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, showed off his number 17 car and watched a portion of the Gamecocks’ practice.

Also on hand were a large number of former Gamecock football players, who watched the practice then enjoyed a dinner in the Zone.

After the practice, defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward spoke about the competition at the Spur position between Sharrod Golightly and Jordan Diggs. “I think Sharrod is slightly ahead of Jordan Diggs, but it’s real close. They both have done a lot of good things, but I think Sharrod has probably made more plays this spring. If we had to start tomorrow, Sharrod would be the starter.”

Coach Ward had an opportunity to evaluate the tape from Saturday’s scrimmage. “The first time I watched it on Sunday, I wasn’t pleased at all. But when you go back and watch it again, not bad. I thought we had some plays on the perimeter we should have made, we were in position to make. You never want to give up a big pass like we did at the end. We’ve got some things we still need to work on.”

Jadeveon Clowney did not practice again on Tuesday and it’s uncertain whether he will practice again this spring, due to a neck sprain. “His neck and back is still stiff. Whether he goes another snap (this spring), I don’t care,” said Ward.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon.