Aug 15, 2013

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The University of South Carolina football team worked out for about two hours in helmets and shoulder pads on Thursday morning. It was the first of two scheduled practices for Thursday, as the team will return to the Bluff Road practice fields tonight at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Senior quarterback Connor Shaw admitted that his back was a little sore during last Saturday’s scrimmage. “I just had a little back spasm. It wasn’t anything major. I went for treatment and it was fine after that. It was nothing serious.”

With injuries to Bruce Ellington and Rory Anderson, Shaw has had to look for other receivers during practice. “I think it gives a chance for the younger guys to step up and make good plays and they have. They’ve made some good plays here early during camp.”

“It’s been a real productive camp,” said offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. “The first team is doing really well competing out here every day. It’s really a blessing having guys who know what they’re doing today and have the right mindset to get things accomplished. So we’re moving forward.”

Coach Elliott was excited about redshirt freshman Mason Zandi. “Mason is doing a great job. He is doing a fabulous job. He’s big, he’s athletic, he can move, he understands the defenses. I really like him. He’s so tall that he needs to gain a little more weight. He’s about 295 right now. We’ve got to work on getting his hips low. Rushers tend to get up under him a little bit because of his height. But I’m pleased with him. I love his work ethic. I love everything about him. I’m happy he’s here.”

There were no changes on the injury front on Thursday. Those who remain sidelined include Bruce Ellington (hamstring), Rory Anderson (hamstring), Chaz Sutton (foot), Cedrick Cooper (elbow), Kyle Morini (elbow), Gerald Turner (ankle), James King (foot), Mike Matulis (shoulder) and Cody Gibson (knee).