April 1, 2014
The University of South Carolina football squad returned to the Bluff Road practice fields Tuesday afternoon on a warm spring day in Columbia. It was the squad’s 10th workout of the spring.
Defensive line coach Deke Adams has to replace three starters among the four down linemen, including All-Americans Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles. “Right now the guy who has really stood out (at defensive tackle) is Deon Green. He’s done a great job the past couple of practices,” said Adams. “He’s really developing, doing what we ask him to do. You can tell he’s healthy. He’s done a good job. But right now it’s a battle in there. Nobody’s just really stood out and said `hey, it’s my job.’ They’re all fighting. Abu Lamin is getting better and doing a really good job,” continued Adams. “The more he learns the system the better he gets. J.T. (Surratt) has to step up and lead this group. He’s the one in the group with the most experience. He’s got to step out front and take over this group and lead us in the right direction.”
While Surratt is the lone returning starter up front, Adams insisted that no one’s job is secure. “My whole philosophy is nothing is written in stone,” noted Adams. “You’ve got to always come out here and earn it every day. (Surratt’s) done a great job up to this point. He’s earned what he’s got up to this point. He’s got to do it every day.”
Replacing Clowney and fifth-year senior Chaz Sutton at defensive end will be a challenge. “Darius English is really coming along and done a good job,” said Adams. “David Johnson is really busting his behind and working hard. Mason Harris has stood out in a lot of things we’re doing with the different packages. He’s making more plays than he made at this time last year. I’m excited about them but we’re a long ways away.”
Several former Gamecocks will participate in the annual Pro Timing Day on Wednesday at Williams-Brice Stadium. Those expected to participate include Jadeveon Clowney, Bruce Ellington, Victor Hampton, Jimmy Legree, Ronald Patrick, Kelcy Quarles, Connor Shaw, DeAngelo Smith, Chaz Sutton and David Wilkins. The event, with the field portion scheduled to begin around 11 a.m., is open to the public. 123 media credentials have been issued for the event, which will include crews from NFL Network, NFL Films, ESPN, and FOX Sports 1.
Wednesday night will also be the final edition of Carolina Calls with head coach Steve Spurrier, live from Wild Wing Café in the Vista. The show can be heard on the flagship station of Gamecock Athletics, 107.5 The Game beginning at 7 p.m.
The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.
