Aug. 7, 2014

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For the second day in a row, the University of South Carolina football team worked out in the morning at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds” on Thursday.

The Gamecocks spent much of the team portion of the practice working on their red zone offense and defense. “It was ok, not real good though,” said head coach Steve Spurrier of the practice. “We did some new stuff. We were a little sluggish today. “

Backup quarterback Brendan Nosovitch was not at practice on Thursday. “Brendan Nosovitch had the day off to ponder his decision whether he wants to transfer or stay,” said Coach Spurrier. “He’s got people telling him he’s a quarterback. He’s struggling a little bit throwing the ball, but he’s a heck of an athlete who can really play a lot of positions. Every young man has a right to make his own decision. We’ll release him anywhere,” added the Head Ball Coach. “He can go anywhere he wants to go. I’ve never put a binder on any player that wants to transfer.”

Coach Spurrier was asked about Joe Blue, who was denied admission into the University. “The University doesn’t tell us how to run the football program and that’s their decision of who gets into school and who doesn’t. You need to ask them. We’ve got the best president in the country, so I don’t question anything President Pastides is in charge of.”

Coach Spurrier was also asked about the NCAA “autonomy” vote today. “The players should share in (the money) just a little bit. I’m not talking about paying them $100,000 a year. We’re not paying them. We’re trying to give them a little pocket money and giving their parents some money to go back and forth to ball games. I don’t think that’s asking too much. Hopefully someday that will happen.”

Those who wore yellow “no contact” jerseys on Tuesday included Rory Anderson (triceps), Kevin Crosby (foot), Terry Googer (hamstring), Ali Groves (hamstring), Alan Knott (knee), Blake McClain (foot), D.J. Smith (wisdom teeth), Brock Stadnik (knee), J.T. Surratt (sick), Devin Washington (hamstring), Michael Washington (back), and David Williams (knee). Donell Stanley (wrist) was not at practice after undergoing surgery earlier in the week.

The Gamecocks will return to the practice fields on Friday at 9:50 a.m. This is a change from the original schedule. Saturday’s 4 p.m. scrimmage will be the last open practice for the public. Photographers and videographers will be allowed to shoot the first 10 minutes of the scrimmage.

The annual Colonial Life Fan Appreciation Day is set for Sunday at Colonial Life Arena. Doors will open at 1 p.m. Student-athletes from football, cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball will be on hand to autograph the official team posters.