Oct. 16, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (3-3) continued workouts at the Bluff Road practice fields Thursday afternoon in preparation for Saturday’s game vs. Furman (2-4). Kickoff for the contest is Noon ET at Williams-Brice Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on the SEC Network with Tom Holt and Matt Stinchcomb in the booth and Kayce Smith on the sidelines. It is also available on the Gamecock Radio Network from IMG College including flagship station, 107.5 FM, “The Game.”
South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward met with the media after practice. Ward announced that Chris Moody will start at free safety due to D.J. Smith’s first half suspension. He also noted to expect junior Michael Washington to get some action at defensive end.
Ward has been encouraged at the defense’s work in practice since the Kentucky game.
“I’ve seen a lot of encouraging signs, stated Ward. “I think the mentality we brought to practice and the things that we have been doing in practice – (We are not) trying to do 1,000 reps, but quality reps and we are doing a lot more fundamentals. We have been working on tackling all week and I think the guys have bought in.”
Coach Ward also mentioned working on improving the turnover output from the defensive unit and has been pleased with the group’s effort to produce turnovers in practice drills.
“We had double-digit (turnovers) yesterday (in practice), noted Ward. “Only the first day we started (the drills), they didn’t get it and they had to give me grass drills and they don’t like doing grass drills. It’s been good, (our) guys are getting to the ball and trying to get the football.”
Ward reiterated that he will coach from the press box vs. Furman and also gave injury updates on defensive ends Cedrick Cooper and David Johnson.
“I think they both have a chance to possibly be back next week,” said Ward. “I think David is further along than Cedrick. I feel good about David being ready to play next week.”
Freshman Chris Lammons will also be available this week at cornerback.
“Chris is fine, he will play in this ballgame. It’s Chris’ chance to see if he can help us. I think Chris went out with the (starters) today. He could be (a) starter.”