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First Practice
First Practice of the Season Held at the Bluff Road Proving Grounds
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The
University of South Carolina football team hit the practice fields for
its first official practice of the 2012 campaign on Friday night. The
squad went through a two hour and 15 minute practice session in helmets
and shorts at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds.”
Head coach Steve
Spurrier, who is beginning his eighth season guiding the Gamecocks, was
pleased with the physical condition that the players reported in.
“We’re in very good shape,” said Coach Spurrier. “Our strength coach
Joe Connolly and his staff did a super job all summer. It was evident
in the way they were able to run around and move and last for a little
over two hours tonight.”
Friday saw the return of standout
junior running back Marcus Lattimore to the practice fields. Lattimore
suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through the 2011 campaign.
“Marcus was running around full go as we expected,” noted Coach
Spurrier. “He said ‘I’m doing everything Coach.’ Health-wise everybody
is healthy right now. Shon Carson was back. All the guys that had
surgeries are ready to go.”
Coach Spurrier was also pleased that
the Gamecocks are ranked ninth in the preseason Coaches’ poll. “It was
neat. It’s the first time in school history. We love doing some
first and that was a first. It’s nice, but we haven’t talked about it.
Our guys know we’ve got a chance. We’ll see how we progress as we go
through the season.”
Redshirt freshman Tanner McEvoy practiced
with the team on Friday following a suspension. “Tanner’s back. He’s
been approved to come back to the team. He got arrested and he will pay
his fine.”
Coach Spurrier had high praise for a freshman tight
end. “Jerell Adams is a ballplayer. He’s a very good athlete who can
play. You’ll hear a lot of him this season.”
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