USC Preseason Football Practice Report

Columbia, S.C. - The South Carolina Gamecocks practiced twice on Friday, with the morning practice being a physical full contact session. In the afternoon, the squad worked out in shorts and shoulder pads. After the morning practice, defensive coordinator Chris Cosh met with the media. Here are some of his comments ...

"I think the players are starting to feel more comfortable on defense. They are lining up properly and making the proper shifts. At linebacker, Jeremiah Garrison has really emerged. Marcus Lawrence, Rod Thomas, Ricardo Hurley and Ryan Brown are also doing some good things. Darel Slay, Orus Lambert and De'Adrian Coley should give us good depth there. At the other cornerback spot opposite Dunta Robinson, I see Deandre' Eiland and Teddy Crawford getting the majority of the playing time there. The linebackers have a lot of responsibility in the 4-3 defense. They have different alignments and adjustments they have to make. That's the nature of that defense. I've been impressed with how fast Marcus Lawrence has picked up things. If we had a game tomorrow, Lawrence would be one of our starters. We're trying to develop some depth along the defensive line. I think the 2-1-2 practice schedule has been effective. It's been good to have the entire team together at the walk through. It's good for the big picture. James Scott is starting to step things up at defensive end. He will help us there this year. He had a good scrimmage on Tuesday."

* Injury report: LB Stephen Kennedy tore his ACL in the morning practice and will have surgery. Kennedy will be out the remainder of the season. WR Aryel Freeman (broken arm) will be re-evaluated in two weeks. OL Kris Mick returned to practice Friday afternoon (no contact), after having had surgery this past Monday to repair a broken wrist. DL Brandon Schweitzer (knee sprain) continues to improve, but is still being held out. OL Chris White is still being held with a neck strain. OL Jeff Barnes is limited with a sore knee. OL Travelle Wharton had no contact Friday afternoon, as he was battling a sinus infection.