8/20 USC Preseason Football Practice Report

Columbia, S.C. - The Gamecocks reviewed film and had position meetings in the morning, followed by an afternoon practice in full gear on Wednesday. Classes begin on Thursday on the USC campus ...

* Following the afternoon practice, the rookies put on a talent show for the varsity team and coaches. Among the hits included a keyboard and vocal presentation by wide receiver Syvelle Newton, a skit by defensive back Cody Wells, a card trick by offensive lineman William Brown, a skit by defensive tackle Darrell Shropshire and quarterback Mike Rathe, and a gospel solo by cornerback Fred Bennett.

* Injury update: OL Chad Walker was treated for heat exhaustion following the afternoon practice.

* For the second day in a row, DE Charles Silas was not able to practice. USC's admissions office is still awaiting his final transcripts from junior college.

* Following the afternoon workout, head coach Lou Holtz met with the media. Here are some of his comments:

"Tomorrow may be one of the few times in these players' lives when they are looking forward to having school begin. Today we started working on Louisiana-Lafayette and I was disappointed in our intensity and focus against the scout team. When we worked against each other, we did fine, but when we started the scouting report, things fell off. We will get that corrected, however. I was very concerned about our play at linebacker. Ricardo Hurley (ankle) is out and I'm not sure how much we will get out of Lance Laury (knee). His knee is still bothering him. I know how much he wants to play, but he just hasn't been able to resume at full speed. We've got some walk-ons who may contribute. Seth Edwards at defensive end, Kevin Caldwell at linebacker, Jerod June at safety and Michael Flint at wide receiver. Right now, our starting linebackers would be Marcus Lawrence, Kevin Caldwell and Jeremiah Garrison."