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Practice Report: Depth chart shows surprises
Posted on 10.01.08
CommentsNews of the day
The revised depth chart offered a few surprises, though some might not end up meaning much.
While Stephen Garcia is listed as the first-string quarterback for the first time, coach Steve Spurrier stopped short of naming the redshirt freshman the starter for Saturday’s game at Mississippi.
Garcia “may start” and would “probably” play a lot, according to Spurrier, who said he would name a starter Thursday.
“We’ll let them practice this week and make a decision,” Spurrier said. “But we’re not filing (away) Chris Smelley yet. He threw one low-ball interception (in Saturday’s win against Alabama-Birmingham).”
Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who has started all but one game the past two seasons, might not start Saturday as punishment for missing classes and weightlifting sessions. Spurrier said he has spoken to the junior, who said he overslept. The coach indicated the situation was nothing serious and benching him was an effort to “get his attention.”
“He’ll still play a whole bunch,” Spurrier said.
Elsewhere, sophomore Clifton Geathers and senior Jordin Lindsey are co-starters at one defensive end spot, as are sophomores Terrence Campbell and Heath Batchelor at right guard. Lindsey and Batchelor were suspended for the UAB game, and Geathers started in Lindsey’s place.
Stock rising
Senior tailback Bobby Wallace has risen to second on the depth chart, leaping past sophomore Brian Maddox, freshman Eric Baker and junior Taylor Rank. Wallace, who was Spurrier’s first commitment at USC, received his first action since 2006 against UAB, gaining 51 yards on six carries.
Stock falling
Maddox is the fourth-string tailback, after gaining 14 yards on 10 carries against UAB.
“He wasn’t terrible. But he didn’t have any great runs to get you excited,” Spurrier said.
Injury report
Senior receiver Kenny McKinley (hamstring) wore a garnet jersey at practice Tuesday for the first time since getting injured Sept. 4. Spurrier said the star receiver jogged across the practice field Monday night for the first time. “We’ll wait and see on him,” Spurrier said.
Quote of the day
“He’s had a little screwball attitude ever since he’s been here. But can he grow up, straighten out and want to be a player? I don’t know. So we’re trying him. He can run fast and he’s tough. Will he run in the right directions? We’ve got to find out.”
— Spurrier on Chris Hail, a former defensive back now playing receiver
Extra points
Spurrier’s next win will be his 25th at South Carolina. That would tie him with Warren Giese (1956-60) for the most by a coach in his first four seasons at USC. ... Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley was surprised he was credited with one tackle against UAB. “I had one tackle in the last game? I watched the film, and I had way more than that,” he said. “I’m not going to argue with the stats, though.”
Scouting report
Mississippi has its version of Garcia, in terms of a player who was nearly kicked off the team. Senior linebacker Tony Fein had behavioral problems and was listed on the third team for part of spring practice. Fein, who is starting, ranks third on the team with 28 tackles.
— Seth Emerson
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