GoGamecocks.com
Practice report: Batchelor dropping out; Garcia OK
Posted on 11.04.08
CommentsRelated Content
- Spurrier says he's not interested in UT job
- Fulmer out as Vols coach after 17 years
- USC-Arkansas on pay-per-view
- USC-Florida will be televised
- SEC names Lanning specialist of the week
- Game recap: Injury update, game balls, more
- Holiday (bowl) greetings
- Desktop wallpapers: USC-Tennessee
- Video highlights: USC vs. Tennessee
News of the day
South Carolina guard Heath Batchelor’s season appears to be over, although his career as a Gamecock may not.
The redshirt sophomore is set to withdraw from classes to concentrate on undisclosed off-field issues, according to coach Steve Spurrier.
“He’s got some medical issues and has been advised to drop out,” Spurrier said. “Hopefully, he’ll be back in January; he’s gonna try and get back in January.”
Batchelor opened the year as a starter, but was benched in the Kentucky and Mississippi games because of off-the-field issues. He was suspended indefinitely three weeks ago.
Batchelor’s departure coincides with the loss of starting guard Lemuel Jeanpierre, who injured his knee Saturday against Tennessee. Hutch Eckerson, a former tackle, has moved into the starting lineup at guard.
“So Hutch is going from scout team to starter,” Spurrier said. “I don’t know how much he’s played this year, has he played much at all? We don’t get ahead of anybody enough to get everybody in.”
Stock rising
Punter Spencer Lanning was named the SEC’s special teams player of the week. The sophomore averaged 45 yards on eight punts against Tennessee, including three inside the 20.
Stock falling
It’s not clear if it is his ailing ankle or a performance issue, but senior Jamon Meredith is still having trouble getting into the starting lineup. At his old left tackle position, Jarriel King has a stranglehold on the job. Despite playing some guard, Meredith was passed over by Eckerson.
“He hasn’t had a super year, let’s put it that way,” Spurrier said. “But he has had a bad ankle.”
Injury report
Quarterback Stephen Garcia was wearing a brace on his knee, but appeared to be fine during practice. ...
Jeanpierre said he has a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will not require surgery. The junior said there was a chance he could return for a bowl game.
Quote of the day
“We had three guys laid out there like they were dead. Two of them were out practicing tonight. So I don’t know, the pain threshold of some of these guys is a little different than in our day.” — Spurrier on Garcia, Jeanpierre and Baker, who were hurt on Saturday.
Extra points
Saturday’s game against Arkansas will be televised on a pay-per-view basis after all. The SEC granted USC a one-time only waiver to produce and broadcast the game, which starts at 1 p.m. ...
The kickoff time for the Nov. 15 game at Florida will be announced on Sunday, the league said, along with the Mississippi State-Alabama and Georgia-Auburn games. CBS will pick first for its 3:30 p.m. slot, followed by ESPN (7:45 p.m.) and Raycom (12:30 p.m.).
— Seth Emerson
Most Viewed Stories
- Notes: Saunders critical of pass opportunities
- Commentary: Play-call duties at heart of debate
- Recruiting: Lattimore, Fulton venture out of state
- Coming unraveled: Hogs handle Gamecocks
- Soccer: Women win SEC title
- Morris: Lack of progress maddening for USC
- Quarles Spends Saturday Night at Death Valley
- QBs aim to be elite company
- Oh, snap: O-line's crumble continues
- Saunders speaks out: Targets a concern
@Nyx.CommentBody@