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Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com/The State
USC defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye (91)
GoGamecocks.com
USC suspends starting defensive lineman
Spurrier says Ajiboye to miss part of spring practice for ‘team reasons’
Written by JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com
Posted on 03.18.09
- Running backs face long race to starting
- LeCorn reverses course to offense
- Garcia ready to accept leader, QB mantle
- Spring football musings, day 2
USC practice schedule
Practice dates scheduled (all dates subject to change):
Practice No. 4: Friday, March 20, 3:45 p.m.
Practice No. 5: Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.
Practice No. 6: Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m.
Practice No. 7: Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m.
Practice No. 8: Friday, March 27, 3:45 p.m. (Scrimmage No. 1)
Practice No. 9: Tuesday, March 31, 7 p.m.
Practice No. 10: Friday, April 3, 3:45 p.m.
Practice No. 11: Saturday, April 4 (Scrimmage No. 2), TBA
Practice No. 12: Monday, April 6, 7 p.m.
Practice No. 13: Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Practice No. 14: Friday, April 10, 3:45 p.m.
Practice No. 15: Saturday, April 11 (Garnet & Black Spring Game); 1 p.m.
South Carolina will be without one of its starting defensive linemen for at least part of the spring.
Defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye has been suspended indefinitely for what Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier described as “team reasons.” Ajiboye, who has started 21 games in the past two seasons, remains in school.
“He is suspended from the team until further notice,” Spurrier said following Tuesday’s practice. “He’s not participating in football activities and we’ll see how it turns out a week or two from now.”
Ajiboye did not attend the Gamecocks’ first two spring practices. Sophomore Travian Robertson took Ajiboye’s spot Tuesday alongside returning tackle Nathan Pepper on the first team.
“I’ve got no problem with depth. We’re two-deep in spring practice,” defensive line coach Brad Lawing said. “I’ve had springs where I’ve had two or three tackles and two or three ends. We’re deeper now than we’ve ever been.”
Spread ‘em. USC is installing a run package out of a spread formation that quarterback Stephen Garcia called the Gamecocks’ ‘gun runs.’ With the linemen in wider splits, Garcia aligns in the shotgun with one tailback in the backfield.
Garcia estimated about 10 to 15 percent of the offense has changed.
Spurrier said the formation suits the abilities of Garcia and backup quarterback Aramis Hillary, and downplayed the notion that it represents a change from his offensive philosophy.
“It’s not a change. I’m for anything that works,” Spurrier said. “These running backs are pretty good at it and our quarterbacks, I think, can run it, too.”
The Gamecocks finished last in the SEC in rushing the past two seasons.
Quote of the day. Offensive tackle Jarriel King, who underwent a heart procedure in January to correct an arrhythmia, has been cleared to practice. Now the key for King will be getting into shape after a long layoff.
Asked if he was sucking wind Tuesday, King said: “I was trying to suck it all up. I was trying to get into the ozone.”
Extra points. Though Tuesday’s offense was scripted, Spurrier said receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr. and new quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus would combine on the play calling this spring. ... Tight end Byron McKnight said if he struggles at his new position, he has been told he will return to defensive end.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
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