USC players defend Spurrier at ‘Pigskin Poets’ event

If that’s the only mishap South Carolina has this season, the Gamecocks can deal with it.

Elliott Fry led over 40 teammates through a paper banner to start the “Pigskin Poets” event on Friday, the unofficial start to the 2015 season. Being the Gamecocks’ kicker, he tried to kick his way through it.

Fry whiffed, barely grazing the bottom of the paper. But he still made it through.

He and his teammates read books and interacted with several local youngsters, then stuck around to sign autographs. Most of USC’s freshman/newcomer class attended, players wearing their game jerseys and cheerfully participating, although a few had to try not to step on the little ones.

“It’s a great event, just coming out here, being with younger kids, showing them the importance of reading, it’s a great thing,” junior T.J. Holloman said. “Most times we get the spotlight, but today, the spotlight’s on them.”

Coach Steve Spurrier didn’t attend, but his players were naturally asked about his surprise press conference Wednesday. Spurrier spoke for the team, senior Mike Matulis said.

“I’m fully with him on it. It’s the truth,” Matulis said. “Lot of people kind of dogging us, but we’ll just have to go out there and prove it.”

Holloman, part of a defense that was historically bad, said the team has bonded much more tightly than last year. The turnout for Friday’s event displayed it.

“It’s great camaraderie,” he said. “Everyone’s together, everyone’s ready for the season. We have to redeem ourselves for last year, so that’s our main goal right now.”

NOTE: Walk-ons Javon Charleston, Devon Dingle, John Dixon and Tyler Ragsdale have been added to the roster.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 5:07 PM.