Cornerback Wesley Green gone from Gamecocks

The hype of Wesley Green’s potential career will remain hype.

South Carolina announced that Green is no longer a member of the team on Monday, following the team’s closed practice. “It was mutually decided that Wesley needs a fresh start somewhere else,” coach Steve Spurrier said in a statement.

Green, a four-star recruit by Rivals.com from Lithonia, Ga., made it into school just before training camp started last season. He chose to redshirt the season and was listed as the backup to Chris Lammons at left cornerback coming into 2015.

A Richland County Judicial Circuit record says that Green was charged with possession of one ounce or less of marijuana in March. Green paid $620 in fees and was required to submit to random drug screenings.

Green had been limited in the first week of practice due to a knee sprain. He did not attend the players’ portion of Media Day on Sunday.

Rewarded. Spurrier announced that tailbacks Darius “Bear” Paulk and Rod Talley are now on scholarship. The coach credited the two as hard workers and potential contributors during Sunday’s Media Day.

“Darius and Rod earned their scholarships in part because of their excellent summer conditioning and because of the effort as special teams players,” Spurrier said. “They both will be on several of our special-team units this fall.”

Paulk, the younger brother of USC career leader in games played Rodney Paulk (57), sat out last year after transferring from North Greenville. Talley also sat out last year after transferring from Gardner-Webb.

Just one more slice. Center Alan Knott is listed at 270 pounds in USC’s media guide. He said after practice last week that he’s around 275 to 280, and he wants to get to 290.

No, he can’t just hit the McDonald’s drive-through.

“Eating constantly throughout the day, not unhealthy things, but eating constantly,” Knott said. “I eat about six to seven times a day. Anything from chicken breast to fish to some red meat – the Dodie cooks it all for us.”

Knott admitted that it’s sometimes tough to keep stuffing himself, but he’s made his peace with it. After starting eight of 13 games last year, Knott wants to cement his role.

“It’s worth it,” Knott said. “I’m loving it.”

Part of history. Freshman offensive lineman Zack Bailey is a historical figure. He was part of John McKissick’s last team.

The 88-year-old coach, who’s won the most football games (620) of anyone on any level, stepped down over the summer after 63 years at Summerville High. Bailey spoke of him at Media Day.

“A lot of people ask, ‘Was he really coaching?’ ” Bailey said. “He really was. He put his entire life into that school and that football team and he’s just a great coach.”

Up next. The Gamecocks will practice at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and scrimmage at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Spurrier may decide to open the scrimmage to the public.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 12:15 PM.