USC defensive players looking to follow Walton’s lead

South Carolina coach Shawn Elliott expects a lot of defensive players to be volunteering for offensive work this week.

“We have a lot of defensive payers who are raising their hands and saying, ‘I can do this, and I can do that,’ ” Elliott said. “They are all saying, ‘Remember my high school film?’ ”

After seeing how well Jonathan Walton’s turn with the offense went Saturday, everyone wants a shot. Walton, who started the first three games of the season at middle linebacker, played at fullback against Tennessee and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass.

“We just put it in this week,” Walton said after the game. “I told them I was trying my best to get out there and help the team win. We have been running it all week (in practice), and we ran it this game. I was surprised, and I had a good time with it also. It just felt great. It’s hard to explain right now. Still kind of soaking it in.”

Elliott said Walton will continue to play offense and defense, where he is now a reserve linebacker, for the rest of the season.

Injury update

The Gamecocks expect wide receiver D.J. Neal and cornerback Al Harris, who were injured against the Volunteers, to make full recoveries, but Elliott is not sure when either will return to action.

Neal was taken to a Knoxville, Tenn., hospital on Saturday evening for X-rays after injuring his hip. Neal was hurt after jumping for a pass and landing on the turf.

“D.J. is having some more tests done, but I think he’s going to be OK,” Elliott said. “It doesn’t look to be as serious as we once thought.”

Harris suffered a dislocated shoulder.

“Right now, we have him listed as doubtful, but that could very well change,” Elliott said.

Slow start

Elliott was asked Sunday why the Gamecocks defense has started so slow at times this season.

“I wish I could tell you,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the speed of the game that catches them off guard, but we’ve got to get a handle on that. We’ve got to figure it out this week.”