USC freshmen benefit from fans, atmosphere of open practice

For the first time in their August camp, the members of the South Carolina football team heard the cheers.

Early on, they were for freshman wide receiver Bryan Edwards’ leaping one-handed catch in the corner of the end zone. Later, it was for punter Joseph Charlton smashing a pair of kicks deep into the humid Columbia night. And at the end, it was for freshman Jake Bentley’s deep strike to walk-on wide receiver Shemar Glenn in the first public action of his career.

South Carolina opened its full practice to the fans, and while it allowed the first real looks at Bentley, more of Brandon McIlwain and a sense of where the team is, it also let the team work in front of fans for the first time in a while.

“You’ve got some puppies out there, so they need some fans in the stands,” Gamecocks tight ends coach Pat Washington said. “Need a little music going, make a little noise. Make them perform in front of, look in the stands, see a lot of nice-looking girls, so I assume it’s their girlfriends watching them right there, so it’s good for them.”

Quarterback Perry Orth said the players had been excited about the open session all day, ready to show out in front of fans. It’s nothing new for the veterans on the team, but even seasoned hands could take something from the atmosphere.

“It was a little bit different, but then again, I’ve been here now four years,” Orth said. “With the music going, it felt like we were playing on the road. I was screaming at the offensive line, trying to get the protection down to them.”

Numbers game

Washington said he’d like to have at least five tight ends ready to go when game day rolls around. Who those are at this point, it’s not 100 percent clear.

“I don’t have the five in order right now,” Washington said. “Working on it. I would say by this Saturday, I’ll have a great idea of exactly where I am.”

That group will most likely include Hayden Hurst, the first-teamer all camp, and then it gets interesting. K.C. Crosby was slowed by injury, but he seems to be getting a fair number of reps. Kyle Markway is still sidelined after foot surgery, while walk-on Jacob August got time Monday as a second tight end with the starters. Freshmen Kiel Pollard and Evan Hinson both got time with the reserves.

Up next

South Carolina will have open practices again at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s workout is at the practice fields, while Wednesday’s practice will be back at Williams-Brice Stadium.

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 10:39 PM.