Gamecocks ready, eager for first practice in full pads
South Carolina puts on full pads for the first time Saturday morning and Gamecock senior linebacker T.J. Holloman can’t wait for the big day.
“We have to get prepared mentally for a really physical practice tomorrow,” Holloman said Friday following the fourth workouts of preseason camp. “Our first full pads practice during the spring was very physical, so we should expect nothing less.”
When comparing the physicality of a Will Muschamp practice with one led by former head coach Steve Spurrier, Holloman says there is no comparison.
“(It is) tons higher (under Muschamp),” Holloman said. “It’s a whole different level. We do a lot of 1-on-1 drills, hitting-wise. We do board drills. Linebackers do board drills with the tight ends. It’s just a lot of banging. In the team period, there is no tackling to the ground, but a lot of thudding. It’s full go every day.”
Holloman said the response of the Gamecock players to the increased physicality during practice has been very positive.
“We embrace it. We’re going to build our team off being physical,” Holloman said. “Giving a lot of effort, toughness and discipline. It feels a lot more like a game. Getting in pads moves us a step closer to the season.”
Even with just the spring and four fall practices in the books, redshirt freshman Daniel Fennell already senses a difference between practices this season and last season.
“Every day we’re in pads, there is a board drill for all the linemen and sometimes for all the skill (position players),” Fennell said. “Every day there is a board drill, and you’re going to get used to it. Right now, we haven’t done it in a while and we’re easing back into it. But in a while, it will feel like nothing. Last year, we didn’t do as many board drills, but coming from my high school (Grayson High in Loganville, Ga.) it was the same way there (as it is now). I don’t mind it. This is what it takes to win.”
Saturday? Fennell can’t wait.
“I really do look forward to going in full pads,” Fennell said. “It’s something I wait for all year. It comes and you’re excited for it. But I don’t think it will be much different than (earlier practices) because we’ve already done the board drill and already thudding. It will a seamless transition.”
Defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson says practicing two days in shells should have prepared the Gamecocks for what’s coming beginning Saturday.
“Shoulder pads and shorts is the same as full pads to us,” Robinson said. “We’re going to be physical. We’re not putting guys on the ground. We practice just like they do in the NFL. We’re going to be physical, but we’re going to be smart and protect our teammates. That’s something we have to get better at. We will.
“How we practice is our edge. We’re going to practice 1-on-1s and we’re going to be physical. We’re going to get after each other and then we’re going to love each other when we get off the field. That’s what we talk with the defense about. That’s how we practice and that’s what we’re getting right now.”
NOTES:
-- Holloman said many of the drills in preseason camp are similar to the spring, but involve “a lot more physicality because we’re going into the season and the expectations are different.”
-- JUCO transfer JaMarcus King said he has lined up at both cornerback spots in his first four practices with the Gamecocks, noting USC is preparing to play more press man coverage this year.
-- Fennell said he has worked closely with Gamecock outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson to develop additional pass rush moves. “That’s what we’ve been working on all spring and summer into this fall camp,” Fennell said. “I feel our moves as a whole are coming together. Coach says get one or two moves, work on them and perfect them. That’s all I’m trying to do.”
-- King said his biggest adjustment from JUCO to the SEC is the fast tempo of practice, something he says he is still struggling with during his transition. “Everything is going fast,” King said. “I just have to get into game time shape. I’ve never done it like this before. It hasn’t been a shock. Just have to get there.”
-- The 6-foot-2 King said he is rotating with Rico McWilliams and Chris Lammons at his cornerback spot. “(King) is very talented and has some great length to him,” Robinson said. “He does some nice things on the line of scrimmage. But he has a long way to go, as well. This is just his fourth day in the SEC. It’s a lot different than playing at the junior college level. So, there are some things he has to learn. He is going up against different type players. We have some really talented receivers outside. He is doing a very good job acclimating to the things we’re teaching.”
-- Another difference between JUCO and SEC: level of coaching. “TRob is going to coach us hard. He is not going to lay off on us,” King said. “He is coaching every play hard and making sure we’re right with everything. In meetings, he is telling us what we’re doing wrong and he is going to correct it.”
-- Holloman on the absence of Skai Moore: “It’s hard (to replace him). He’s a great player. He is proven in the SEC. But we’re just going to have to step up and guys are going to have to do a lot of different things. In the end, it will all work out.”
-- Holloman said he is working at all three linebacker positions.
-- Robinson said true freshman LB T.J. Brunson from Richland Northeast High School is “starting to show up” in practice.
