Wolford updates status of Manos, Iyama, Gwyn

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

The Gamecocks aren't at full force right now on the offensive line, and Eric Wolford is having to make do as the team gets ready to start it's spring break.

Right now they're down three major players on the front line in Hank Manos, Jovaughn Gwyn and Max Iyama and hope all three could return relatively soon.

Manos sprained his ankle during a workout recently and has been limited in what he can do but Wolford seemed optimistic Manos could return either later this week or once the team starts back practice after spring break on March 19.

The redshirt sophomore is in the thick of the Gamecocks' competition at center along with Chandler Farrell, Eric Douglas and Donell Stanley and will resume that competition once he gets back on the field.

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“He’ll be fine. Obviously Chandler’s gone in there and done some nice things," Wolford said. "Today I had Eric Douglas in at center. I want to make sure I have four guys. With Donell we‘ll have four guys that can play center; if you can do that you got a chance to be pretty good.”

The Gamecocks are still without Gwyn as well, who's still rehabbing from season-ending foot surgery on his foot last year.

He's been able to do some individual work during spring practice but Wolford is encouraged to see what Gwyn can do once he's fully healthy and a participant in practice.

“Hopefully we get him back on the field here soon. He’s been doing some individual periods. In individual drills you can see the physical traits he has, and that’s what we recruited," Wolford said. "He’s a 500-pound bencher, he’s explosive; he can run. It’ll be excited to get him back in here hopefully after the spring break in a full-time mode and see what he can do because some of the things he did early in camp were encouraging.”

Also see: Full recap on what Wolford had to say Tuesday

They're also without Iyama, a former four-star offensive lineman, who's dealing with an undisclosed medical issue and hasn't been able to practice this spring.

He's still been able to take part in team meetings but hasn't been cleared to get back onto the field.

Wolford didn't say when he expected Iyama back.

“They haven’t medically cleared him. That’s one of those deals where you leave the medical side deal with their backyard. I have enough problems in my own backyard,” Wolford said. “He comes out and comes to meetings. It’s just one of those things where you’re not medically cleared, you’re not medically cleared.”