Spurrier deems freshman tailback ready to fill in for Lattimore
South Carolina tailback Kenny Miles is expected to return against Tennessee, giving the No. 14 Gamecocks’ depth-challenged offensive backfield a boost.
“Kenny is OK,” coach Steve Spurrier said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. “Kenny practiced last night. Kenny should get a lot of playing time, depending on how it goes.”
Miles has been out since USC’s 21-3 victory over Vanderbilt Sept. 24 with a wrist injury. The Gamecocks’ leading rusher in 2009, his return could not come at a better time as USC’s meeting with the Volunteers will be its first without Marcus Lattimore, who was lost for the season with ligament and cartilage damage in his left knee suffered during Carolina’s 14-12 win over Mississippi State Oct. 15. in Starkville, Miss.
Miles will be the first back off the bench behind true freshman Brandon Wilds, a Blythewood native, who will be receiving his first collegiate start just eight weeks removed from entering the season fifth on the USC depth chart.
“He’s been healthy all season and has been practicing more,” said Spurrier of Wilds. “We think he’s a little bit better prepared to play than Kenny right now because of Kenny’s wrist.”
Running back Eric Baker will also play, Spurrier said. Baker has also been out since the Vandy game with a severe ankle sprain.
“[Baker is] not quite 100 percent, but maybe by Saturday he will be,” Spurrier said. “He’s going to be available for us also.”
Spurrier said walk-on Josh Hinch, a Knoxville, Tenn., native, will likely see time as well.
“Josh will probably play a little bit,” Spurrier said. “He’ll probably get out on the field.”
Captains selected: Spurrier announced that defensive linemen Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson, guard Terrence Campbell and receiver Alshon Jeffery were elected permanent team captains by their teammates.
“We just let the guys vote for top four,” Spurrier said. “So they were the top four. They’re our captains and I think these guys will do a good job providing a lot of leadership and direction for our team as we make a stretch run the next three weeks.”
Lattimore to make trip: Spurrier said Lattimore will travel with the Gamecocks to Knoxville after asking permission to do so.
“Marcus is going on the trip,” Spurrier said. “Marcus indicated he’d like to be with his teammates, be on the sideline, be in the meetings, so we’re going to pack him on the bus, on the airplane and take him with us.
“I’m sure he’ll be a super teammate on the sideline, cheering for his teammates out there.”
Spurrier had said last week Lattimore wouldn’t travel with the team because his mobility would be limited on crutches.