Qua Gilchrist moves to fullback because of depleted run game
At the conclusion of the second spring practice, Kenny Miles still didn’t have a definite decision on whether he is staying for his senior year. Miles once again practiced with the rest of the team, which his teammates see as an encouraging sign.
“I don’t know why he would be out here practicing if he wasn’t staying,” sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw said.
As long as Miles continues to attend practice, new running backs coach Everette Sands will continue to treat him as if he is staying.
“I really haven’t gotten a definitive answer, but he’s doing everything that we’ve asked him to do and he’s out here right now, so we are excited to have him,” Sands said. “He is truly one of our leaders, and I think he realizes that he is in the best shape of his life right now.”
Miles won several awards during the offseason for his work in the weight room, which has paid off for him so far. According to Sands, Miles shaved .2 seconds off his 40-yard dash time, reportedly going from a 4.71 to a 4.52.
If Miles does decide to stay, he will join a crowded backfield that will also be getting Marcus Lattimore back during the summer.
“He is running straight ahead — no change of direction or anything like that yet — but he is doing good,” Sands said of Lattimore. “He’s about a week ahead of schedule, and he should be ready to go when those guys get ready during the last week of May and the first week of June.”
During spring practice thus far, however, the backfield is far from crowded as Shon Carson joins Lattimore on the injury list. Freshman Brandon Wilds has been sharing some time with Miles, but Sands was forced to move linebacker Qua Gilchrist to fullback.
“They got every rep on Tuesday, which was a little much, so we just had to do something to give them a little break,” Sands said of Wilds and Miles. “I’m expecting a lot out of Brandon; I think his best days are ahead of him.”
A walk-on has emerged this spring in the form of Dwayne Duckett, who, according to USC coach Steve Spurrier, can play wide receiver and running back.
“He’s running around out here pretty well,” Spurrier said.
A local product has also impressed Spurrier. Walk-on punter Michael Williamson had some punts that, as Spurrier put it, “were some of the best looking kicks that I’ve seen on this field in a long time.”
Former stars make appearances: Some former USC players took advantage of the NFL offseason to watch practice. Chris Culliver (49ers), Cliff Matthews (Falcons) and Patrick DiMarco (Chargers), as well as Travian Robertson and Terrance Campbell, who are awaiting draft day, were all present.
“Those guys are always encouraged to come around,” Spurrier said. “John Wooden once said that if you do a good job as a coach, then your players will want to come back and hang around the team.”
Gamecocks will bring out full pads today: The team will experience its first real contact in months at today’s 4:15 p.m. practice. Spurrier told reporters after practice that the Gamecocks will try and play in front of fans so they can “come out and watch some of the big guys bump heads.”
In addition, the team will be holding a youth day for kids in Columbia at 11 a.m. April 14, a day before the spring game. The Boys and Girls Club will be invited, along with other youth groups, and Spurrier mentioned that Lattimore and former players Alshon Jeffery and Melvin Ingram will be speaking.
Clowney returns: Freshman defensive end Jadeveon Clowney returned to the practice field after missing Tuesday’s practice due to academic issues.