:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30517869/20140101_kkt_af6_892.0.jpg)
Carolina football had the fourth of its 15 spring practices this morning. The practice included the first scrimmage of the spring. Steve Spurrier and Lorenzo Ward spoke to the media afterwards and talked about how the team did during the scrimmage. Spurrier described the scrimmage as "sloppy" but typical for this point in the spring.
On the quarterbacks...Spurrier pointed out that Dylan Thompson and Perry Orth performed best out of the group. He said that Connor Mitch didn't connect on many passes but explained that part of the problem was poor pass protection from Mitch's line. Spurrier remains non-committal regarding who will be the backup quarterback.
On the runningbacks...Spurrier praised the play of the walk-on runningbacks. He said that Mike Davis, Shon Carson, and Brandon Wilds wouldn't get a lot of carries this spring. He said David Williams is very talented and has the chance to earn playing time this year.
On the receivers...Spurrier said that Pharoh Cooper is getting a lot of snaps, perhaps too many considering how much experience he has. Spurrier seems excited about Cooper as the starting slot receiver this season.
On recruiting...The Gamecocks had some recruits in town this weekend, as you know. They also had several former Gamecocks who are now in the NFL in town this weekend. Spurrier pointed out that it's good to show recruits that the Gamecocks have had a lot of success in recent years placing players in the NFL.
On the cornerbacks...Ward said that Brison Williams will start at free safety in the fall. As we've discussed here at GABA, Williams's cross-training at corner is likely merely a precautionary measure just in case we suffer injuries or the incoming freshmen aren't ready to play. Ward said that Rico McWilliams has a lot of promise but needs to keep working to get better if he's going to be the caliber of player we need to win a lot of games in the SEC.
On the spurs...Ward said that Larenz Bryant is a very physical player who has looked good in spots, but that Bryant still has a lot to learn before he's ready to contribute.
On the linebackers...Ward singled out Skai Moore as a player who's been very impressive.