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While the Gamecocks were off the day after their first session of spring practice, the news cycle continued, dropping off two reports Tuesday afternoon.
First, the school announced that junior Larenz Bryant will miss the rest of spring practice after "suffering a low-grade liver injury." Bryant collided with Chris Moody during yesterday's practice and was taken off the field in an ambulance. "He was taken to a local hospital where he remains for observation on Wednesday," the school's release said. "He is expected to make a full recovery." Lorenzo Ward said after practice that Bryant was taken to the hospital because of severe pain and to make he sure didn't tear or break anything.
The Charlotte, NC native entered the spring listed as the No. 2 Spur linebacker on the depth chart and was slated to split reps with Jordan Diggs but for now the splits seemed to be with TJ Gurley after last night's recap. Bryant has played in 24 games over his two seasons in Columbia, collecting 10 tackles in the process.
This afternoon the Twitter world witnessed Steve Spurrier put his new Twitter account to good use. The Head Ball Coach announced that former South Carolina offensive lineman Travelle Wharton has been added to the Gamecock coaching staff as an Offensive Line Quality Control coach.
I want to welcome former Gamecock O-Lineman @TravelleWharton to the South Carolina Coaching Staff as an OL Quality Control Coach.
— Coach Steve Spurrier (@SC_HBC) March 18, 2015
The 33-year old Wharton retired from the NFL in July of 2014 after nine seasons in the league, eight of them with the nearby Carolina Panthers. Wharton was born in Greenville, SC and played his high school ball at Simpsonville Hillcrest. He then went on to star at South Carolina before being drafted in the 3rd round by the Panthers in 2003. During his time in Columbia, Wharton started 45 of 47 games at left tackle and didn't allow a single sack after the second game of his freshman season in 2000, a stretch that encompassed 45 games. The Sporting News named Wharton a Freshman All-American in 2000 and listed him on their All-SEC First team during his junior year in 2002. Wharton earned Second Team All-SEC recognition during his senior season in 2003 and was also named a team captain.