DJ Swearinger, seen last year vs The Citadel, says the USC defense is ready
USC coach Steve Spurrier said after Sunday’s practice redshirt freshman safety Sheldon Royster has left the program. Spurrier would not say why Royster is transferrring.
Royster was a heavily recruited prospect from New Jersey who redshirted last season. He had not been able to move onto the two-deep depth chart thru this pre-season camp. Royster had battled injuries and diabetes while at USC.
Spurrier also announced he had awarded scholarships to walkons Jared Shaw, a safety, and center Travis Ford. That puts USC at the NCAA maximum 85 scholarships for this season.
Spurrier said the Gamecocks are healthy as they wind down preperations for Vanderbilt with cornerback Akeem Auguste the only front line player out at ths point.
Spurrier will hold his weekly news conference Monday at noon, a day earlier than normal due to the Thursday kickoff this week.
AUDIO: Steve Spurrier [5:21]
AUDIO: Grady Brown [3:20]
AUDIO: DJ Swearinger [5:21]
AUDIO: Jadeveon Clowney [2:15]
Here is USC’s post practice release:
The University of South Carolina football squad worked out Sunday afternoon in full pads at the Bluff Road practice fields. The squad is in game-week mode, as they prepare for Thursday night’s season opener at Vanderbilt.
“It was a decent practice today,” said head coach Steve Spurrier. “I think our guys are really starting to look forward to the ballgame Thursday night on national TV.”
Coach Spurrier indicated that the Gamecocks are healthy for the most part entering the contest. Everyone who is expected to play on Thursday practiced today. Coach Spurrier did say that senior cornerback Akeem Auguste (groin) and sophomore tailback Brandon Wilds (ankle) are out for the opener. Wilds will be out for “another two or three weeks,” said Coach Spurrier. The Head Ball Coach also mentioned that if none of the other running backs got hurt, redshirting Wilds would be a possibility.
Coach Spurrier confirmed that redshirt freshman safety Sheldon Royster is no longer on the team and would transfer. He also confirmed that offensive lineman Travis Ford and defensive back Jared Shaw have been placed on scholarship.
Several players have changed numbers prior to the season opener. New numbers include Ahmad Christian – 4; Patrick Fish – 13; Kyle Fleetwood – 19; Landon Ard – 19; Blair Lowery – 29; Adam Yates – 52.
Eight new walk-ons have joined the Carolina team, as the roster was able to expand with the start of classes. In addition, Ryland Culbertson will return to the squad as well. Here is a list of the newcomers:
10 Kareem Auguste, 6-0, 200, Safety, FR-RS, Miramar, Fla. (Miramar)
84 Tevin Bradshaw, 5-7, 155, WR, FR-RS, Moncks Corner, S.C. (Berkeley/Brevard)
31 Jordan Diaz, 6-1, 236, LB, SO-RS, Hamilton, N.J. (Hamilton West)
94 Ashton Holmes, 6-3, 252, DE, JR-RS, Spartanburg, S.C. (Byrnes/Antelope Valley/Butler CC)
86 Reilly Madden, P, FR-HS, Vienna, Va. (Paul VI Catholic)
64 Christopher Massey, OL, 6-3, 220, FR-HS, Summerville, S.C. (Ashley Ridge)
49 Devin Potter, FB 5-10, 202, FR-HS, Granite Falls, N.C. (South Caldwell)
85 Kane Whitehurst, WR, 5-11, 170, FR-RS, Duluth, Ga. (Chattahoochee/Arkansas)
Let’s just hope the Hurricane doesn’t blow through Tenn. and rain it all out!!