Transfer running back Tavien Feaster met with the media Thursday for the first time since joining the Gamecocks. Feaster noted his relationship with running backs coach Thomas Brown and the role Brown played in his decision to choose South Carolina, “It was definitely Coach Brown. He has an amazing track record. That was the biggest deciding factor for me.”

Feaster acknowledged he strongly considered Virginia Tech before opting to join Will Muschamp and the Gamecocks, “I liked Virginia Tech and I liked the setup they had, but obviously I thought this was the best place for me to be.”

What has surprised Feaster the most since he joined his new teammates in Columbia? “The humidity. Man, it’s really hot out there. I’m from Spartanburg. It gets hot, but not this humid.”

South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford also addressed the media and like coach Muschamp before him, Wolford stressed the need to improve in the running game, “We want to run the ball better, specifically in those SEC games. I feel like we’ve made some progress there and like where we’re headed.”

Wide receiver OrTre Smith spoke about his return to action after sitting all but two games last season with a knee injury that required surgery. Placekicker Parker White updated the media on the progress of the special teams and the importance of developing chemistry with his new long snapper, Matt Oliveira.

TAVIEN FEASTER:

ERIC WOLFORD:

ORTRE SMITH:

PARKER WHITE: