The Gamecocks held their first practice of spring on the team’s new practice fields, with the structure of the in-progress indoor practice facility looming large behind the proceedings.

South Carolina’s first spring practice had one scary moment toward the end of the session. Junior Spur Larenz Bryant was carted off the field following a collision late in practice.

The Charlotte native, a former four-star recruit, apparently just got the wind knocked out of him, per Lorenzo Ward, and is expected to be okay. An excellent athlete, Bryant should have a chance to make a case for playing time this spring and make good on his potential.

There were four players sidelined due to injury for the first practice of spring: left tackle Mike Matulis, defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth, right tackle Brandon Shell and linebacker Sherrod Pittman. Two players, JUCO transfer defensive lineman Dexter Wideman and redshirt freshman cornerback Wesley Green, were held out of practice due to missing too many classes.

“When you miss class around here, they don’t let you practice. We enforce going to class and they missed too many,” Spurrier told gamecocksonline.com.

With Dylan Thompson having used up his eligibility, quarterback is a big question for Carolina. Connor Mitch is listed atop the depth chart, with Perry Orth at No. 2. Spurrier liked the way both quarterbacks played on Tuesday.

“I think Connor Mitch threw the ball around pretty well. He and Perry Orth. They all did well,” Spurrier told gamecocksonline.com.

Of note from new co-defensive coordinator Jon Hoke’s first practice with the team: the coach said that the Gamecocks would be moving back to a 4-3 defense after trying out the 3-4 formation last year.

Check out what Spurrier had to say after practice, courtesy of GoGamecocks.com:

For a look at the sights and sounds of Monday’s practice, check out this minute-long video from GoGamecocks.com: