Will Muschamp says team sticking toe in water, 'need to jump in'
First-year South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp held the opening press conference for spring practice on Monday.
Muschamp revealed that four players will be sidelined for the spring with injuries. He doesn’t have any clue who among his five options at quarterback will be his starter yet, but he’s already sold on freshman receiver Bryan Edwards, a four-star receiver who chose South Carolina over Clemson.
Here are some of the highlights from what he told the media.
Steve Spurrier visited with Will Muschamp this morning. "I've been extremely pleased with our work ethic and our buy-in," Muschamp said.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 14, 2016
OL Trey Derouen, DL Dante Sawyer, DE Shamiek Blackshear and LB Jordan Diggs who will miss the spring due to injuries per Muschamp.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) March 14, 2016
. @CoachWMuschamp says he'd love to name a QB starter after spring practice, but only if they're ready. #Gamecocks
— Gamecock Athletics (@GamecocksOnline) March 14, 2016
Muschamp is asked how nice it is to have 5 QBs to choose from. "If you've got 5, you've got none."
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) March 14, 2016
Bryan Edwards is a first team receiver entering the spring. Rod Talley the second RB behind David Williams.
— GoGamecocks (@gogamecocks) March 14, 2016
Muschamp said WRs have been told they have 15 practices to prove themselves. If not, incoming Fr. will get the chance in fall.
— Scott Hood (@ScottHood63) March 14, 2016
Muschamp says @bobbybentley has helped with #Gamecocks relationships with high school coaches in the the state. #Gamecocks #UofSC
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) March 14, 2016
Muschamp says the base defense will be 4-3, but with 3-4 mixed in. Sounds like that is fluid based on what the coaches learn about players.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) March 14, 2016
Muschamp says Skai Moore will play LB. Should participate in some non-contact drills because of injuries.
— Scott Hood (@ScottHood63) March 14, 2016
Muschamp said McIlwain has done everything he's expected of him in his work ethic.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) March 14, 2016
Muschamp: "Physicality has got to be our edge…This is a line of scrimmage league." #Gamecocks #UofSC
— Willie Smith (@willie_t_smith) March 14, 2016
Will Muschamp: "Right now we are kind of sticking our toe in the water instead of jumping in, and we need to jump in."
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 14, 2016
Ulric Jones has moved back to defense. He and Abu Lamin will share reps at one of DT spots.
— Scott Hood (@ScottHood63) March 14, 2016
"I'm not real confident in the safety position based on a year ago," Muschamp says. Could say that about most spots other than kicker.
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) March 14, 2016