GTmorris1970
09-19-2006, 09:31 AM
Smelley may redshirt with injury
Heel injury plaguing backup QB; tight end Cook returning to wide receiver
By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com
The USC quarterback who was the biggest surprise of the preseason might be headed for a redshirt.
Gamecocks freshman Chris Smelley, who played two series in each of the first two games, has been limited with a minor heel injury that could prompt the USC coaching staff to apply for a medical hardship.
“I guess Smelley didn’t do much. He’s got a little bit of a bad heel,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said after Monday’s practice. “I don’t know what we’re going to do with him. He hasn’t played since the second game. So I don’t know, he may be held out or not.”
According to the NCAA manual, a player can apply for a medical redshirt if he sustains an incapacitating injury or illness within the first six games of the season, as long he has not played in more than two games.
Smelley, who vaulted past Cade Thompson into the backup spot with his strong preseason showing, has completed 9-of-15 passes for 112 yards this season.
The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native did not play against Wofford.
Instead, Syvelle Newton made his first start at quarterback in two seasons in place of Blake Mitchell, who was suspended following an alleged bar fight in Five Points. On a key third down in the second half, Thompson came in for Newton for one play and threw an incompletion.
Spurrier reiterated that Newton would start again this week against Florida Atlantic. He did not name a backup.
Changes at tight end. Jared Cook, who moved to tight end in the spring, is returning to receiver.
“He’s not a tight end,” Spurrier said. “He’s not a blocker so he was not of any help trying to block last game.”
Andy Boyd, who missed the first three games with a cracked bone in his shoulder, practiced Monday and could return against the Owls. If not, Spurrier will go with Robert Pavlovic, who started the first two games before his one-week demotion to the scout team.
Whiteside and Erving reinstated. Receiver Noah Whiteside and safety Ty Erving are eligible after serving three-game suspensions for an undisclosed violation of university policy.
Whiteside, a senior from Greenville, has 32 career receptions for 518 yards and three touchdowns. Erving is a redshirt junior from Batesburg who has eight career tackles. Neither player is listed on this week’s two-deep chart.
Guard James Thompson, who was slated to start, is expected to return for next week’s Auburn game following a four-game suspension for violating team rules.
Extra points. USC’s depth chart includes a couple of defensive changes. Joel Reaves has moved ahead of Stanley Doughty at nose tackle, while Darian Stewart stepped in for the injured Emanuel Cook (left knee sprain) at one of the safety spots. ... Tailback Cory Boyd, who sprained his right ankle against Wofford, was wearing a protective boot on his foot Monday and is questionable for Saturday. Linebacker Cody Wells (ankle) left practice early. Fullback Lanard Stafford (ankle) was out and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (forearm) was limited. Receiver Mike West (hamstring) will miss his second game in a row.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.
Heel injury plaguing backup QB; tight end Cook returning to wide receiver
By JOSEPH PERSON
jperson@thestate.com
The USC quarterback who was the biggest surprise of the preseason might be headed for a redshirt.
Gamecocks freshman Chris Smelley, who played two series in each of the first two games, has been limited with a minor heel injury that could prompt the USC coaching staff to apply for a medical hardship.
“I guess Smelley didn’t do much. He’s got a little bit of a bad heel,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said after Monday’s practice. “I don’t know what we’re going to do with him. He hasn’t played since the second game. So I don’t know, he may be held out or not.”
According to the NCAA manual, a player can apply for a medical redshirt if he sustains an incapacitating injury or illness within the first six games of the season, as long he has not played in more than two games.
Smelley, who vaulted past Cade Thompson into the backup spot with his strong preseason showing, has completed 9-of-15 passes for 112 yards this season.
The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native did not play against Wofford.
Instead, Syvelle Newton made his first start at quarterback in two seasons in place of Blake Mitchell, who was suspended following an alleged bar fight in Five Points. On a key third down in the second half, Thompson came in for Newton for one play and threw an incompletion.
Spurrier reiterated that Newton would start again this week against Florida Atlantic. He did not name a backup.
Changes at tight end. Jared Cook, who moved to tight end in the spring, is returning to receiver.
“He’s not a tight end,” Spurrier said. “He’s not a blocker so he was not of any help trying to block last game.”
Andy Boyd, who missed the first three games with a cracked bone in his shoulder, practiced Monday and could return against the Owls. If not, Spurrier will go with Robert Pavlovic, who started the first two games before his one-week demotion to the scout team.
Whiteside and Erving reinstated. Receiver Noah Whiteside and safety Ty Erving are eligible after serving three-game suspensions for an undisclosed violation of university policy.
Whiteside, a senior from Greenville, has 32 career receptions for 518 yards and three touchdowns. Erving is a redshirt junior from Batesburg who has eight career tackles. Neither player is listed on this week’s two-deep chart.
Guard James Thompson, who was slated to start, is expected to return for next week’s Auburn game following a four-game suspension for violating team rules.
Extra points. USC’s depth chart includes a couple of defensive changes. Joel Reaves has moved ahead of Stanley Doughty at nose tackle, while Darian Stewart stepped in for the injured Emanuel Cook (left knee sprain) at one of the safety spots. ... Tailback Cory Boyd, who sprained his right ankle against Wofford, was wearing a protective boot on his foot Monday and is questionable for Saturday. Linebacker Cody Wells (ankle) left practice early. Fullback Lanard Stafford (ankle) was out and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (forearm) was limited. Receiver Mike West (hamstring) will miss his second game in a row.
Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.