August 6th Practice Report: Newcomers

In the August 6th edition of Cockfather Illustrated's exclusive practice reports, we will look at the newcomers that were stand-outs in tonight's practice.

*DE Eric Norwood continues to impress. He seem sto grasp the concepts being taught by assistant coach Brad Lawing. Norwood also shows excellent technique, leverage and quickness coming off the edge. You never know until they go in full gear, but I think it will be hard to keep Norwood off the field this season.

*CB Captain Munnerlyn had another great night. He is physical in press coverage, has good coverage skills , and great recovery speed. Again, I will reserve final judgment until seeing a few practices in full pads, but I think Munnerlyn plays this season.

*FS Darian Stewart continues to run with the first team and was praised by secondary coach Ron Cooper for his work in 7 on 7.

*LB Rodney Paulk showed up tonight aws he got some time with the second team defense at the Stinger Linebacker position behind Marvin Sapp. Paulk is fundamentally sound and has a nose for the football. He would benefit greatly from a red-shirt, and it is still too early to tell whether or not he will see time this fall.

*DT Kenrick Ellis continued to work on his conditioning tonight. He displays a great attitude and is on a mission to lose the necessary weight needed to re-join the team. He may need a red-shirt season, but you can tell that Ellis has character.

WR Moe Brown had another excellent night. He is really making a move on the depth chart. He had some good battles with Captain Munnerlyn and Carlos Thomas tonight. Brown will see significant time this fall and will add that vertical dimension to Steve Spurrier's offense.

QB Chris Smelley made some good throws in 7 on 7 going 3-4. Smelley has poise and seems to be grasping the offense and progressing through his reads. The back-up job is still wide open and Smelley has a chance to win the position.

RG Kevin Young ran with the first team tonight. Young is the largest freshman offensive lineman I have seen in my years of following the Gamecocks.

Garrett Anderson, who ran with the first team last night, got his reps with the second team tonight at RG. Anderson and LT Hutch Eckerson are the most athletic in the offensive line class.