Recap, interviews: What South Carolina defensive players said on Wednesday
On Wednesday, seven South Carolina offensive players met with the media for the first time this spring.
Those players included linebacker Debo Williams, defensive end Kyle Kennard, defensive back Vacari Swain, defensive tackle Alex Huntley, defensive back Nick Emmanwori, defensive back Judge Collier and defensive back Emory Floyd.
Below are some of what each had to say, as well as links to each to their full press conferences.
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LB Debo Williams
– The LBs are looking good. Fast and procession plays quickly. They’ll all putting the work in
– Says Bam keeps putting the working in and keeps improving
– On his decision to return: Calls it unfinished business. Wants to show people that he’s one of best linebackers in the country and that this defense can be one of the best in the country as well
EDGE Kyle Kennard
– There’s been no stepping on toes since he’s arrived, which he credits the upperclassmen with their leadership
– Calls Dylan Stewart “an athletic freak.” Adds that he’s never seen anything like it from a freshman before.
– Credits Sterling Lucas for being a big reason why he came to South Carolina. Although it’s only been a short period of time, he’s already been able to grow as a player from being around him.
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– Praises strength and conditioning coach Luke Day. Can already feel a different in the way he’s moving around and his strength
– Enjoys how professional it feels when you’re in the building and with how the practices are structured
CB Vacari Swain
– Swain has only been working at CB. Says they haven’t been crossing training him at CB
– Learning how the older guys stepped up and played the position a year ago is one of the biggest takeaways he learned from his freshman season
– Consistency is the biggest thing coach Gray has preached to Swain if he wants to see more playing time this year.
DT Alex ‘Boogie’ Huntley
– Grateful to have another year of eligibility. Couldn’t leave that opportunity on the table especially knowing that he wants to help South Carolina do things that haven’t been done before in program history. That potential is what motivated him to come back.
– Every position is competing at ever position. There aren’t guys just sitting around in the back; they’re eager to get ithere and get reps to show what they can do
– Transfer Torricelli Simpkins is one OL who has really been standing out to him so far in practice.
DB Nick Emmanwori
– On switching to No.7… to was his high school number, he was born on the 7th, and growing up in this area knows the legendary USC players who’ve worn that No.7 jersey
– Biggest thing last year taught him is that you can always learn more. Even when you think you have a grasp of concepts, you can always get better by learning more and seeing new things in practice and on film.
DB Judge Collier
– Game is slowing down for him a lot compared to last year as a freshman. Starting to see more things now than a year ago
– Takes pride on being from Rock Hill. Says it motivates him to do what he needs to do in order to solidify his name with some of the greats that have come through “Football City USA.”
DB Emory Floyd
– Floyd hasn’t been running track this spring. With that, he feels like he’s been more locked into what he needs to do to get better. He’s watching more film than he was able to the past two springs, since he was running track.
– Wanted to play more in football so that’s why he stepped away from track this year. Says he might return to run again next spring.
– Says the CB room features players with different skillsets. With that, feels like they’re all constantly learning from one another and improving their own game.
– Gage and Mazeo have been standing out to him at WR
