Position swaps dot roster for Gamecocks
August 14, 2016
For most players, a mid-camp position switch would be bad news. It might be the opposite for South Carolina freshman Javon Charleston.
Charleston, a walk-on from Illinois who redshirted last season, was practicing at times with the first-team wide receivers last week but now has been moved to defensive back, head coach Will Muschamp said Sunday.
“This to me is a little bit of a reward for him,” Muschamp said. “He is going to have an opportunity to play for us, probably quicker at DB than he would on the other side.”
Charleston, 6-foot, 190 pounds, caught four passes for 54 yards in the spring game. He was “progressing pretty well” at wide receiver but is more needed in the defensive backfield, Muschamp said.
“We need some more guys back there, still not done trying to find some other guys who can play for us on the back end,” Muschamp said. “He’s a good athlete. I have been very pleased watching his physicality on special teams. He runs well. He’s got good ball skills. He’s got toughness about him that I like. I’m excited about him.”
Freshman defensive lineman Keir Thomas also is making a position swap, although a less drastic one. Thomas has been playing defensive end since spring practice but has been moved to defensive tackle.
“Since he’s been here, he’s just blown up, and I mean that in a good way, he’s been in the weight room,” Muschamp said. “He’s up to about 270 pounds.”
Freshman Darius Whitfield, 6-foot-2, 286 pounds, is being moved from defensive line to interior offensive line.
“We think that’s going to be his future here,” Muschamp said.
Freshman Kiel Pollard, who signed as a wide receiver, has been practicing exclusively at tight end. Senior safety Chris Moody practiced last week at linebacker.
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article95633652.html#storylink=cpy
THE STATE
August 14, 2016
For most players, a mid-camp position switch would be bad news. It might be the opposite for South Carolina freshman Javon Charleston.
Charleston, a walk-on from Illinois who redshirted last season, was practicing at times with the first-team wide receivers last week but now has been moved to defensive back, head coach Will Muschamp said Sunday.
“This to me is a little bit of a reward for him,” Muschamp said. “He is going to have an opportunity to play for us, probably quicker at DB than he would on the other side.”
Charleston, 6-foot, 190 pounds, caught four passes for 54 yards in the spring game. He was “progressing pretty well” at wide receiver but is more needed in the defensive backfield, Muschamp said.
“We need some more guys back there, still not done trying to find some other guys who can play for us on the back end,” Muschamp said. “He’s a good athlete. I have been very pleased watching his physicality on special teams. He runs well. He’s got good ball skills. He’s got toughness about him that I like. I’m excited about him.”
Freshman defensive lineman Keir Thomas also is making a position swap, although a less drastic one. Thomas has been playing defensive end since spring practice but has been moved to defensive tackle.
“Since he’s been here, he’s just blown up, and I mean that in a good way, he’s been in the weight room,” Muschamp said. “He’s up to about 270 pounds.”
Freshman Darius Whitfield, 6-foot-2, 286 pounds, is being moved from defensive line to interior offensive line.
“We think that’s going to be his future here,” Muschamp said.
Freshman Kiel Pollard, who signed as a wide receiver, has been practicing exclusively at tight end. Senior safety Chris Moody practiced last week at linebacker.
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article95633652.html#storylink=cpy
THE STATE
