1. Three interesting things Will Muschamp said this weekend

Speaking to the media Saturday following South Carolina's second scrimmage of the spring, head coach Will Muschamp discussed the progress of his team so far with two spring practices and a spring game to go.



Muschamp is genuinely excited about the depth on the OL and DL



• Rattling off the names of several young players on the defensive line and offensive line to go along with their veteran counterparts, Muschamp seems genuinely excited about how far the team has progressed on the line of scrimmage.



• Muschamp mentioned by name Zacch Pickens, Joseph Anderson and Rodricus Fitten as young defensive linemen that have caught his attention to go along with young offensive linemen Hank Manos, Jovaughn Gwyn, Chandler Farrell, Jordan Rhodes and Eric Douglas. Add them in with the veteran returners Carolina has, and Muschamp likes his depth for the first time since arriving three years ago.



• Muschamp says: "We've come a long way up front, really on both lines of scrimmage. You're starting to talk about fast-twitch athletes on both side of the ball that can excel and that's got me excited about where we are at this point."



South Carolina's young QBs will be "live" in the spring game



• While it's common for coaches to protect their quarterbacks from getting hit in practice, Muschamp wants to put his inexperienced quarterbacks in "live" situations, meaning they can be hit just like their teammates.



• Redshirt sophomore Jay Urich, redshirt freshman Dakereon Joyner and freshman Ryan Hilinski continue to battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot with no leader among the bunch, according to Muschamp.



• Muschamp says: "Under duress, making decisions, ball security, we've been thudding them in the pocket and outside the pocket, we've made them live. We've done that both Saturdays and will be like that in the spring game. ... I would say that there's been some shining moments here and there throughout the first 12 days for all three guys involved and we've got to continue to move forward."



Core of young defensive backs has impressed



• With three starters from last year's secondary gone, South Carolina has limited numbers at defensive back this spring, until a group of four talented freshmen arrive this summer. But Muschamp has been impressed with what he's seen from his group this spring.



• The sophomore trio of Jaycee Horn, Israel Mukuamu and R.J. Roderick gives the staff a core group to build from for the next couple of years. Muschamp praises their "competitive edge" and ability to compete every day.



• Safeties J.T. Ibe and Jaylin Dickerson have also made strides, according to Muschamp. Junior Jamyest Williams is banned from contact right now as his shoulder injury heals, but is still able to go through most drills.



• Senior A.J. Turner is primarily playing running back, but still works for two periods at defensive back in practice.



• Muschamp says: "I've been very pleased with where they've some this spring as far as their development. ... I think we've made some progress. We may be numbers-wise thing, but we've got some quality players. We've improved ourselves.



Related:



Why Mike Peterson wants his players to eat - yes, eat - fast – South Carolina assistant coach Mike Peterson has a certain way he wants his players to operate, both on and off the field, and it extends to just about every activity in their daily lives. (link)



– Wes Mitchell