USC freshman Shell treated for apparent heat exhaustion

COLUMBIA – South Carolina freshman offensive lineman Brandon Shell, from Goose Creek, was treated for apparent heat exhaustion following the Gamecocks’ practice this morning.

Shell looked weary and fatigued as he approached a first aid tent set up at the Bluff Road practice fields. He was administered fluids intravenously - and appeared to perk up after the IV treatment – but he was still transported by ambulance to an area hospital as a precaution.

About an hour after practice ended, a team official said Shell was “OK and alert.” As of 1 p.m., the official said Shell was still at the hospital.

USC coach Steve Spurrier did not seem too concerned about Shell after practice, only mentioning a player had trouble dealing with the heat. Tight end Justice Cunningham and defensive end Chaz Sutton were also treated for heat-related fatigue after the roughly two-hour practice in 90-plus-degree temperatures and humidity.

Spurrier has moved about half of the team’s preseason practices to the morning – in part to avoid the heat.

Shell was one of the prizes of the 2011 recruiting class, a player coveted by a number of schools, including Alabama and Nick Saban.

Spring shoulder surgery has prevented Shell from being able to fully participate in summer workouts and now preseason camp. He has been restricted to conditioning and drills that do not affect the healing area.

When the 6-6, 322-pound Shell signed, Spurrier said he would have a chance to play immediately at left tackle. The shoulder recovery time, though, could cause Shell to redshirt this fall and wait until 2012 to be a factor.

South Carolina practices again Sunday, following the team’s media day. The season begins Sept. 3 in Charlotte against East Carolina.