USC's Freaky Friday

COLUMBIA — The second day in pads was a freaky Friday for South Carolina's football team.

Minor injuries to key starters — in non-contact drills, no less — plagued the Gamecocks on the eve of their first full-scale scrimmage. Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, corner Captain Munnerlyn and left tackle Jamon Meredith exited practice after rolling their ankles.

"They're all walking around all right," USC coach Steve Spurrier said. "I think they're going to be all right."

Linebacker Gerrod Sinclair (head) sat out, as well.

Also, running back Mike Davis was seen wearing a sling over his left shoulder. He injured it Thursday evening. With the exception of Sinclair, each of the injuries happened in non-contact sessions.

"It's funny," Spurrier said, "players all around the country are getting hurt in non-contact drills."

Earlier Friday, Southern Cal QB Mark Sanchez collapsed with an apparent knee injury before the Trojans even began stretching.

Good news

The news is a little better concerning a couple of Gamecocks.

Tight end Jared Cook's sprained foot is improving. In fact, Spurrier thought Cook might be available to do a little bit in practice Friday. But, everyone instead decided to err on caution's side.

"I think he's not that bad right now," Spurrier said of Cook, who was sporting a protective boot earlier in the week. "Hopefully, the start of next week, he'll be out there."

Additionally, defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye (hand) saw his first live action of the summer.

Defensive end Melvin Ingram is also closer to a return from offseason foot surgery.

Backing Davis

Spurrier complimented both true freshman Eric Baker and sophomore Brian Maddox, in that order, in their efforts to spell Davis.

"They should be ready to go if Mike can't go," Spurrier said.

That said, Davis is expected back in due time. Spurrier didn't elaborate what the injury was when pressed. No one would use the word sprain to describe it.

Scrimmage time

Fans and media won't see it, but Spurrier said the Gamecocks would scrimmage today from about 4-6 p.m. Spurrier said the closed-door scrimmage, featuring the entire team, would consist of about 100 plays.

Pilates men

Spurrier demonstrated for a minute or so a couple of the Pilates stretches the team is implementing this year as part of the workout program.

Told the stretches seemed kind of girly, along the lines of yoga, the 63-year-old Spurrier responded, "You're wrong if you thought that."

"I do it. It's good for you," he said. "I've learned a new trick."