Lattimore continues progress

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina freshman running back Marcus Lattimore said the bulk of his runs in Thursday's scrimmage came in the I-formation.

Line up, hand off and run. In the age of new-fangled offenses, that's a pretty simple concept. And it's one Lattimore, who was in a shotgun-heavy offense in high school, seemed to enjoy.

"I kind of like that, because I'm back further," Lattimore said. "I can kind of see it better, see the whole field."

Lattimore ran six times for a team-high 63 yards in Thursday's scrimmage. Many of those carries -- which included a 13-yard score and another 39-yard run -- came in the I-formation, with freshman fullback Matt Coffee paving the way.

"He's reading the blocks perfect," Lattimore said, "and I'm just following him."

Lattimore continues to progress toward reps and carries in the Sept. 2 opener -- and beyond. There's been no indication otherwise.

"He's doing well," running backs coach Jay Graham said. "Now he's starting to feel more comfortable with the offense."

Richardson suspended

Injured offensive lineman Quintin Richardson has been indefinitely suspended from team activities while the school looks into allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend outside Williams-Brice Stadium, according to a police report and school officials.

Asked about the suspension, offensive line coach Shawn Elliott declined comment and referred the matter to coach Steve Spurrier.

Spurrier didn't make himself available Friday.

Richardson, a redshirt junior who may or may not have competed for time at tackle, had shoulder surgery just before the beginning of camp.

QB talk

Whether it's Stephen Garcia or Connor Shaw at quarterback, Lattimore said he thinks the team is in good hands.

"They look good, both of them," Lattimore said. "They're trying to be perfect. They want to be perfect. We're going to have a good quarterback, whoever it is."

Spurrier said Thursday that both would play in the opener, and he didn't say who would start. Shaw, a freshman, has been gaining on Garcia, a redshirt junior, throughout camp, from the way Spurrier made it sound.

Lattimore conceded it's a little tricky for the offense's fluidity to have Shaw, a better runner, in on one play and then Garcia, a better passer, in the next.

"Yeah," he said, "it is kind of tough."

Line move

Elliott was excited Friday as he talked about the offensive line's progress this week.

He particularly mentioned the promising steps forward from freshmen A.J. Cann and Ronald Patrick. He said Cann was working some Thursday with the first team at right guard.

Starting right guard Terrence Campbell sat out with an ankle injury. Rokevious Watkins, who can play guard and tackle, also worked there. It was Watkins' first day back from a neck stinger.

Extra points

The Gamecocks will scrimmage again this morning, at Williams-Brice. Closed to the public and media, the scrimmage will begin at 10 a.m. … Senior Spencer Lanning is one of 30 kickers on the Lou Groza watch list. Lanning made 17 of 20 field goals last season.