Holloman moves from safety to spur linebacker
For South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, any start to spring practice would be described as “typical.” But for senior DeVonte Holloman, he’s trying to remember last year’s not-so-typical spring practice as he moves from strong safety to spur linebacker.
“From doing it last spring, I don’t have to start at square one,” Holloman said. “I know the basis of what the spur is supposed to do and the different things to look at. This year, it’s just reminding myself what I did last spring and getting a feel for it myself.”
Holloman will be replacing Antonio Allen, who graduated after posting second team All-SEC numbers in his senior season. Holloman said he talked to Allen about the spur position a lot last spring, when Holloman was still practicing at that position, but this spring, he’s sought advice from Damario Jeffery, who played spur last season.
“Antonio is a little more athletic than DeVonte,” said defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward. “You’re going to gain a lot more physical guys at that position and a guy that can blitz, so we feel good about moving DeVonte to that position, and hopefully he’ll pick up and do better, especially knowledge-wise.”
The hardest adjustment for Holloman at the spur was being close to the line of scrimmage, as “people are actually looking to block you,” unlike being a safety. Nevertheless, Holloman is excited for a chance to get to the quarterback, as Ward wants to blitz more.
“I hope we do get to blitz a lot more,” Holloman said. “Either way, I’ll be ready to cover, I’ll be ready to get in the box and stick my nose in there with the linemen. I’ll be prepared for everything.”
Linebackers coach Kirk Botkin, who joins the staff after most recently coaching high school football, is familiar with the spur position from running a similar 4-2-5 package at Arkansas, where he and Ward were assistant coaches together for one season.
Botkin believes Holloman is more suited as a linebacker for the future because of his size.
“The thing with Holloman is that he’s a guy that is 240 pounds that has cover skills, and he’s a guy that can get in the box and stop the run,” Botkin said. “A guy like that gives coach Ward a lot of leeway to do a lot of different things.”
Miles at practice: After going through Senior Day ceremonies last fall with a year of eligibility left, senior running back Kenny Miles was at the start of spring practice, indicating he won’t transfer elsewhere.
“We fully expect him to be ready,” Spurrier said. “He’s one injury away from being the guy. He knows the potential there. If Marcus (Lattimore) stays healthy, there’s going to be a chance for Kenny to play a lot.”
Clowney misses practice for academic issue: Sophomore defensive end Jadeveon Clowney did not participate in Tuesday’s practice due to an academic issue. Spurrier said he is expected to be at practice on Thursday.
Spurrier supports Ellington’s decision: Spurrier said he understands sophomore two-sport standout Bruce Ellington’s decision to play basketball exclusively.
“I had to make a decision when I came out of high school,” Ellington said. “Heck, basketball is my first love too because there was nothing in football that I could do any good. Somebody told me that there was a whole bunch 6-2 basketball players, but back in my day, there weren’t many 6-2 quarterbacks, so I thought football was best for me. Hopefully, it’ll all work out for the best.”
Spurrier comments on Horn’s firing: Spurrier said former basketball head coach Darrin Horn’s firing was unfortunate, though it’s part of the coaching business.
“Darrin’s an excellent coach,” Spurrier said. “You’re so dependent on recruiting, you’re so dependant on not making mistakes and this that and the other. ... He’s an excellent coach and hopefully he’ll bounce back.”