Brinkley prognosis 'good'

ON THE BEAT -- SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA — South Carolina linebacker Jasper Brinkley's knee surgery Wednesday went well, the school said.

"According to the doctor, everything went fine," Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said. "He sort of reattached a ligament that was sort of torn off or whatever. The prognosis is good."

Spurrier said he was given no immediate timetable for Brinkley's rehab process. Spurrier reiterated, though, that Brinkley is out for the remainder of the season.

Earlier in the week, Spurrier said he thought Brinkley would be sidelined 6-to-12 weeks with the injury, which he sustained early in Saturday's loss at LSU.

Spurrier said he planned to visit Brinkley after practice Wednesday.

Perhaps they'll continue to talk about the 2006 leading tackler's plans for next year. The team is confident that Brinkley will receive a medical redshirt. But will he use it?

Even many fans are saying he should bolt for the NFL.

Spurrier and twin brother Casper Brinkley have said that Jasper intends to return for a fifth year. Junior Marvin Sapp will start in Brinkley's place Saturday against Mississippi State.

Pair of newbies

Both freshman receiver Dion Lecorn and redshirt freshman guard Seaver Brown will be making their first career starts Saturday against the Bulldogs.

Brown, expectedly, waited a year to play. Lecorn said he'd figured initially that he'd be redshirted. Now's their time.

Spurrier said Lecorn worked his way into the lineup because of his ability to block. He said Brown has been a sponge of proper blocking technique.

Injury report

Guard Kevin Young returned this week to practice after missing three weeks because of an ankle injury. Spurrier said Young will dress Saturday, but it's unclear whether he'll be available at the somewhat thin position.

Guard Gurminder Thind said his high left ankle sprain is slowly improving.

Tight end Jared Cook, who suffered a chest contusion at LSU, is practicing and will play Saturday.

--Travis Haney