Time running out on cornerback Thomas

COLUMBIA — The time has come for Carlos Thomas to grow up because, well, he's out of time.

Thomas, the South Carolina cornerback, is entering his senior season. And, from all reports, he's doing and saying the right things to make an impact on the field opposite All-SEC performer Captain Munnerlyn.

"We've talked to Carlos about acting like a senior and doing what's right on and off the field consistently," cornerbacks coach Shane Beamer said. "He's done that. He's had a couple of days when he might've slipped a little bit. But he's trying and realizes this is his last go-round.

"He wants to make sure he leaves this program with people thinking of him in a positive light."

Thomas, from the Atlanta area, thinks the key for him doing that, at least as he expresses it publicly, is to keep internal pressure down.

"I'm trying to stay away from all that. I'm really just trying to go out and have fun and play like I can," said Thomas, who's been in and out of the coaches' doghouse throughout his career. "Most people probably would have a lot of urgency in playing good this year, but not me. I'm going to be laid back and try to have fun."

Thomas will start on the "field" side of the secondary, with senior Stoney Woodson and true freshman Akeem Auguste behind him. But Beamer says all three should play this fall.

"We're blessed to have that many talented guys," he said.

Addison Williams, who played last fall as a true freshman, will back up Munnerlyn on the "boundary" side. Beamer said Williams' summer was among the best on the team in terms of growth.

Forgotten man

And Beamer said don't go to sleep on Woodson, the fifth-year senior who could easily step in for Thomas if he falters or needs a breather.

"He's not an afterthought, but you don't see him mentioned with these other guys," Beamer said. "That's good. I like the fact that he's flying under the radar. Stoney's a smart guy. He's a senior, he's an older guy."

Beamer isn't kidding. Woodson, who'll play in extra-DB packages, turns 23 in October.

He's played in 23 games the past two seasons, including nine starts. He had 73 tackles in those seasons combined.

Back at left

Hutch Eckerson has been working with the first-team offense at left tackle, he said Monday.

Eckerson briefly went to right tackle before being shifted back.

He's fighting with redshirt freshman Quintin Richardson and JUCO Jarriel King for the starting spot while Jamon Meredith satisfies an eligibility requirement in the first two weeks.

"It's definitely a battle," said Eckerson, the sophomore who excelled in the spring before a knee injury set him back. "It's competition like none other. So, you definitely have to come out here ready to roll every day or you'll get knocked back in the line real fast."

Tracking Fay

Coach Steve Spurrier said he's got an eye on Tropical Storm Fay, which could become a rainy mess for South Carolina in a few days.

"I've heard it could kick in this weekend," Spurrier said. "We may use the indoor facility. We've got a nice little 50-, 60-yard field in there. We may go in there and pitch it around and bump heads."

As of Monday evening, Fay was dumping heavy rains on the southwestern tip of Florida near Naples.

Spurrier said the Gamecocks intend to begin game-planning for N.C. State on Wednesday or Thursday.

Extra points

Banged-up DE Melvin Ingram will redshirt this year, D-line coach Brad Lawing said. Rumors of DL Travian Robertson redshirting aren't true, Lawing said. He'll play. ... RB Mike Davis and TE Mike Triglia missed practice with illnesses. Davis, nursing a shoulder injury, also missed Sunday's practice. Taylor Rank continues to run with the 1's in his absence. ... LB Jasper Brinkley (heel) and DT Marque Hall (knee) practiced "pretty close" to full strength, Spurrier said. ... Tonight is USC's final preseason scrimmage. It will be closed to the public and media. ... Spurrier said he still hasn't received word about signees Tori Childers and Darrell Simmons.