Spurrier: Chemistry apparent on the field

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2013 file photo, South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier calls for a timeout against Central Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. Spurrier wasn't sure he'd hang around 10 seasons at South Carolina when he took the job. Now he isn't ready to leave. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

COLUMBIA - Lorenzo Ward had walked barely 10 steps off the football field after South Carolina's first preseason practice, but he'd seen enough to fuel already high expectations.

"I think there's a little something different about this team," the Gamecocks defensive coordinator said.

Under the lights, Ward was impressed with what he witnessed Friday night. He was heading toward his office, ready to study the film and further evaluate the practice.

But what had Ward smiling was something that can't be seen on film.

"I just think there's something special about them," Ward continued. "I think the way that they're about business. There's no big-name players on this team, and so they're like family and they play as a team. I think it's something special when you do that."

Less than four weeks from their first game, there are pressing questions for the Gamecocks to answer this month. None are more important than starting cornerback and the defensive line, and that can be troubling. In this age of college football, it's never good to have concerns about the secondary and pass rush.

Still, first impressions set a tone. On Friday, with fans lining the Bluff Road practice fields in downtown Columbia, the first impressions were strong. Even Steve Spurrier - who doesn't mind voicing displeasure - praised his players.

"Attitude-wise, we're in good shape," he said.

Spurrier has often mentioned good team chemistry during the offseason, and his players echoed their coach after their first practice. Over the past several months, it formed out of necessity. The Gamecocks know they can't rely on one Jadeveon Clowney game-changing highlight here, or a Connor Shaw touchdown there.

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Spurrier: Chemistry apparent on the field