So far during his college career, South Carolina defensive end Darius English hasn't lived up to the expectations he had coming out of McEachern High in Powder Springs, Ga.

But he may be getting there.

After a solid spring, the pass rusher has carried his performance to another level this fall. Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier said that Thursday, the 6-foot-6 English "practiced like an All-American".

That's big news for South Carolina, which needs pass rushers and has two tweaner/converted linebacker types - Cedrick Cooper and David Johnson- at the defensive end spot opposite Marquavius Lewis.

Of course, Spurrier was lamenting the pass blocking of his offensive line, but did say English had a big day of practice, which is a positive sign.

Other practice notes...

--Defensive end Gerald Dixon said he's just waiting to get cleared. This is the same leg he has had problems with. He had a rod put in in April. He feels like he'll be able to play against UNC.

--Safety Isaiah Johnson confirmed he is running with the first team with Jordan Diggs. He said South Carolina plays a lot of cover two. He played a lot of cover four with Kansas.

--The quarterbacks had extra work after practice. Spurrier said they need it because of lack of experience. "They all have talent....they haven't played hardly a bit."

--Diggs said he feels that he and Johnson work really well together in the backfield.