1. Three things we learned from Mike Peterson

It was assistant coach Mike Peterson’s turn to speak with assembled media following Thursday’s practice, and he didn't disappoint with the knowledge he passed along during the session. Here is a look at several things we found out during our talk with Peterson.



Newcomers have impressed Peterson



The 14-year NFL linebacker veteran handles coaching edge players (defensive end/BUCKs) as well as the SAM linebacker spot on Will Muschamp’s staff. He weighed in on a few newcomers to the roster after seeing this spring, including Zacch Pickens, who’s primarily worked inside at tackle. Rodricus Fitten : “He’s strong, he’s fast, and he plays fast. He comes in after practice every day to grab me and find out the good things he did and the bad things he did, which is a good thing for a young guy. He’s on the right track.”

: “He’s strong, he’s fast, and he plays fast. He comes in after practice every day to grab me and find out the good things he did and the bad things he did, which is a good thing for a young guy. He’s on the right track.” Joseph Anderson : “He’s impressed me. The first day I was on him pretty hard. He’s getting better and better. He’s another guy coming in after practice. Every day’s been a little bit better for him. He can do a number of things for you. He’s built like an inside guy but can play on the outside. He’s shown some flashes of rushing the passer. Now it’s just getting that motor going.”

: “He’s impressed me. The first day I was on him pretty hard. He’s getting better and better. He’s another guy coming in after practice. Every day’s been a little bit better for him. He can do a number of things for you. He’s built like an inside guy but can play on the outside. He’s shown some flashes of rushing the passer. Now it’s just getting that motor going.” Zacch Pickens: “Big, athletic guy. Big body, which we’ve been needing around here. A big guy that can do a lot of things for you. He’s going to be a good one.” One player in particular has taken a substantial step forward



Peterson singled out junior Brad Johnson, who is still just 18 years old until August, as a player who has noticeably improved. Peterson: “He’s one of the guys in the group that’s taken a really big leap. I’ve been on him his whole career here. He’s having a really good camp for us, the technique part of it. He’s a fast, strong guy, who can run. He’s actually listening to some of the things I say. I don’t think early on he was listening, I don’t think he really believed it. He realized maybe coach knows a little of what he’s talking about.” More on how the defense hopes to create turnovers



A year after finishing as one of the nation’s top turnover-producing teams in 2017, the Gamecocks were not as good in that area last season. It’s been a point of emphasis for the staff this spring. Peterson: “Got to think about it, that’s what we’ve been preaching in practice. Sacks, everyone gets sacks. Let’s get a sack and get the ball off now, that’s a big play. We’re trying to get the ball whenever we can. You may see a running back in the hall, we’re trying to knock the ball off him. When you have 11 guys thinking about getting the ball off, that’s a good day.” EXTRA: Practice observations, including defensive line rotations, freshmen in the offensive two-deep – Collyn Taylor with some notes he observed during the portion of practice open to the media. (subscription)



– Chris Clark