Pinkins might shoulder QB load

Pinkins, a senior who hasn't played since the first half of the Gamecocks' victory at Alabama on Oct. 2, appears to have the inside track for Saturday's game against No. 11 Tennessee at Williams-Brice.

"Dondrial took a good many reps," offensive assistant coach Skip Holtz said after Wednesday's practice. "His arm's a little tired, but he's been working it pretty hard this week."

Pinkins injured his throwing shoulder during the team's week-two loss to Georgia, and after initially classifying the injury as a bruised AC joint, it was later revealed his rotator cuff could be partially torn.

He did not make South Carolina's last road trip - a victory over Kentucky - and the Gamecocks have utilized sophomore Syvelle Newton, freshman Blake Mitchell and senior Mike Rathe.

Pinkins' status as the starter against the Vols, though, is not guaranteed. It also is unclear whether a Pinkins starting assignment would be out of default.

Newton, who has started three games in Pinkins' stead, sustained a high left ankle sprain against Kentucky. His foot was immediately put in a cast, and despite a promise he made to coach Lou Holtz to return by the start of this week, he was unable to participate in team drills until Wednesday.

"I wouldn't say I'm pushing myself too hard," Newton said. "If I could go out there and play 100 percent, 90 percent, I'd want to be out there."

Newton walked with a noticeable limp after Wednesday's practice, trying to avoid putting much weight on his taped left ankle. He said his injury prevented him from cutting to his left or right at full speed.

Meanwhile, Pinkins showed the effects of his injury, wearing a large ice bag on his right shoulder.

Skip Holtz said the coaching staff's biggest worry regarding Pinkins this week was overwork. And Rathe said Pinkins is beginning to look like the quarterback who started the season.

"If you had told me Dondrial had not thrown in two weeks, I would not have believed you," Rathe said. "No matter what he does, people are going to believe in him. He's tough. He's gritty."

Gritty might not be enough to lead South Carolina to its first victory over Tennessee since 1992. But as of Wednesday, it seemed to be enough to earn him back the starting job he couldn't hold on to.

The starting job isn't the only one in flux. Pinkins' backup could be any of the other three.

Skip Holtz said Rathe and Mitchell each has made his case during this week's practices. With the coaching staff's commitment to playing multiple quarterbacks, and with Pinkins' health untested for three games, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Rathe and Mitchell behind center.

Pinkins, who doesn't have realistic NFL quarterback aspirations, has just four - possibly five - games remaining. With that in mind, he's not worried about long-term effects, adding he's just as willing to run with the football.

"I'm not worried about it," Pinkins said. "If I go out, and whatever it takes to win this game, I'm gonna do it."