COLUMBIA - South Carolina defensive head coach Ellis Johnson said end Cliff Matthews needs surgery on his left shoulder, but it can wait until after the team’s bowl game.

Johnson was quick to add that Matthews cannot injure the shoulder, dislocated in the Oct. 31 Tennessee game, any worse by playing against No. 18 Clemson and in the bowl.

Matthews returned last week to play most of the game against No. 1 Florida. He recorded one of the team’s two sacks of Gators quarterback Tim Tebow.

Johnson suggested Matthews have the surgery sooner, in December. But line coach Brad Lawing made the point that Matthews, as a senior, won’t need much work in spring practice. He’ll recover in time to work out with the team and prepare for the 2010 preseason camp.

Matthews, a captain, is already one of the more advanced USC defenders.

Unlike last year, when there were quite a few surprises, Johnson said he doesn’t expect to lose any players early to the NFL. Specifically, he said he expects Matthews and free safety Chris Culliver back.

Last season, corner Captain Munnerlyn, safety Emanuel Cook and linebacker Eric Norwood all declared for the draft just after the Outback Bowl loss to Iowa.

Norwood pulled his name out, but Munnerlyn (seventh round) and Cook (undrafted) stayed in. Munnerlyn has played well, though, as a rookie for the Carolina Panthers.

Hard to forget

Senior receiver Moe Brown is still having some trouble shaking off that deflected interception against Florida.

A third-and-3 slant pass whizzed past his face, off Florida defensive back Markihe Anderson’s hand and into Gators lineman Justin Trattou’s arms. Trattou’s 53-yard return set up the touchdown that put the Gamecocks away in a 24-14 UF win.

“It’s definitely one of those things I’m going to think about the rest of my life,” Brown said Wednesday.

The throw from Stephen Garcia was hard, high and out in front of Brown. But Brown said he should’ve caught it.

“Garcia did sling it in there,” Brown said. “But it’s one of those plays where you’ve got to sling it in there. I wish I was more prepared for it.”

What really blew Brown’s mind was the way Trattou, initially knocked to the ground at the line, was able to get up and snare the floating football.

“How did that happen? I don’t know,” said Brown, who didn’t realize that part until he saw the replay. “Florida’s got some kind of omen and they’re supposed to be just great and win these kinds of games. What’s the probability of that, of him even being that aware in that situation?”

Remembering the spirit

The Gamecocks had a visitor at practice Wednesday. Trendsetting coach Herman Boone, the man honored and immortalized by Disney’s “Remember the Titans,” talked with the team.

“I think he’s speaking at the university,” Steve Spurrier said. “So, it was nice to have coach Boone out here.”

Maybe Boone had some impact on the Gamecocks during this open week?

“It was a pretty good practice,” said Spurrier, who rarely compliments practice. “Guys spirits were pretty good.”

Extra points

Kicker Spencer Lanning (shoulder) and holder C.D. Turner were out of their non-contact jerseys Wednesday. Spurrier poked fun at his field goal battery Tuesday, saying he’d never seen a kicker and holder in yellow on the same day before. ... DE Cliff Matthews (shoulder) and FS Darian Stewart (shoulder) were limited, but both are expected to be fine by next week.

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