I can’t really describe how excited to get back into the college game. I’ve been working hard all camp, and it’s great to get back into the groove of playing ball. Over the past few weeks, I’ve really been focusing, watching all the film I can and doing everything in the last detail in practice to get myself ready to play. I wasn’t sure where I’d be on the depth chart – we have two great running backs in Jamelle Eugene and myself, and we’ll probably split time, which will be great for us in the long run. But as for South Carolina? I’ve been gone a while–after two knee surgeries in back-to-back years knocked me out of the line-up I don’t think anyone knew how it would turn out.

I just have one class on Monday and after that all I’m doing is resting my body or watching film. I have to do six hours of study hall a week so I try and split those up, but my schedule this semester has really allowed me to focus on football, which is great. I don’t have to rush to get to class so I can get my full lift in. I’ve been playing some Playstation 3 – NCAA 2010, some Madden – to help me relax. That’s about it.

Last week, coach O’Brien announced I was going to get the start against South Carolina. He said I, like everyone else, earned the spot in spring training and summer camp. It was great to hear him say that, and great to hear that I’m coming back where I left off two years ago. It’s like I just took a very long break, but now I’m ready to go.

The locker room has been buzzing these last few days. As an offense, I don’t think I’ve seen us this focused. It’s great to see us all on the same page, and that’s what will lead us to success. Personally, I’m very ready for South Carolina – definitely tired of running into our guys. We’re all ready to see some different colored jerseys. It’s going to be a big relief stepping out onto that field on Thursday. We’ve got a lot on the line and the eyes of the country on us. We’ve got to show up Thursday night and attack early.

As for the coaches, believe me – they haven’t let up. They want to make sure that we’re focused completely and we have a great staff. They’re going to do their job.

I remember back to last year when I was watching my team get beaten up by South Carolina in the season opener. I wanted to be there so badly, but I was stuck watching it on TV. It was really difficult, not being able to contribute. But that was last year. This year is a totally different year, and we’re on a mission this year to show the world what we have to offer.

Tonight, 7 p.m. We’ll see you at the game.