The Side Line by Free Times

SEPTEMBER 1 • VS. SOUTHERN MISS

SILENCE Cliff Matthews Shuts ‘Em Up

p. 10

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

SHOP ROAD D

WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM CAROLINA WALK CONDOS

STATE FAIRGROUNDS

S. STADIUM ROAD BLUFF ROAD

ASSEMBLY STREET

GEORGE ROGERS BLVD

Contents

executive EDITOr: Dan Cook editor@free-times.com, ext. 133 ASSIGNING EDITOR: David Cloninger PRODUCTION EDITOR: James Harley production manager: Lisa Willis | lisaw@free-times.com, ext. 121 senior graphic designer: Wilbert T. Fields wilbertf@free-times.com, ext. 145 graphic designer: Joey Ayer | joeya@free-times.com, ext. 150 Contributors: Chris Dearing, Christopher Thompson, Chris Clark, Paul Collins illustrator: Dré Lopez ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Kerry Powers kpowers@free-times.com, ext. 128 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Adam Cross | adamc@free-times.com, ext. 134 Ansley Hobi | ansleyh@free-times.com, ext. 146 Ginny Kuhn | ginnyk@free-times.com, ext. 130 Richard Skipper | skipper@free-times.com, ext. 140 CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER: Cale Johnson classy@free-times.com, ext. 131 CLASSIFIEDS SALES: Katie Pollard | katiep@free-times.com, ext. 141 Jason Stroman | jasons@free-times.com, ext. 132 PublisheR: Eric Hancock | eric@free-times.com, ext. 129 OPERATIONS MANAGER: Jen Coody | jenc@free-times.com, ext. 124 CIRCULATION: Tammy Figurski | circulation@free-times.com, ext. 152 The Side Line is published by Portico Publications, LTD. 1534 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 PO Box 8295, Columbia, SC 29202 (803) 765-0707 • 765-0727 FAX free-times.com Advertisers in The Side Line assume responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of all advertisements. In case of error or omissions in advertisement, the publisher’s sole liability shall be to publish the advertisement at a later date. Notice of error must be made within ten days of first insertion. © 2010 Portico Publications, LTD. All rights reserved.

10 SILENCE CLIFF MATTHEWS SHUTS ‘EM UP ON THE COVER: Cliff Matthews. Photo by Paul Collins.

6 8 9 12 14 16 18

21 22 24 26

2010 Carolina Football Schedule Opponent Preview: Southern Mississippi Roster: Southern Mississippi Senior Profile: Patrick DiMarco Gameday Poster Olympic Roundup Returning SEC Champions USC Women’s Soccer Team Face Challenging Schedule GamecockCentral.com’s Recruit to Watch: Linebacker Edward Muldrow WVOC Corner: Uncertainty Hangs Over Season Opener Breakout Game? Not On Our Turf Explaining The Game: Ellis Johson USC Roster, Depth Chart

The Side Line is available around Williams-Brice Stadium on gamedays and at select locations in Columbia, S.C. For a full list of locations go to sideline.gamecockcentral.com. If you would like to advertise in The Side Line please contact Kerry Powers at 803.765.0707 ext. 128 or at kpowers@free-times.com.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

CAROLINA FOOTBALL

SCHEDULE 2010 Sept. 02 vs Southern Miss 7:30 p.m. home

sept. 11 vs GeorgiaH

noon

home

sept. 18 vs Furman

7 p.m.

home

Sept. 25 at AuburnH

TBA

auburn, ala.

Oct. 09 vs AlabamaH

TBA

home

oct. 16 at KentuckyH

TBA

lexington, ky.

Oct. 23 at Vanderbilt

TBA

nashville, tenn.

oct. 30 vs Tennessee

TBA

home

Nov. 06 vs Arkansas

TBA

home

Nov. 13 at FloridaH

TBA

gainesville, FLa.

nov. 20 vs Troy

TBA

home

nov. 27 at ClemsoN

TBA

clemson, s.C.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

WHAT’S AT STAKE

NICKNAME: Golden Eagles CONFERENCE: Conference USA 2010 RECORD: 0-0 C-USA record: 0-0 SERIES RECORD: First meeting

2010 SCHEDULE COACH: Larry Fedora YEARS AS COACH: 3 CAREER RECORD AT USM: 14-12 OVERALL CAREER RECORD: 14-12 Photo Courtesy of www.southernmiss.cstv.com

9/2 9/11 9/17 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/30 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 ★

at South Carolina PRAIRIE VIEW A&M KANSAS at Louisiana Tech MARSHALL ★ EAST CAROLINA ★ at Memphis ★ UAB ★ at Tulane ★ at UCF ★ HOUSTON ★ at Tulsa ★

C-USA game

It’s the season-opener. USC wants to get recent bad press over players staying at The Whitney Hotel behind it and concentrate on playing football. The Gamecocks only have one chance to get off on the right foot, and this is it. Steve Spurrier’s teams at USC have never played well in their first games — even that 34-0 whipping of NC State two years ago had the Gamecocks hemorrhaging turnovers — and with so much expected of this year’s group, a good first game is imperative. Yes, USC may be forced to play without some personnel due to the NCAA investigations, but that is not a definite — the Gamecocks say they’re prepared to play with who they have available. And that’s a pretty good hand to be holding.

WHY YOU SHOULD HATE THEM Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora popped off at a booster-club meeting about how he wanted his team to not act surprised when it showed up and beat USC. He later said it wasn’t meant to offend, only that he wanted his team feeling confident. The Eagles should feel good, considering they are gunning for their ninth straight year with a bowl game, but hearing that didn’t put the Gamecocks in a good frame of mind. USM will come in trying to immediately sink the Gamecocks’ grand vision for the 2010 season and USC fans need to let the Eagles know they’re far from home. Besides, this is the same school that once had Brett Favre playing quarterback.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIU USC MISSISSIPPIu

1 1 2 2 3 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 18 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 23 24 25

Tracey Lampley Deron Wilson C.J. Bailey V.J. Floyd Cameron O’Neal DeAndre Brown Jerrion Johnson Reggie Hunt Furious Bradley Desmond Johnson Justin Wilson Octavius Thomas Markese Triplett Kelvin Bolden Gerald West Austin Davis Donald Hall Zeke Walters Chris Campbell Lorenzo Patrick Martevious Young Marcal Robinson Arsenio Favor Alex Smith Scottie Williams Tre Maddox Dominique Sullivan Jonathan Massey Blaine LeBlanc Reynaldo Norwood Jeremy Hester Jamie Collins Laurice Lawrence Jamal Woodyard Hendrick Leverette Cortez Bowen

IUSC usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

RB CB CB RB CB WR CB CB CB RB CB DT WR WR CB QB CB TE QB CB QB CB QB CB DT CB QB TE RB CB RB LB CB RB LB LB

5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-6 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-3 5-8 5-7 5-6 6-3 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-1

169 176 194 196 218 239 197 174 150 195 193 228 197 161 175 200 203 228 197 200 190 174 226 185 233 185 190 269 173 160 172 231 175 200 229 227

SO FR SR SR JR JR FR FR FR SO SR FR FR JR FR JR FR FR FR FR SR SO FR FR JR FR FR SR SO FR FR SO FR FR SR FR

WAYNESBORO, MS NEW ORLEANS, LA MOSS POINT, MS ORLANDO, FL CITRONELLE, AL OCEAN SPRINGS, MS BEAUMONT, MS ROBERTSDALE, AL GULFPORT, MS YAZOO CITY, MS TAYLORSVILLE, MS CARROLLTON, GA LOUISVILLE, MS OCEAN SPRINGS, MS MOBILE, AL MERIDIAN, MS GARDENA, CA BIRMINGHAM, AL COLLIERVILLE, TN SEBASTOPOL, MS ALEXANDER CITY, AL PRICHARD, AL MONTGOMERY, AL MC CALL CREEK, MS DECATUR, GA TALLAHASSEE, FL TAYLORSVILLE, MS PASCAGOULA, MS NEW ORLEANS, LA CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS PANAMA CITY, FL MC CALL CREEK, MS MEMPHIS, TN FAIRHOPE, AL PURVIS, MS MEMPHIS, TN

25 26 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59

Darrell Sanders Corey Acosta Kendrick Presley William Spight Jacorius Cotton Kendrick Hardy Marquese Wheaton Chico Hunter Justin Estes Alexander Walters Martez Smith Kyle Clark Justin Bell Daniel Hrapmann Justin Penn Bruce Johnson Alan Howze Jeremy Snowden Peter Boehme Brandon Smith Ross Smith Korey Williams Tim Green Roshaad Byrd Mujahid Asaad John Henderson Cordarro Law Darrion Goudy Darius Barnes Jason Weaver TaDren Kennedy Nathaniel Worrell Alex Michael Ronnie Thornton Creighton Nelms Cameron Zipp

RB K CB WR CB RB CB CB K CB LB RB CB K LB RB RB LB K DT TE LB LB DE WR DT DT LB OL OL LB OL OL LB K OL

5-8 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-5 5-8 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-1

182 182 200 169 186 217 177 195 154 159 222 272 176 160 193 227 225 220 222 235 239 243 226 267 202 301 254 202 315 316 212 269 302 229 227 278

FR FR JR JR FR FR JR SR SR FR SR JR SO JR FR FR FR JR SO FR JR JR JR SR SO SR JR FR SO JR FR FR SR JR JR SR

MIDFIELD, AL MEMPHIS, TN KOSCIUSKO, MS MONTGOMERY, AL LAGRANGE, GA MONTICELLO, MS PHOENIX, AZ VICKSBURG, MS MARIETTA, OH NORTHPORT, AL CANTON, MS PAULINA, LA TAMPA, FL NEW ORLEANS, LA BASSFIELD, MS ALPHARETTA, GA OCEAN SPRINGS, MS GLOSTER, MS BIRMINGHAM, AL MIDLAND, GA PURVIS, MS NEW ORLEANS, LA COLUMBIA, SC MERIDIAN, MS MOBILE, AL OAKLAND, CA WHITFIELD, AL MERIDIAN, MS MEMPHIS, TN NEW ORLEANS, LA HATTIESBURG, MS PEARL, MS MERIDIAN, MS MIAMI, FL CORINTH, MS MANDEVILLE, LA

60 61 62 63 65 67 68 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Adam Weathers James Brady Austin Quattrochi Shane Story O.C. Brown Dyron White Joe Duhon Lamar Holmes Ben Schoenberger Thomas Edenfield David Fowler Ed Preston Jonathan Guerry Taylor Peterson Ryan Balentine Ryan Hanks Deon Hodges Johdrick Morris Michael Howell Quentin Pierce Francisco Llanos Emmanuel Ezejiofo Keller Davis Joel Ross Terrance Pope Deddrick Jones Chase Moore Logan Hickman Andrew Burns Anthony Gray David Boyce Nic Bekkers Khyri Thornton Dasman McCullum

S 5-10 196 OL 6-4 277 OL 6-3 289 K 6-1 205 OL 6-2 305 OL 6-5 316 OL 6-2 295 OL 6-6 336 OL 6-5 280 OL 6-5 293 OL 6-3 305 OL 6-4 302 OL 6-4 302 OL 6-4 299 WR 6-1 176 TE 6-5 231 WR 6-2 207 WR 6-3 214 WR 6-3 193 WR 5-11 176 WR 5-8 159 WR 6-3 211 WR 6-2 185 DT 6-1 299 DT 6-3 285 DT 6-3 250 S 6-2 256 DT 6-3 257 DT 6-4 267 DT 6-0 317 DT 6-6 251 DT 6-4 191 DT 6-3 300 DT 6-3 235

SO JR SO SR FR SO SO JR SR JR FR FR FR FR JR SO SR SR FR SO FR SO FR SO JR JR FR JR JR SR SR FR FR FR

QUITMAN, MS CARRIERE, MS MARIETTA, GA SLIDELL, LA GERMANTOWN, TN SLIDELL, LA LAKE CHARLES, LA GASTONIA, NC PASCAGOULA, MS JACKSONVILLE, FL DAPHNE, AL BACLIFF, TX COLUMBUS, MS AUBURN, AL KILLEEN, TX PACE, FL MOSS POINT, MS BATON ROUGE, LA MOBILE, AL MOBILE, AL TAMPA, FL JACKSON, MS SPANISH FORT, AL GRAY, LA BATESVILLE, MS BASTROP, LA BRANDON, MS GULF SHORES, AL COLUMBIANA, AL PHILADELPHIA, MS GONZALES, LA PERRY, GA PANAMA CITY, FL TAYLORSVILLE, MS

silence B Y D AV I D C L O N I N G E R

Cliff Matthews Shuts ’Em Up There’s something special about this team. “ “We’ve got everything we need, we’ve just got to go out there and get it. ” cLIFF matthews

f all of the words that can describe Cliff Matthews, the one that best fits him is the one least expected to. “Quiet.”

A 6-foot-4, 260-pound marauding beast who is a guided missile to the ball-carrier is quiet. A consensus preseason All-SEC first-teamer who is on four watch lists for national awards is quiet. A two-time team captain in charge of rallying his teammates in crucial situations is quiet. How is that possible? “I try to lead by example,” Matthews said, “not necessarily by words.” Something’s working. “He just lets you know he isn’t pleased,” sophomore safety DeVonte Holloman said during preseason practice. “He won’t say much at all, but when he looks at you, you know what’s up.” He has always been that special kind

of player, the one who earned all of the recruiting hype — and later on, the collegiate awards — because of his football skill but also because of his demeanor. Matthews has always been looked to as a leader, from the time he was an up-and-comer at Cheraw High School to now, before his senior season begins. “He’s always that guy in the meeting room who you never had to ask to pay attention,” defensive line coach Brad Lawing said last year. “His effort level was what every coach dreams of in a player.” Photo courtesy USC Athletics

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Matthews applied for an NFL evaluation after last season basically because he was told he would be cheating himself not to. When it came back with a middle-round projection, Matthews was actually relieved — that meant another year at USC and another year to nab the prize that has eluded all Gamecock football teams. “We want to win the SEC championship,” he says in an earthy, husky tone, punctuated by several shrugs and head shakes. “We want to do something that has never been done before. We feel like we have a chance.” That chance largely depends on the Gamecocks’ defense, and that defense is largely dependent on Matthews. Exploding past the tackle from his defensive end spot, Matthews has been making quarterbacks’ lives miserable ever since he arrived. His role during the past three years was always productive but the sack factor of it was decreased — the Gamecocks had a sack-master in linebacker Eric Norwood, who would often line up on the outside and either run around or right beside Matthews to get to the ball-carrier. Norwood is gone, about to begin an NFL rookie season with USC’s school records for career sacks and tackles for loss in tow. His role, as the disrupter of the opposing offense, was inherited by Matthews. “It’s hard to say who will do what before we ever play a game,” defensive head Ellis Johnson said, “but we will heavily rely on Cliff. He just does so many things for us out there.”

Cliff Matthews Photo by Paul Collins

he low-key attitude Matthews has displayed through four years off the field is juxtaposed by his savagery on it. He ranked among the SEC’s top five sack-men last year with seven and led the league with four fumble recoveries, making 35 of his 47 tackles solo stops. A popular picture of Matthews came during the 34-17 win over archrival Clemson — arms outstretched, facemask to facemask with Tigers quarterback Kyle Parker — epitomized his gift for blowing up the offensive line, despite that play actually resulting in a complete pass. Captain of the defense and one of four for the entire team, Matthews has never been shy to shoulder extra responsibility. There was even a short-lived experiment with him playing as a possible tight end, due to his experience with the role in high school, although Johnson warned anybody foolish enough to try to hit him in practice that it would be an automatic demotion to third-string. It is not a problem, Matthews says, for him to play every down, blitz on every play or even switch to offense if the situation arose. There may be a slight concern elsewhere. Simply, the coaches want someone to be able to encourage, cajole, pump up and if necessary, scream to the players in the locker room. Norwood and former captain Moe Brown were good at that — they were emotional guys who could turn that charge into their own games and hope it did the

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

he behemoth with the don’t-mess-with-me scowl on the field becomes a gentle giant when he’s among these toddlers, talking to them about their dreams of football and their status as “Junior Gamecocks.”

same for others. Matthews and his fellow returning captain, fullback Patrick DiMarco, are being asked to do that as well. It’s a role that neither have really done in the past — like Matthews, DiMarco prefers to let his actions do the talking — but is vital for 2010. “There’s something special about this team,” Matthews said. “We’ve got everything we need, we’ve just got to go out there and get it.” Yes, but if the team needs the proverbial kick in the pants, can you supply that? “I think so,” Matthews answers. Another award nomination, the Lott Trophy, came Matthews’ way during the preseason. It honors athletic performance and personal character; Matthews’ work in the community got him the nod. A popular sight built for a photo opportunity has Matthews in his game jersey, muscles bursting from the sleeves, picking up small children and posing for snaps. The behemoth with the don’t-mess-with-me scowl on the field becomes a gentle giant when he’s among these toddlers, talking to them about their dreams of football and their status as “Junior Gamecocks.” Yet just as he does when he’s honored as a defender of the week or winner of the defensive MVP award in spring practice, Matthews doesn’t need the credit. He works in the community because he remembers his upbringing in Cheraw, how he didn’t have a real role model to idolize, and wants to give himself to children who see him as a hero. Not that he sees himself as one. “It’s nice, I guess,” he said, when asked how he felt about being on watch lists for national defensive awards. “I still have to go earn it.” The respect he commands is made more impressive because he didn’t demand it or get it by bullying. Matthews was simply that guy, from the time he arrived, who others turned to and said, “He’s got it.” “Oh yeah, he was always that leader,” said defensive tackle Byron McKnight, a member of the same recruiting class as Matthews. “I remember just watching him in practice and thinking he wasn’t a freshman.” He has never played like one, even when he was one. That ethic and desire have caused Matthews to be that senior leader throughout his four years, although the tag was only really accurate this year. “I’ve never had to yell at him,” Lawing said. “He’s never needed it.” One more year for another special player. The Gamecocks have been blessed lately with a run of program-changers, guys like Norwood and Kenny McKinley. Matthews fits right into that vein. Even if he’s hesitant to say it. “I’m going to approach it with everything I’ve got,” Matthews said. “It’s my last year. I have nothing to lose. We haven’t won a championship around here yet, so I’m going to do everything I can.”

SENIOR PROFILE

BY DAVID CLONINGER

A Little Fracture Can’t Stop Me: Patrick DiMarco A nyone worried when they saw Patrick DiMarco walk through the practicefield gate wearing the non-contact yellow jersey and a mile of bandage around his left forearm only felt that way for a few seconds. Even a hairline fracture in a limb that will be out front and center toward defenders won’t keep him from playing. “It’s nothing,” DiMarco said, holding his arm up. “It’s like a little break in there. I’ll pad it up for the first game and I’ll be fine.” According to some medical opinions, those kind of fractures can linger. The only sure way to get them better is to rest and not aggravate them. Oh well. “I’ll be ready,” DiMarco said a week before the Sept. 2 season-opener, despite him missing practice for the past week. “I may be sore, but I’ll be ready.” Team captain for the second straight year, listed as the starter at two positions, one of three team representatives at SEC Media Days, DiMarco isn’t going to let a

To do so more than they already do will be a tough chore. “Pat is a football player,” running backs coach Jay Graham said before camp began. “He’s the kind of guy you want to have on your team. Works hard, never in trouble — just a great, great kid.” “He’s a good guy to be behind,” said tailback Kenny Miles, who is often following DiMarco into those vanishing holes between linemen. “You may not think it when you look at him, but he can really hit.” Not bad praise from a guy who, when he first came to USC and even a couple of times when he was being recruited, was labeled by the wrong name. “Yeah, ol’ Chris DiMarco has done really well,” Steve Spurrier said three years ago. As much as the compliment pleased him, DiMarco was forced to realize his coach was thinking of his famous golf-playing uncle instead of the guy on his team. But it was OK. It passed. “It’s been a while since he called me that,” DiMarco said good-naturedly.

“I may be sore, but I’ll be ready.” ~ Patrick DiMarco simple fracture – which could be classified as a broken arm – stop him. There are games to play and roles to fi ll. He’s always brought physicality to his fullback role, sending scribes scrambling for the last time he actually lost a yard with the ball in his hands. After spring practice, he was also listed as starting tight end, which seemed to foreshadow the situation that has hovered over the other main candidate for tight end (Weslye Saunders) all preseason. Those roles are plenty big, but DiMarco has another to fi ll. Although one of four team captains last year as well as this year, he feels he has to step up in that spot in addition to his on-the-field duties. “Our strength coach (Craig Fitzgerald) pulled me aside, said, ‘Look. We understand your situation. You’re not going to screw up. You’ll do the right thing,’” DiMarco said. “‘But we need you to be more vocal. We need you to grab some guys and say, ‘Look, quit doing this stuff.’ We’ve got to try to do things this year. People might not like you for it, but so be it. They’re going to respect you.’”

12 14

With the right name in tow, DiMarco’s toughness will be called on from the first snap. He’ll be leading with his forearms, and even with a pad on it, smashing it into a facemask or chest across the line can’t feel good. He has taken it easy in practice leading up to tonight, sometimes wearing full pads and participating but also protecting the arm as much as possible, so he can be as ready as he can be. The bandage is lengthy enough to where it won’t be covered by a wristband. There will be some of it visible to whoever lines up against DiMarco or comes charging at him. In short, it’s a target. Sort of how the defender is in DiMarco’s eyes. “You’ve got to want to do things, you’ve got to want to knock the guy across the ball, you’ve got to want to knock him for a little whirlwind,” DiMarco said, describing his philosophy. “That’s the only way to get where you’re going.” His direction has always been forward.

PATRICK DiMARCO FULLBACK / TIGHT END

CLASS: Senior HOMETOWN: Altamonte Springs, Fla. HIGH SCHOOL: Lake Brantley HEIGHT / WEIGHT: 6-1 / 243 EXPERIENCE: 3 VL Text and photo Courtesy of USC Media Relations

Senior fullback who was double-trained at the tight end position in the spring in an effort to get him on the field more consistently... team captain who was presented with the Joe Morrison Award as the Offensive Player of the Spring... has played in all 38 games over the past three seasons, making 13 starts... considered an excellent blocker and has shown good hands out of the backfield... also used on special teams... has rushed 11 times for 34 yards and has caught 23 passes for 155 yards including three touchdowns in his career. 2009: One of four team captains... made eight starts while playing in all 13 games... rushed 10 times for 31 yards and caught 14 passes for 78 yards with one touchdown... after having just one carry in his first 25 games, rushed for a career-high 19 yards on a careerhigh five attempts in the season-opening win at NC State... caught four passes for 35 yards against Georgia... scored the Gamecocks only touchdown on a two-yard pass reception in the 16-10 upset win over fourth-ranked Ole Miss. 2008: Played in all 13 games making five starts... carried the ball one time for three yards against Vanderbilt in his only rush of the year... also caught five passes out of the backfield for 45 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown catch against Clemson... given the Ernest A. Brooks Memorial Award as the MVP of the Carolina/Clemson game... earned the Everyday Effort Award for the offense during the spring.

2007: Played in all 12 games as a true freshman... used primarily on special teams, but also saw action in the backfield... did not have any carries... caught four passes for 32 yards... had a pair of nine-yard receptions and two seven-yard catches... scored his first career touchdown on a seven-yard pass reception from Chris Smelley in the win over Kentucky... had a pair of kickoff returns, netting 41 yards. HIGH SCHOOL: Played on both sides of the ball for Lake Brantley High in Altamonte Springs, Fla.... primarily used as a blocker on offense and as an end on defense... coached by George Clayton... racked up 125 tackles, 29 tackles for loss and 17 sacks as a senior for the 6-A squad... scored eight touchdowns on offense... was the Orlando Sentinel’s Player of the Year in Central Florida... helped Lake Brantley to a 14-2 record and a state runner-up finish... was named first-team all-state, conference Player of the Year, the Orlando Touchdown Club Player of the Year, team captain and team MVP... played in the North-South Florida All-Star Game... considered a two-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com... also participated in baseball, basketball and weightlifting. PERSONAL: Patrick Scott DiMarco was born April 30, 1989... pursuing a management degree... grandfather, Richard DiMarco, played basketball at St. John’s, uncle, Chris DiMarco, is on the PGA Tour and cousin, Steve DiMarco, plays in the Baltimore Orioles system... also recruited by UCF, USF, Northwestern and Florida Atlantic.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIU USC MISSISSIPPIu

Auto

Home

Life

Business

INSURER

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Olympic sports Roundup

Women’s Soccer Off to 2-0 Start

B y D avid C loninger

ith the start of a new school year comes a new athletic year, and South Carolina began its newest seasons last week. Two Olympic sports began with another on tap to start its season on Friday.

Men’s Soccer

Coach Mark Berson began his 33rd season with the Gamecocks with an exhibition game last week at High Point, N.C. USC lost 1-0. “Tonight we looked at a lot of different players at a lot of different positions, and we learned a lot,” Berson said in a statement. “Now we get to take this information and continue to work and improve.” Seven different Gamecocks got at least one shot on goal, but the Panthers gained an 11-7 advantage. Fejiro Okiomah scored the only goal among his three shots. Jimmy Maurer and Alex Long each played one half in goal for the Gamecocks. The regular season begins on Friday with the annual grudge match against Clemson. The match is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Stone Stadium. The Gamecocks have won the last three straight matches against Clemson.

T his W eek ’ s G a me vs. Clemson/8 p.m. Friday

Women’s Soccer

Led by SEC Defensive Player of the Week Mollie Patton, USC began defense of its SEC championship season by beating Boston on Aug. 20 and Northeastern on Aug. 22. The Gamecocks beat the Terriers 1-0 and the Huskies 3-0, improving Patton’s personal career number of shutouts to 24. She is only nine shutouts away from tying the SEC record. Lolly Holland scored with less than nine minutes left in regulation to win the seasonopener, but there was a frightening moment. As Wake Forest did in the last second of the NCAA tournament round of 16 last year, Boston scored a goal against USC just as the second half ended. But the attacker was called offsides and the goal was waived. The Gamecocks scored another shutout against Northeastern and got the benefit of their opponents accidentally scoring against themselves. Gabrielle Gilbert scored the game-winner and Ali Glemser got the second USC goal as the team improved to 2-0. The Huskies had not lost on their home field since October 2008. USC will host Arizona State at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will host the Carolina Cup tournament next weekend. Clemson, which has fallen to USC in the past two straight matches, will come to Columbia for that tournament.

T his W eek ’ s G a me vs. Arizona State/2 p.m. Sunday

Goalie Mollie Patton Photo courtesy USC Athletics

Volleyball

Coach Ben Somera and his team return to the Palmetto State for its first “home” matches of the season, but if USC fans want to go, they’ll have to take a short ride up the interstate. After beginning the season at a tournament in Illinois, the Gamecocks will take part in the Carolina Challenge by Hilton Garden Inn, hosted by Winthrop and in Rock Hill, this weekend. USC is set to play archrival Clemson at 5 p.m. on Friday and will play a doubleheader on Saturday against College of Charleston and the host Eagles. USC will host its own tournament in Columbia next weekend.

T his W eek ’ s G a mes vs. Clemson (in Rock Hill)/5 p.m. Friday vs. College of Charleston (in Rock Hill)/Noon Saturday vs. Winthrop (in Rock Hill)/7:30 p.m. Saturday

Cross Country

Coach Stan Rosenthal begins his seventh season at USC on Friday with the Gamecock Invite, set to begin at 6 p.m. at Fort Jackson. The event begins a six-meet regular season before the SEC and NCAA championships in November. After finishing 14th in the country last year, Rosenthal hopes to build on that success. Junior Beatrice Biwott, the team’s top individual runner, returns to pace the team and Rosenthal is seeking to confirm his top five group.

T his W eek ’ s G a me Gamecock Invite (at Fort Jackson)/6 p.m. Friday

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Returning SEC Champions Face Challenging Schedule Women’s Soccer Team Hopes to Maintain Momentum B y C h ri s D earing

Kayla Grimsley

Photo courtesy USC Athletics

USC Women’s Soccer Photo courtesy USC Athletics

outh Carolina fans are still a little giddy and geared up for the fall sports seasons after watching the Gamecocks’ baseball team march to the national championship in June. But if you reflect back on last year, not even Ray Tanner’s Yardcocks can claim what Shelley Smith and the USC women’s soccer team accomplished in the 2009-10 sports season. A strong defense led by goalkeeper Mollie Patton and defender Blakely Mattern gave USC its only SEC championship of the year. “It was a great accomplishment by our team,” Smith said. “I think we exceeded expectations a little bit. I never really thought that we were the only sport to win an SEC championship last year. What the baseball team achieved was truly amazing and brought great pride to the school. It was an honor that we could bring that type of recognition to the university.” The Gamecocks return six starters from that SEC Tournament championship team that finished 19-4-2 and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. They began this year with two shutout victories on the road. Ali Glemser, Gabrielle Gilbert and Lolly Holland registered goals in the opening weekend. Mattern was the face of the program last season but has graduated. Those honors go to Patton and sophomore forward Kayla Grimsley this year. Patton set SEC and USC records for single-season shutouts and consecutive shutouts. She allowed 13 goals in 25 matches and recorded 15 shutouts, which included a streak of seven straight at one point. She finished the season third in the country in shutouts, third in wins and 10th with a 0.52 goals against average. The senior from Milford, Ohio, is one of 30 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievements for Staying in School) Award, which goes to a student-athlete that excels on and off the field.

“Mollie has earned the confidence of her teammates. It’s been really tremendous the way she’s improved over the last couple years,” Smith said. “With her behind us, the players feel that much more comfortable being able to play her the ball, knowing that she’ll win things in the box on set pieces. It just makes everyone that much more sure of our defensive efforts.” Grimsley tallied 33 points and 13 goals to lead the Gamecocks last year. She has been named one of 45 players on the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list, the top individual award in women’s soccer. She became just the fifth player in USC history to reach double figures in goals. The junior from Lakeland, Fla., is a two-time All-SEC selection and spent the summer training with the U.S. Under-20 and Under-23 national teams. “Kayla is a terrific ball-striker,” Smith said. “Anytime she gets the ball in scoring position, she gets a good shot off. Her level of play last year was impressive and if she can give us that kind of production again, we could be a solid team offensively again.” Also returning is preseason All-SEC Defender Brittiny Rhoades. She has started 68 of 70 career games at left back in leading the Gamecocks to the best three-year period in the program’s history. The other three starters back from last year are junior defender Ellen Fahey, senior forward Brooke Jacobs and junior midfielder Kira Campbell. Expected to make immediate contributions are freshmen Gilbert and Danielle Au. Sophomores Dani Henry and Christine Watts and junior Maria Petroni will be counted on for bigger roles as well. “We’re still kind of experimenting with our lineup and with where our freshmen are going to fit in and complement each other as well as the rest of the team,” Smith said. “Gabby earned a starting role right away, and I think she’s going to continue to get better and get even more minutes in the back.” The Gamecocks were picked to finish third in the SEC East but have exceeded preseason predictions for four straight seasons. With the added success of last year, they have garnered national attention and will play on TV a minimum of five times. The Gamecocks are 33-4-5 at Stone Stadium since 2006. They were 11-1 at home a season ago. The schedule includes homes dates with Arizona State (Sept. 5), Clemson (Sept. 10), Furman (Sept. 12) and Minnesota (Sept. 16). Add in a road date at Wake Forest (Sept. 19), the team that eliminated the Gamecocks with a last-second goal in last year’s NCAA Tournament, and the schedule is challenging. “We wanted a challenging schedule to test us for SEC play,” Smith said. “I think our out-of-conference schedule is the toughest since I’ve been here. Hopefully we can achieve some success early and be able to build on that as the year goes on.”

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

GamecockCentral.com

Recruit to Watch BY CHRIS CLARK

Linebacker Edward Muldrow

Photo courtesy Rivals.com

outh Carolina was the first major program to extend a scholarship offer to South Gwinnett (Ga.) High School linebacker Edward Muldrow in January. Five months later, the 6-foot-3, 190pounder informed recruiter Shane Beamer that he wanted to take his skill set to Columbia and be a part of the Gamecocks’ 2011 recruiting class. The main reason, Muldrow said, was how at ease he felt with the USC program. “I knew everything about South Carolina,” he said. “Coach Beamer introduced me to everybody, and I felt a lot more comfortable at South Carolina than anywhere else.” The 33-year old Beamer has several responsibilities on the staff. Aside from handling his own recruiting territories in Georgia and South Carolina, he also coordinates USC’s special teams and their recruiting efforts. Muldrow, rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, credits the young coach with securing his services. “Coach Beamer had a lot to do with that,” Muldrow said. “He talked to me a lot more [than other recruiters], he told me straight-up answers, and he never beat around the bush. He didn’t just tell me what I wanted to hear.” The Peach State native is also excited about getting a chance to play for USC’s veteran coach, Steve Spurrier. “That’s a great opportunity, to get to play for such a legendary coach. I talked to him for a while and I can’t wait to play for him.” Several other programs made offers to Muldrow, including Arkansas, Florida

Ht: 6’3” Wt: 190 lbs 40: 4.7 secs Shuttle: 4.44 Vertical: 37 inches Class: 2011 (High School) hometown: Snellville, Georgia school: South Gwinnett State, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Many prospects who make earlier commitments ultimately choose to visit other schools before they sign the following February. Muldrow isn’t even sure if anybody is still recruiting him, and he doesn’t care, either. “I’m done,” he said. “I told my [high school] coach not to even give me any mail they send to the school anymore unless it’s from South Carolina.” He has even spoken with some other prospects about joining him at USC. “All of the people that I’ve met throughout the whole recruiting process, if I know them pretty well, I always tell them to look at South Carolina.” Muldrow’s team has already played its first game of his senior season. In a close loss to Lowndes (Ga.) High, he racked up 2.5 sacks and six tackles, and also played on the offensive side of the ball. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff has told the Georgia recruit they believe he will be a good fit at one of their more unique positions. “Spur ’backer,” he replied when asked where he would begin his career. “It’s their hybrid linebacker position. It will be a real easy transition. You can drop back or rush the passer. I’ve played pretty much every position on the defense [in high school], so I’m a pretty versatile player.” The athletic defender hopes to make an immediate impact in Columbia when he arrives in the summer of 2011. “I plan on going in freshman year, earning my spot on the field and playing as a true freshman,” he said. “I want to help the team get a new mentality. I hope to be a leader and hope to get them to a national championship.”

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Uncertainty Hangs Over Season Opener BY CHRISTOPER THOMPSON

houldn’t we have a better read on what to expect from the Gamecocks in their opener?

It certainly feels the same as seasons past — it’s another Thursday-night start on ESPN. Attention, as always, is focused on coach Steve Spurrier and his dysfunctional relationship with his starting quarterback. Carolina is picked to finish middle of the pack in the SEC East. Ho-hum, nothing new there. So why is there so much uncertainty about how the Gamecocks will play against Southern Miss? Because many of the same questions that pestered last year’s team (a squad that should have trademarked the phrase “rollercoaster season”) remain unanswered going into 2010. The jury is still out on Shawn Elliott. Seemingly another bright young hire in the mold of predecessor Eric Wolford, Elliott’s brought some fresh ideas and a revamped blocking attack to Carolina. But Elliott’s only as good as the players he puts on the field, and depth along the offensive line could again plague the Gamecock offense. Attrition in the offseason, injuries in the preseason … and suddenly Elliott’s playing with the same hand that got dealt to Wolford in 2009. Freshmen could be forced — not promoted, forced — into playing a prominent role along the line before the year is over in the always-physical SEC. The Head Ball Coach boasted about his team’s leadership going into the new season, and his words hold merit. The Gamecocks have players on both sides of the ball that are strong on talent and on character, and seem more than capable of taking the reins from respected departed starters like Eric Norwood and Garrett Anderson. However, there are lingering issues here, too. Already in the preseason, a tight end seemingly out of second chances attracted unwanted attention to the program. The NCAA’s frequent-flyer program got another boost as investigators found themselves booking return trips to Columbia, this time looking into the living arrangements

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

corner of multiple Gamecock players in a luxury hotel. These episodes not only created headlines throughout the world of college football, they created distractions for a team that was working diligently to erase the frigid and frustrating memories of Jan. 2 in Birmingham, Ala. And the topic of that bowl debacle dovetails nicely into another unanswered question going into the new season: What’s the mindset of Stephen Garcia? The quarterback shed some tears after the loss to Connecticut and vowed to make amends. But he’s been dogged at every turn by his own coach during the offseason and into preseason camp, to the point where many wonder if the usually confident Garcia’s psyche can recover. Is Spurrier right to prepare Connor Shaw for playing time? Absolutely. No SEC team should ever start a season without a capable backup. But the coach needs to invest some faith in Garcia at some point prior to kickoff. The quarterback who dove for that now famous first down against Kentucky last year wouldn’t make that effort if he had one eye on the sideline, wondering if this was the play that would get him demoted. Garcia may have needed another nudge toward becoming an upper-echelon QB, but Spurrier may have instead delivered a body blow with all of the public haranguing. These lingering clouds — line depth, leadership and the state of Garcia’s head — call into question the kind of team that will take the field against the Golden Eagles on Thursday night. However, the Gamecocks have accumulated too much talent over the past few years to succumb to opening night jitters on their home turf. A strong showing, like 2008’s effort against NC State and not the return trip to Raleigh last season could do wonders toward pushing those lingering clouds out of the Carolina atmosphere.

Breakout Game? Not On Our Turf Southern Miss to Get SEC Education OPINION BY JAMES HARLEY

uch has been made of the glowing confidence exuding from the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles camp over the past few weeks as they have prepared to face the Gamecocks for the first time ever in the 2010 season opener. Noting the extra attention of playing on national television on opening night, Head coach Larry Fedora made the provocative statement that “every college football fan in this country will be watching us — watching the Golden Eagles beating South Carolina,” while receiver Kelvin Bolden assured fans that “can’t nobody mess with us … we’ve just got too many weapons.” Referring to the Southern Miss receiving corps, he went on to add “they might as well get ready to call us the bomb squad.” And why shouldn’t these guys be confident? This is a school that has been to eight straight bowl games and boasts a streak of 16 consecutive winning seasons. On top of that, last year the 7-6 Golden Eagles finished 18th in the nation in scoring, averaging over 32 points per game while the Gamecocks checked in at a pitiful 102nd with an average of just over 20. While the numbers do not lie they can certainly be misleading, and this is why despite all the chest thumping and smack talking going on over at Southern Miss … no one really believes them. Vegas has the Gamecocks favored by two touchdowns, perhaps because they just don’t trust the opinions of a receiver who transferred from the mighty football powerhouse known as

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and who is yet to play a snap in a major college football game. Of course, it could also have something to do with who those impressive numbers were racked up against, as Conference USA teams are hardly known for beating each other up on the way to national championship glory. Bringing the seemingly high Eagles back down to earth, the school has not beaten a ranked team since 2003 and have lost nine in a row to SEC opponents, their last victory coming in 2000 over an unimpressive 3-8 Alabama squad. Throw in their 1-5 record on the road last season and a bowl loss to Middle Tennessee State, the best team in all of middle Tennessee except Vanderbilt, and they start looking more and more like Southern Mrs. University. Meanwhile the Gamecocks are 24-3 versus non-conference opponents in Columbia over the last decade, with all three losses coming, predictably, at the paws of Clemson, a BCS conference school. USC also extended its opening game winning streak to 10 last year, including four BCS schools, by defeating North Carolina State yet again. Add the team trends into the equation and we see that Southern Miss’ high scoring offense, the most impressive feature of the team, lost four linemen as well as their top running back, Damion Fletcher, while the Gamecocks are seen to be improving on the same front as the line matures and the stable of talented backs grows even larger. The list goes on, but all of this is simply to say sorry, Golden Eagles, as a mid-level Conference USA team you just aren’t ready to compete with a mid-level SEC school on the field, regardless of how confident you are up in your heads or how loud you are in your mouths. Coach Fedora may be fired up and “expecting a breakout year,” but that will have to begin in week two with the home match up against those ferocious Panthers of Prairie View A&M. Unfortunately, the only way you’re going to leave Columbia known as the “bomb squad” is when you bomb. Gamecocks 31, Golden Eagles 13.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Explaining the Game

BY CHRIS DEARING

Johnson Says Defense Still Strong Despite Key Losses

e is the silver-headed member of the South Carolina coaching staff. He prefers to watch from the press box instead of the sidelines. He leaves the on-the-field coaching to the other defensive assistants while he relays messages on the headset.

For Ellis Johnson, the game has not changed much on the dawn of his 29th collegiate season, even though his outward appearance has. He said it all boils down to simple fundamentals and doing what is expected. “If you work hard and do what is right, you will have success,” Johnson said. “The game of football really comes down to who blocks and tackles the best. It’s not that difficult. It’s our

24 26

job on defense to make sure we do everything we can to stop the other team and give our offense a chance to win the game.” The Gamecocks’ assistant head coach and leader of the linebackers has built an impressive resume in his career and has enhanced that image going into his third year at USC. In 2008, the Gamecocks ranked 13th nationally in total defense and second in pass defense. Last year, USC was 15th nationally in total defense and finished third in the SEC behind Alabama and Florida. But he has the challenge this year of replacing one of the most decorated defenders in Gamecock history, with the departure of Eric Norwood to the NFL. Johnson talked about what it takes to remain one of the upper echelon defenses in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference in the country. “The SEC is all about speed,” Johnson said. “You have to have guys that once they arrive at the ball-carrier, packs a punch. If you don’t, you won’t survive in the SEC. We have some guys that are like that. What we need to do now is get some more of them. I think we can make that next step in being a great defense.” The secondary and defensive line seem to be the strengths of the defense going into 2010. There is experience and depth at most of the positions and as long as that part of the defense stays healthy, similar results could occur. But Johnson, who many consider the head coach of the defense while Steve Spurrier handles the offense, is a little worried about his linebackers. Not only have they lost Norwood, the school’s all-time sack leader, but a lingering hamstring injury has limited outside linebacker Shaq Wilson to very few snaps in the preseason. He is questionable going into Thursday’s opener against Southern Miss after leading the team in tackles last year. If Wilson is unable to go, either Tony Straughter or Quin Smith will likely fi ll the role. Both are expected to see action. “Losing Shaq has been a big blow,” Johnson said. “But I feel comfortable with either Tony or Quin in there. They both have had solid camps.” Johnson hopes he will have the services of fift h-year junior Rodney Paulk for an entire

season. Two years ago, Paulk redshirted after being limited to four games because of a knee injury. Last year, he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the opener against NC State and missed his second consecutive season. “He is physically fine,” Johnson said. “I can tell he has been out for two years, though. There are a lot of little things that he has forgotten but he is doing fine. Rodney will never be the flashiest guy on the team but he flat-out knows what is supposed to be going on.” As long as Wilson is sidelined, Paulk will be the quarterback of the defense. He is learning the Will and Mike positions. Josh Dickerson has also had a solid preseason camp and will contribute. He and Paulk will see action in the middle and Johnson does not believe there is a drop-off between the two. Qua Gilchrist and Reginald Bowens are two players fighting for playing time. “We don’t have a lot of depth but these guys have learned to play all the positions,” Johnson said. “Dickerson has had as good a camp as anybody.” One of the biggest knocks against this group of linebackers is they are not very big. They are all in the 6-foot, 220 to 230 pound range. Johnson did not seem to be concerned. “I’m not worried about that at all,” Johnson said. “We might give away some things in the height and weight department but I think we make up for it in toughness and intelligence. Those guys know how to play football. All we have to do is get them all on the field at the same time.” Even though the preseason has had its up and downs with the distractions of the NCAA investigation into The Whitney hotel shenanigans, Johnson believes the defense on a whole can repeat what it has done the past two seasons. “I’m excited about this group,” Johnson said. “I wish we would have one or two more guys step up and act like they wanted to play but on a whole we should be as good as we have been. The key for us is keeping everyone healthy and on the same page because if our ones and some of our twos go down, I’m not sure where we would turn.”

SHAQ WILSON – When Norwood was here, I thought he was the one making sure that everyone was in the right position. But since he has left, he said Shaq was responsible for that. He understands the game as much as any player I have ever been around.

JOSH DICKERSON – Josh was a guy that when he first arrived, he thought about things too much. He is letting his natural ability take over now and he has a chance to be a really good one. TONY STRAUGHTER – Tony is a natural linebacker. He didn’t get a lot of snaps last year but he will be counted to make big plays for us this year. RODNEY PAULK – I’m not worried about Rodney. If he can stay healthy and stay on the field for us this year, he will be productive.

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIU USC MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

roster

No. Name

Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Cl.

Hometown/High School/Last College

7 91 26 3 28 43 4 49 80 32 15 65 99 50 60 50 77 12 48 58 17 87 23 42 94 41 47 66 15 61 52 5 78 43 3 5 9 29 69 81 27 57 21 51 6 1 33 70 55 13 76 34 21 18 40 35 86 84 10 39 83 92 54 31 82 62 30 90 68 31 67 45 72 42 53 9 10

SS 6-0 DT 6-1 Spur 6-2 FS 5-10 TB 5-11 FB 5-9 WR 6-4 Spur 5-9 WR 6-2 LB 6-2 QB 6-2 OC 6-5 PK 6-1 LB 5-11 OG 6-3 OG 6-3 OT 6-6 QB 6-2 FB 5-11 DS 6-4 CB 6-1 TE 6-3 CB 5-11 P 6-2 DT 6-3 LB 6-1 FB/TE 6-1 OT 6-4 P 5-11 OL 6-4 DE 6-4 QB 6-2 OT 6-6 LB 6-1 TB 5-11 CB 6-1 SS 5-10 DE 6-1 DS 6-0 WR 6-5 CB 5-9 P 6-2 SS 6-2 DS 5-9 DT 6-2 WR 6-4 Spur 6-3 DT 6-0 OC 6-4 WR 5-8 OT 6-5 P/PK 5-11 TB 6-0 WR 5-11 LB 6-3 CB 5-11 WR 6-1 TE 6-3 TB 5-11 CB 5-10 DE 6-4 DE 6-5 LB 6-0 TB 5-10 WR 6-4 DS/LB 6-1 FS 5-10 PK 6-1 OT 6-5 FS 5-11 OC 6-1 LB 6-0 OT 6-4 DT 6-4 OT 6-6 WR 5-7 CB 5-11

Jacksonville, Fla./Andrew Jackson Riverdale, Ga./Banneker/Hargrave Military Ocala, Fla./Trinity Catholic/Fork Union Military Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna/Fork Union Mil. Jacksonville, Fla./Edward H. White/Fork Un. Military Ridgeland, S.C./Thomas Heyward Academy Charlotte, N.C./Independence Columbia, S.C./Lexington Douglas, Ga./Coffee County Holly Springs, N.C./Garner Lincolnton, N.C./E. Lincoln/Char. South./Campbell Leesburg, Ga./Lee County Myrtle Beach, S.C./Myrtle Beach Palm Harbor, Fla./East Lake Austell, Ga./South Cobb Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt Charleston, S.C./West Ashley/Pikeville College Tampa, Fla./Wharton Mary Esther, Fla./Fort Walton Beach Laurens, S.C./Laurens Academy Garner, N.C./Garner Pageland, S.C./Central Columbia, S.C./Dutch Fork/Carson-Newman Newberry, S.C./Newberry Newberry, S.C./Newberry Kingsland, Ga./Camden County/Geo. Military Altamonte Springs, Fla./Lake Brantley Lumberton, N.C./Lumberton Shelby, N.C./Burns Fork, S.C./Lake View/Coastal Carolina Jamestown, S.C./Timberland Lutz, Fla./Jefferson Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln Abbeville, S.C./Abbeville/Butler County CC Tampa, Fla./Gaither Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Decatur, Ga./Southwest Dekalb Auburn, Ga./Apalachee McColl, S.C./Marlboro County Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill/New Hampton Prep Darlington, S.C./Darlington Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork/Tennessee Rock Hill, S.C./South Pointe Columbia, S.C./Hammond School Hamlet, N.C./Richmond County St. Matthews, S.C./Calhoun County Columbia, S.C./Columbia Green Pond, S.C./Colleton County/Ft Scott C.C. Aynor, S.C./Aynor Moore, S.C./Byrnes North Charleston, S.C./N. Char./Geo. Military Rock Hill, S.C./York Comprehensive Duncan, S.C./Byrnes Ocala, Fla./Trinity Catholic Chapin, S.C./Chapin/Alabama Beaufort, S.C./Beaufort Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork Powder Springs, Ga./Harrison/UCF Anderson, S.C./T.L. Hanna York, S.C./York Comprehensive Cheraw, S.C./Cheraw Laurinburg, N.C./Scotland County Raleigh, N.C./Garner Lawrenceville, Ga./Brookwood Bowling Green, Ky./Bowling Green Buford, Ga./Mill Creek/Emory & Henry Hudson, Mass./Hudson/Dean College Aiken, S.C./South Aiken Sumter, S.C./Sumter New Milford, N.J./Bergen Catholic Cocoa, Fla./Cocoa Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast Columbia, S.C./Spring Valley Laurinburg, N.C./Scotland County Havelock, N.C./Havelock Bradenton, Fla./Manatee LaGrange, Ga./Troup County

Corey Addison Ladi Ajiboye Antonio Allen Akeem Auguste Eric Baker Jacob Baker Jason Barnes Blake Baxley DeMario Bennett Reginald Bowens Payton Brady Ryan Broadhead Jordan Butler Billy Byrne Terrence Campbell A.J. Cann Garrett Chisolm Andrew Clifford Matt Coffee Ryland Culbertson Chris Culliver Justice Cunningham Brandan Davis Eric Davis Kenny Davis Josh Dickerson Patrick DiMarco Hutch Eckerson Patrick Fish Travis Ford Aldrick Fordham Stephen Garcia Cody Gibson Qua Gilchrist Jarvis Giles Stephon Gilmore Sharrod Golightly Chaun Gresham Matthew Grooms Tori Gurley Victor Hampton C.J. Heinz DeVonte Holloman Walker Inabinet Melvin Ingram Alshon Jeffery Damario Jeffery Byron Jerideau T.J. Johnson Nick Jones Jarriel King Spencer Lanning Marcus Lattimore Dion LeCorn Calvin Lee Jimmy Legree Blair Lowery Kyle Madden Brian Maddox Marty Markett Cliff Matthews Byron McKnight Connor McLaurin Kenny Miles D.L. Moore Davis Moore Bret Morgan Joshua Newton Kyle Nunn Matt Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Ronald Patrick Rodney Paulk Quintin Richardson Travian Robertson Corey Robinson Ace Sanders Cadarious Sanders

204 290 205 191 190 189 211 198 174 240 210 264 175 223 305 286 303 219 225 260 201 268 174 172 303 225 243 281 170 250 263 227 269 231 186 189 181 238 244 230 188 200 228 194 264 233 220 339 302 189 324 192 218 217 225 178 190 248 229 168 268 235 225 192 211 212 180 193 304 182 292 225 276 293 317 166 180

RS FR SR JR JR JR SO JR SR RS FR SO SO JR FR RS FR JR FR SR RS FR FR FR SR SO JR SO SO SR SR SR FR RS FR SO JR FR SO SO SO FR RS FR SR SO FR SO SO SO JR SO SO SO SO FR SR SR FR SR SO RS FR SO SO SR JR SR JR RS FR SO SO RS FR SO SO JR RS FR FR SR JR JR FR FR FR

88 46 8 14 28 22 95 75 19 24 20 44 11 97 90 36 98 7 89 59 63 73 85 12 57 46 16 25 18 81

Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Cl.

Weslye Saunders TE Joey Scribner-Howard PK Lamar Scruggs WR Connor Shaw QB Jared Shaw FS Bryce Sherman TB Corey Simmons DE Steven Singleton OG DeAngelo Smith WR Quin Smith LB Cedrick Snead WR Tony Straughter LB Seth Strickland QB J.T. Surratt DT Chaz Sutton DE D.J. Swearinger FS Devin Taylor DE Dylan Thompson QB Mike Triglia TE Charles Turner DS Chris Vaughn DS Rokevious Watkins OG Kevin White WR C.C. Whitlock CB Tramell Williams OG Dalton Wilson FB Shaq Wilson LB Alonzo Winfield SS Jay Wooten PK Adam Yates PK

6-5 6-1 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-4 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-7 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-1

270 207 227 202 182 155 253 303 181 233 181 201 191 300 244 201 249 209 239 250 272 325 206 178 299 220 229 218 198 217

depth

SR JR RS FR FR SO SO FR SR RS FR RS FR JR SR SO FR RS FR SO SO FR SO SR JR JR JR JR FR SO JR SO JR SO

Hometown/High School/Last College

Durham, N.C./Riverside Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork/Carson-Newman Jacksonville Beach, Fla./Fletcher Flowery Branch, Ga./Flowery Branch Fort Mill, S.C./Fort Mill/Newberry Winston-Salem, N.C./Carver Lawrenceville, Ga./Greater Atlanta Christian Buford, Ga./Buford/Georgia Military Kingsland, Ga./Camden County Lenoir, N.C./Hibriten Garner, N.C./Garner Madison, Fla./Madison County/Geo. Military Laurens, S.C./Laurens Winston-Salem, N.C./Parkland Savannah, Ga./Jenkins/Fork Union Military Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood Beaufort, S.C./Beaufort Boiling Springs, S.C./Boiling Springs Jacksonville, Fla./The Bolles School Roebuck, S.C./Dorman Columbia, S.C./Irmo Fairburn, Ga./Creekside/Georgia Military North Charleston, S.C./Ft Dorchester/Newberry Chester, S.C./Chester Jacksonville, Fla./Lee Williston, S.C./Williston-Elko Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast Winston-Salem, N.C./Carver Laurinburg, N.C./Scotland County/N.Carolina Sparks, MD/Hereford

coaches Steve Spurrier - Head Coach Shane Beamer - Spurs & SS/Recruiting Coord/Special Teams Coord Shawn Elliott - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator Craig Fitzgerald - Director of Football Strength & Conditioning Jay Graham - Running Backs/Asst. Special Teams Coordinator Johnson Hunter - Tight Ends/Assistant Special Teams Coordinator Ellis Johnson - Asst. Head Coach/Asst. Coach - Defense/ Linebackers Brad Lawing - Defensive Line G.A. Mangus - Quarterbacks Jamie Speronis - Director of Football Operations Steve Spurrier, Jr. - Receivers Lorenzo Ward - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Mike Gasparato - Graduate Assistant Dennis Thomas - Graduate Assistant Orus Lambert - Graduate Assistant Robbie Liles - Director of High School Relations Scott Morgan - Graduate Assistant Patrick Shine - Administrative Coordinator for Recruiting Scott Spurrier - Graduate Assistant

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPIu

Iusc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

VILLAGE AT SANDHILL

2006

2007

460-2 Town Center 2007 788-6200

IRMO

285 Columbiana Drive 407-6443

2008

VISTA

931 Senate Street 799-0441 2010

LEXINGTON

Great for Study Breaks!

Hwy 378 (Target Center) 356-1007

FOREST ACRES 4751 Forest Drive 787-3178

Call Ahead at 799-0441 for tailgating Recharge after the game

<D <6B:8D8@H

Also located in CHARLESTON, MOUNT PLEASANT, & WEST ASHLEY

usc VS SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

SEPT. 02

SEPT. 11

SEPT. 18

SEPT. 25

OCT. 09

OCT. 16

USC | S. MISS

USC | GEORGIA

USC | FURMAN

USC | AUBURN

USC | ALABAMA

USC | KENTUCKY

OCT. 23

OCT. 30

NOV. 06

NOV. 13

NOV. 20

NOV. 27

USC | VANDERBILT

USC | TENNESSEE

USC | ARKANSAS

USC | FLORIDA

USC | TROY

USC | CLEMSON

with Time Warner Cable! Get the best in TV entertainment with Cable, the blazing-fast speed of Road Runner® High Speed Online and the unlimited calling plans of Digital Home Phone.

Proud sponsor of

University of South Carolina Football

CALL 1-800-TW-CABLE | VISIT YourTWC.com (1-800-892-2253)