May 15, 2006

South Carolina cornerback Fred Bennett and wide receiver Sidney Rice have been named to the first-team All-Southeastern Conference pre-season team, according to The Sporting News.

In addition, the national publication tabs both Bennett and Rice on its second-team pre-season All-America squad. Bennett is regarded as the No. 3 cornerback in the country, while Rice is regarded as the fourth-best receiver in the nation.

Bennett, a senior from Manning, S.C. is the lone returning starter in the Gamecock secondary. He earned honorable mention All-SEC honors in 2005 after intercepting three pass and leading the team with 10 pass breakups. The 6-1, 199-pound defensive back has logged seven interceptions in his career while appearing in all 35 games over the past three seasons.

Rice, a sophomore from Gaffney, S.C. was an all-league selection last fall after setting the school’s single-season records for receiving yards (1,143) and touchdown catches (13). He posted six 100-yard games, culminating with a 12-catch, 191-yard performance in the Independence Bowl. The 6-4, 200-pounder was the 2005 Rival.com National Freshman of the Year.

The Sporting News 2006 National College Football Yearbook goes on sale in June.