Jan. 9, 2006

Quarterback Antonio Heffner and tailback Albert Ashcraft will transfer from the University of South Carolina, Gamecocks’ head coach Steve Spurrier announced today. In addition, linebacker Dustin Lindsey has been ruled academically ineligible and will not compete in the 2006 season.

“We wish both Antonio and Albert well,” said Spurrier. “I think they are making smart decisions. Antonio will transfer to (Division I-AA) Tennessee State where hopefully he will be their starting quarterback in an offense more suited to his talents. Albert will transfer to Western Carolina where he will run track,” said Spurrier.

Heffner, a 6-1, 187-pound redshirt freshman from Memphis, Tenn. was 22-for-33 for 236 yards and two touchdowns as a reserve quarterback in 2005. He was the starter at Auburn, replacing an injured Blake Mitchell, and completed 15-of-23 passes for 133 yards in a 48-7 loss. He also saw limited action at wide receiver where he caught one pass for seven yards.

Ashcraft, a 6-3, 198-pound redshirt freshman from Monroe, N.C. did not see any action during the 2005 season.

Lindsey, a 6-3, 215-pound sophomore from Mobile, Ala., started four games during the 2005 campaign. He finished third on the squad with 58 tackles, including 36 solo stops. He recorded 6.5 tackles for loss including a pair of sacks.