February 7, 2002
Charles Ben, B, 6-1, 185, Fr., St. Matthews, SC (Calhoun County)
Frederick Bennett, B, 6-2, 160, Fr., Manning, SC (Manning)
Andy Boyd, L, 6-5, 230, Fr., Concord, NC (Concord)
Regis Edgerson, B, 6-1, 210, Fr., Garfield Hts, OH (Garfield Heights)
Aryhel Freeman, B, 6-2, 180, Fr., East Point, GA, (East Point)
Jon Hall, L, 6-5, 280, Fr., Cisco, GA (Murray County)
Jermaine Harris, B, 6-4, 210, JC, Peachtree City, GA (Georgia Military College)
Andre Hemphill, B, 6-2, 185, Fr., Brevard, NC (Brevard)
D’Von Hill, B, 6-4, 202, Fr., Greenwood, SC (Greenwood)
Ricardo Hurley, L, 6-3, 235, Fr., Greenwood, SC (Greenwood)
Kenny Irons, B, 5-11, 180, Fr., Dacula, GA (Dacula)
Randy Jackson, L, 6-4, 270, JC, Lancaster, SC (Georgia Military College/Lancaster HS)
Jabari Levey, L, 6-7, 295, Fr., Moncks Corner, SC (Berkeley)
Kris Mick, L, 6-5, 285, Fr., Troy, OH (Troy HS)
Taqiy Muhammad, B, 5-11, 172, JC, Wilmington, NC (Butler CC (KS)/Wilmington Laney)
Corey Peoples, B, 6-2, 200, JC, Bishopville, SC (Georgia Military College/Bishopville)
Brandon Robinson, L, 6-4, 260, Fr., Cumming, GA (South Forsyth)
Brandon Schweitzer, B, 6-3, 235, Fr., Hendersonville, NC (West Henderson)
Stephen Sene, L, 6-6, 280, Fr., Columbia, SC (Dutch Fork)
Darel Slay, L, 6-4, 250, JC, Brunswick, GA (Holmes CC (MS)/Brunswick HS)
Bennett Swygert, B, 6-3, 195, Fr., Summerville, SC (Summerville)
Moe Thompson, L, 6-3, 251, Fr., Goose Creek, SC (Stratford)
Daccus Turman, B, 6-1, 215, Washington, GA (Hargrave Military School (Va.)/Washington County)
Tremaine Tyler, B, 6-0, 275, Fr., Cope, SC (Edisto)
Chris White, L, 6-4, 290, Fr., Chester, SC (Chester)
Troy Williamson, B, 6-2, 185, Fr., Jackson, SC (Silver Bluff)
2002 USC Football Signee Bios
Charles Ben, B, 6-1, 185, St. Matthews, S.C. (Calhoun County)
? Prep Star All-American and member of Prep Star Dream Team
? Rated No. 1 best WR prospect in Atlantic and No. 4 best WR in nation according to Prep Star
? Rated No. 17 best WR prospect in nation by Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report
? Rated No. 28 best WR prospect in nation according to SuperPrep
? SuperPrep All-American rated sixth best prospect in South Carolina
? Named one of the Top 12 players in South Carolina by Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? Played in 2001 Shrine Bowl
? Class AA Offensive Player of the Year by High School Sports Report
? Named to Class AA All-State Team by High School Sports Report
? Finished 2001 season with 56 catches for 650 yards and six TD’s
? Also played quarterback for high school team this season
? Finished 2000 season with 53 catches for 1020 yards and 23 TD’s
? Has a 37″ vertical leap
? Runs a 4.4 40 yard dash
? Also a standout two-time All-State basketball player
? Chose South Carolina over Clemson, Florida State and Tennessee
? Played for coach Chris Rumph (former Gamecock defensive standout) at Calhoun County HS
Frederick Bennett, B, 6-2, 160, Manning, SC (Manning)
? Rated No. 4 best prospect in South Carolina according to SuperPrep
? Accumulated 35 tackles with six interceptions last year
? Also played wide receiver and caught 52 balls for 1162 yards and 22 TD’s
? Played in 2001 Shrine Bowl
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Runs a 4.5 40 yard dash
? Also considered Clemson and North Carolina
? Played for coach Robbie Briggs at Manning HS
? Says Coach Briggs: “Frederick is a gifted athlete and a great person. He is a competitor that should do a lot for the Carolina program in the next four years. South Carolina has put together a winning football atmosphere he wants to be a part of. He is a difference-maker.”
Andy Boyd, L, 6-5, 230, Fr., Concord, NC
? Rated No. 17 best prospect in North Carolina according to SuperPrep
? Had 102 tackles with three interceptions as a senior
? Prep Star All-Region
? Two-time all-conference and all-county selection
? Shrine Bowl All-Star in 2001
? Runs a 4.8 40 yard dash
? A two-way performer for Concord
? Chose South Carolina over Boston College, Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee
? Played for coach E.Z. Smith at Concord HS.
? Says Coach Smith: “Andy epitomizes the term student-athlete. His intensity in football and in the weight room is wonderful. He can play either side of the ball and has a very solid frame. He had soft hands as a tight end and had the tenacity on defense to play linebacker. He has that something special that gives him his edge.”
Regis Edgerson, B, 6-1, 210, Garfield Heights, OH (Garfield Heights)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 5 best RB in Midwest according to Prep Star
? Rated the No. 10 best athlete in Nation according to Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report
? Rated No. 52 best prospect in the Midwest according to SuperPrep
? Rushed for 1859 yards with 22 touchdowns and 7.7 yards per carry
? Runs a 4.5 40 yard dash
? Also considered Boston College, Wisconsin and Georgia Tech
? Played for coach Chuck Reisland at Garfield Hts. HS
? Says Coach Reisland: “Regis is a unique player. He has the whole package you look for in a running back, size, strength and speed. He is the kind of playeryou like to coach and is physically gifted.”
Aryhel Freeman, B, 6-2, 180, East Point, GA (Tri Cities)
? SuperPrep All-America
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 20 best QB prospect in nation according to SuperPrep
? Rated the No. 9 best prospect in the state of Georgia by SuperPrep
? Rated the No. 4 best QB prospect in the Southeast Region by Prep Star
? Passed for 1600 yards with 18 touchdowns and ran for 500 yards with 5 touchdowns in last 10 high school games
? Also considered North Carolina and Clemson
? Runs a 4.6 40 yard dash
? Played for coach Michael Tanks at East Point, GA
Jon Hall, L, 6-5, 280, Cisco, GA (Murray County)
? Played in 2001 Georgia/Florida High School All-Star Football Game
? Team captain in 2001 at Murray County
? Honorable mention All-Region by Prep Star
? Also considered Georgia
? Played for Coach Bill Napier at Murray County HS
? Says Coach Napier: “He’s a big-time recruit. He has a lot of athletic ability, long arms and his quick feet are his biggest asset. He really has a great deal of athletic ability for a big player.”
Jermaine Harris, B, Peachtree City, GA (Georgia Military College)
? Nephew of former Pittsburgh Steeler and Hall-of-Fame running back Franco Harris
? 2001 NJCAA All-American First Team at Defensive Back
? Runs a 4.5 40 yard dash
? Member of the top defense in the NJCAA, allowing only 67 yards per game
? One of three players to commit from Georgia Military College
? Chose USC over Kentucky
? Played for Coach Bert Williams at Georgia Military College
Andre Hemphill, B, 6-2, 185, Brevard, NC (Brevard)
? Prep Star All-Region in the Atlantic
? Played in 2001 Shrine Bowl
? Finished 2001 season with 40 receptions for 879 yards and eight touchdowns
? Had 17 interceptions over the past two seasons
? Also considered North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech
? Played for Coach Dan Essenberg at Brevard HS
? Says Coach Essenberg: “Andre is a tremendously gifted athlete and a three-sport star. He brings size and speed to South Carolina and is a very hard worker. I think South Carolina has a good one in Andre. I know he will take advantage of this opportunity.
D’Von Hill, B, 6-4, 202, Greenwood, SC (Greenwood)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated No. 9 best WR prospect in the Atlantic by PrepStar
? Rated No. 14 best prospect in the state of South Carolina according to SuperPrep
? Finished senior season with 65 catches for 1000 yards and 10 TD’s.
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Also a letterman for high school basketball team
? Runs a 4.7 40 yard dash
? Chose USC over Auburn
? Played for coach Shell Dula at Greenwood HS
? Says Coach Dula: “D’Von is a very physical and gifted wide receiver. He does a tremendous job of gaining yards after the first hit on him. Very seldom did he go down after one hit and he would gain consistent yardage after contact.”
Ricardo Hurley, L, 6-3, 235, Greenwood, SC (Greenwood)
? Parade Magazine All-America
? 2001 Shrine Bowl participant
? Named Statewide All-Star and Statewide Defensive Player of the Year by High School Sports Report
? Prep Star All-American and member of Prep Star Dream Team
? Rated No. 1 best linebacker prospect in the nation according to Prep Star
? Rated No. 1 best linebacker prospect in the nation according to Rivals.Com
? SuperPrep All-America rated the No. 1 best prospect in the state of South Carolina
? Rated No. 3 best linebacker prospect in the nation according to SuperPrep
? Named First Team All-American by StudentSports
? First Team All-South according to Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? Finished 2001 season with 82 tackles, five sacks and three fumbles caused
? Rated No. 67 best prospect in the nation by Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report
? Recorded 22 tackles for loss in 2001 and 27 tackles for loss in 2000
? Led Greenwood High to state title in 2000
? 375 bench press
? Chose South Carolina over Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia Tech and Florida State
? Played for coach Shell Dula at Greenwood HS
Randy Jackson, L, 6-4, 270, Lancaster, SC (Georgia Military College/Lancaster HS)
? One of three 2002 signees to play at Georgia Military College
? Ranked No. 2 best JC prospect in nation by Rivals.Com
? Gifted defensive end who is rated No. 21 best JC player in the nation by SuperPrep
? Named the National Junior College Defensive Player of the Year in 2001
? 2001 NJCAA All-American First Team
? NJCAA Region XVII Player of the Year
? Member of 2001 NJCAA National Champions
? Had 41 tackles, 10 for loss and four sacks in 2001season
? Chose South Carolina over Clemson
? Played for coach Bert Williams
? Says Coach Williams: “Randy has good size and great speed and is a tremendous defensive player. He plays with a real intensity and is a good young man who has really matured. He understands how to motivate and be a leader and I expect great things from him.”
Kenny Irons, B, 5-11, 180, Dacula, GA (Dacula)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated No. 14 best RB prospect in nation according to Prep Star
? Rated in The Sporting News Top 25
? Named to Atlanta Journal-Constitiution Super 11
? Gwinnett County Back of the Year
? Atlanta Touchdown Club Back of the Week
? 2001 Georgia/Florida High School All-Star Football Game participant
? Rushed for 1,985 yards
? Chose South Carolina over Michigan, Auburn, Clemson and Georgia
? Played for coach Kevin Maloof at Dacula HS
Jabari Levey L 6-7 295 Moncks Corner, SC (Berkeley)
? SuperPrep All-America rated the No. 32 best offensive lineman prospect in the nation
? Rated No. 7 best prospect in South Carolina according to SuperPrep
? Ranked No. 16 best offensive line prospect in the country according to Student Sports
? Prep Star All-Region
? Played in 2001 Shrine Bowl
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Wears size 18 shoes
? Also considered Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida State
? Played for coach Jerry Brown at Berkeley HS, same high school as former USC offensive lineman Kevin Rivers
? Says Coach Brown: “Jabari is one of the better offensive linemen in the country. He is such a fine young man and has very good character. He is a very mobile player who is a tremendous athlete.”
Kris Mick, L, 6-5, 285, Troy, OH (Troy)
? Honorable Mention All-Region in the Midwest by Prep Star
? Named to Dayton Daily News All-Area Team
? An AP All-Ohio Second Team All-State on defense
? Played at the same high school as current Gamecock Ryan Brewer
? Coached by Steve Nolan at Troy HS
Taqiy Muhammad, B, 5-11, 172 Wilmington, NC (Butler CC/Wilmington Laney HS)
? Originally committed to South Carolina in 2000
? NJCAA All-American Second Team in 2001
? Was North Carolina state champion in the 110 high hurdles
? In final two years of high school football he rushed for 2,600 yards and 35 touchdowns
? Played for coach Tory Morrell at Butler CC
Corey Peoples, B, 6-2, 200, Bishopville, SC (Georgia Military College/Bishopville HS)
? One of three 2002 signees to play at Georgia Military College
? Rated No. 24 best JC prospect in nation by Rivals.Com
? Played for coach Bert Williams at Georgia Military College
? Says Coach Williams: “Corey is a tremendous athlete in the secondary. He is a big cornerback and is physical enough to play that position. He is a very serious player who is motivated to do what it takes to be successful and is a good leader by example.”
Brandon Robinson, L, 6-4, 260, Cumming, GA (South Forsyth)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 13 best OL prospect in the Southeast Region by Prep Star
? All-State in Georgia
? Bench press 315 pounds and squats 385 pounds
? Played for coach Norris Vaughan
? Says Coach Vaughan: “Brandon is a devastating blocker who graded high all season for our team. He had 15 pancakes and played tackle and center for us. He has tremendous feet and he will have an opportunity to grow and become bigger. South Carolina is getting a good one in Brandon.”
Brandon Schweitzer, B, 6-3, 235, Hendersonville, NC (West Henderson)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 5 best athlete in Atlantic Region by Prep Star
? Rated the No. 15 best prospect in the state of North Carolina according to SuperPrep
? Played in 2001 Shrine Bowl
? As a fullback, he gained 916 yards and scored 11 touchdowns
? Also finished the year with 77 tackles including 14 for loss
? An All-American and letter-winner in wrestling
? Bench presses 335 pounds
? Played for coach Dean Jones at West Henderson HS
? Also considered Florida and Maryland
? Says Coach Jones: “Brandon is a big, strong kid who is the first in the weight room and the last to leave. He’s never missed a practice or been late and is as good a football player as I have seen. He’s a throw-back football player who is tough and has been a great player to coach.”
Stephen Sene, L, 6-6, 280, Columbia, SC (Dutch Fork)
? Rated the No. 16 best prospect in the state of South Carolina according to SuperPrep
? 2001 Shrine Bowl All-Star
? Prep Star All-Region
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Also considered Clemson, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
? A three-year starter, allowed only one sack in his senior season
? All-conference performer
? Coached by Bill Kimrey
? Says Coach Kimrey: “Stephen is a phenomenal player who had a great second half of the season. He’s still growing and if he progresses he will have a chance to play. He has great feet and quickness off the ball.”
Darel Slay, L, 6-4, 250. Brunswick, GA (Holmes CC/Brunswick HS)
? Rated the No. 14 best JC prospect in the nation by SuperPrep and Rivals.Com
? NJCAA All-American in 2001 at linebacker
? Runs a 4.9 in the 40 yard dash
? Played for coach Hugh Shurden at Holmes CC (MS)
? Says Coach Shurden: “He’s been our leading tackler the past two seasons. He’s getting better every time he gets on the field. I’ll take another one like him any day. He’s a great kid and I think he has the potential of playing on Sundays.”
Bennett Swygert, B, 6-3, 195, Fr. , Summerville, SC Summerville
? Enrolled at USC in January of 2002 after tearing knee ligaments in senior season of high school in 2000
? Senior year, threw for 1,232 yards and 17 touchdowns
? Junior year, threw for 1,679 yards and 28 touchdowns
? A very athletic quarterback who has a strong arm
? All-Region selection
? Also played basketball
? Also considered North Carolina, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame
? Played for the nation’s winningest high school coach, John McKissick at Summerville HS
Moe Thompson, L, 6-3, 251, Goose Creek, SC (Stratford)
? Earned Mr. Football honors from the state of South Carolina, first player from Low Country to receive that award
? SuperPrep All-America is rated the No. 5 best tight end prospect in the nation
? Rated the No. 5 best prospect in the state of South Carolina by SuperPrep
? Rated the No. 15 best athlete in the Nation according to Tom Lemming of Prep Football Report
? Class AAAA Player of the Year by High School Sports Report
? Prep Star All-Region
? Rated one of the Top 12 players in the state of South Carolina by Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? 3rd Team All-South according to Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? Rated the No. 19 best TE prospect in Nation according to Rivals.Com
? Named to All-Southeast Offensive Team by StudentSports
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? 2001 Shrine Bowl member
? Caught 45 passes for 800 yards and 13 TD’s
? As a defensive end, Thompson finished with 85 tackles and five sacks
? Also lettered in basketball
? Chose South Carolina over North Carolina
? Coached by Ray Stackley at Stratford HS
? Says Coach Stackley: “Moe is a big player who can run, is very versatile and can play either side of the ball. He was a very fine tight end and defensive player for us. He’s an aggressive player and very good at getting off blocks. He has the toughness and drive to be a real good football player. Moe has a real strong defensive mentality.”
Daccus Turman, B, 6-1, 215, Washington, GA (Hargrave Military School (Va.)/Washington County)
? Originally signed in 2001 with Gamecocks
? Set the state of Georgia single-season rushing record with 3,167 yards
? That mark surpassed the old record set by Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker in 1979
? Named All-American in 2001 by StudentSports
? Runs a 4.7 40 yard dash
? Prepped at the same high school as USC defensive end Dennis Quinn
? Also considered Georgia, North Carolina State and North Carolina
? Played for Coach Frank Vohun at Washington-Wilkes
Tremaine Tyler, B, 6-0, 175, Cope, SC (Edisto)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 4 best athlete in the Atlantic Region by Prep Star
? Rated the No. 11 best prospect in the state of South Carolina by SuperPrep
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? One of the Top 12 players in the state of South Carolina according to Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? Two-way player in high school at both quarterback and defensive back
? 2001 Shrine Bowl participant
? Finished his senior season with five interceptions and 40 tackles
? Runs a 4.6 40 yard dash
? Chose South Carolina over Alabama, Georgia Tech and Louisville
? Coached by Andy Palmer at Edisto HS
? Says Coach Palmer: “Tremaine was a four-year starter for us and was the best player and athlete we had on our team. He has meant a lot to our program and was our first Shrine Bowl player since the mid 1990’s. He will be a tremendous asset to the South Carolina program.”
Chris White, L, 6-4, 290, Chester, SC (Chester)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated the No. 9 best OL prospect in the East
? Rated the No. 12 best prospect in the state of South Carolina by SuperPrep
? Bench presses 370 and squats 500 pounds
? 2001 Shrine Bowl participant
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Chose South Carolina over Clemson
? Coached by Ken Atkerson at Chester HS
? Says Coach Atkerson: “Chris has great feet and moves well off the ball. He is physically strong and what we really liked was his explosion off the football. We did a lot of pulling with our offensive line and he really moves well.”
Troy Williamson, B, 6-2, 185, Jackson, SC (Silver Bluff)
? Prep Star All-American
? Rated No. 5 best WR prospect in the Atlantic by Prep Star
? Rated No. 16 best WR prospect in the Nation according to Tom Lemming of ESPN and Prep Football Report
? Defending 100 and 200 meter champion in track and field in South Carolina
? Mr. Football Finalist in South Carolina
? SuperPrep All-America, rated the No. 5 best WR prospect in the nation
? Rated the No. 3 best prospect in the state of South Carolina by SuperPrep
? One of the Top 12 players in the state of South Carolina according to Forest Davis Football Recruiting
? Rated the No. 24 best WR prospect in the nation according to Student Sports
? Rated the No. 25 best WR prospect in the nation according to Rivals.Com
? Played for back-to-back high school state champions with 30 consecutive wins
? In Silver Bluff’s 21-20 victory over Batesburg-Leesville in AA Title Game, Williamson ran for 189 yards and had three touchdowns
? Finished with 21 catches for 500 yards and 890 yards rushing
? 2001 Shrine Bowl selection
? Named Statewide All-Star by High School Sports Report
? Class AA Player of the Year by High School Sports Report
? Chose South Carolina over Clemson and Tennessee
? Coached by Al Lown at Silver Bluff HS
? Says Coach Lown: “Troy has the explosiveness and ability to change the momentum of a game on one play. He can turn a game around and has the type of speed that you look for in a big-play receiver. Troy has a lot of respect for Coach Holtz and felt very comfortable at South Carolina during his visit.”
