April 22, 2002
Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina was well-represented at last weekend’s National Football League draft, as five Gamecocks were chosen in the first six rounds of the professional selection. Another four Gamecocks have reportedly signed free agent contracts with NFL clubs, as well.
Kalimba Edwards, a defensive end who was a two-time All-America pick at South Carolina, was the first Gamecock chosen in the draft, as he went early in the second round to the Detroit Lions as the 35th player overall. Sheldon Brown, a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award at cornerback last season for USC, was next, going later in the second round as the 59th pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. His runningmate in the secondary, cornerback Andre Goodman, was the 68th player picked, going in the third round to the Lions. Safetyman Willie Offord was likewise a third round selection, the 70th pick overall, going to the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, defensive end John Stamper was a sixth round choice, the 193rd player overall, going to the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Free agent contracts have also been inked by quarterback Phil Petty (Tennessee Titans), linebacker Kenny Harney (Green Bay Packers), offensive tackle Melvin Paige (Washington Redskins), and wide receiver Brian Scott (New York Jets).
The Lions made no bones about the fact that they were impressed with South Carolina’s talent this season, thus making two of their draft picks Gamecocks.
“They (South Carolina) had a lot of good players this year,” said Bill Tobin, the Lions’ executive director of player personnel. “Going to South Carolina this year was like going to Florida State most years. When I was there scouting they were undefeated and both (Kalimba) Edwards and (Andre) Goodman were really playing well.”
Matt Millen, Detroit’s general manager, is impressed with Edwards’ athleticism.
“He has good speed off the corner and we’re excited about his movement skills,” said Millen. “He should be able to help us right away in the pass rush department. He’s not a one-dimensional guy. He’s an every-down player who is going to benefit from some tutoring sessions with Charles Haley (Detroit’s defensive line coach).
Edwards says he’s thankful for the opportunity the Lions have presented him.
“I am extremely grateful to the Lions for selecting me and showing interest in me,” said Edwards. “I plan on giving them some productivity. I thought one of my strengths was the fact that I could play every down and that’s what I hope I can do for them.” Tobin likes Goodman’s speed and pass coverage abilities.
“He covers extremely well,” said Tobin. “He’s probably faster than anybody we have in the secondary. He has everything you want in a good corner.”
Brown was the second Gamecock taken in the draft. The Eagles like what they see in this cornerback.
“Sheldon was in a little bit of a unique situation at South Carolina,” said Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid. “But, we saw him play bump and run and do a little bit of back-pedal technique that you see in the NFL at the Senior Bowl.”
“This is like a dream come true,” said Brown. “I know the Eagles like to get after teams and they have a great defense.”
Brown went on to say that while his hometown of Ft. Lawn, S.C., “doesn’t have any stop lights,” he’s looking forward to making the transition to the bright lights of Philadelphia. “I’m excited,” said Brown. “I feel great about this opportunity.”
Offord was a late-bloomer for the Gamecocks whose physical style was tailor-made for what the Vikings were looking for.
“We’re very excited about picking a player like Willie Offord,” said Vikings’ head coach Mike Tice. “He’s a big, strong, physical guy and an excellent tackler. He comes from a very good and disciplined program at South Carolina.”
“Being physical is part of my game,” said Offord. “Being a rookie, I know I have a lot of things that I’m going to have to get better on, and that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”
Stamper’s defensive prowess caught the eye of Tampa Bay’s first-year head coach Jon Gruden.
“We went out and found big John Stamper at the University of South Carolina,” said Gruden. “He’s a guy who has a great motor, a very solid defensive end who will compete for a backup role. Who knows where he can go with his game?”
Stamper, whose Gamecock teams have won back-to-back Outback Bowls at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, says he’s a big fan of the Bucs’ defensive style.
“I know that I love their defense,” said Stamper. “They’ve always had a good tradition of having good defenses. Right now, I’ll be happy to do whatever they need me do. Whether it’s playing on special teams or coming in as a backup, whatever needs to be done, I am all for it.”
The five Gamecocks drafted last weekend equals the school’s previous best set in 1988, when there were 12 rounds of the NFL draft.
