Dec. 18, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Rick Stockstill, who has demonstrated the ability to develop and coach big-time receivers throughout his 22-year college coaching career and has recruited 16 players that have been drafted or signed as free agents over the last five years, has been named assistant football coach at the University of South Carolina. Stockstill will coach the Gamecock receivers. He was the offensive coordinator at East Carolina this past season.

Stockstill was on the coaching staff at Clemson from 1989-2002, where he helped lead the Tigers to some of their most proficient offensive performances in school history. He served in a variety of capacities during his tenure with Clemson, working as recruiting coordinator, wide receivers coach, co-offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. One of his prize pupils was All-America wide receiver Rod Gardner, who now stars with the Washington Redskins and was the number 15 pick of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Stockstill played an integral role in Clemson’s offense setting more than 100 school records from 1998-2002. Also recognized as a top-notch recruiter, Stockstill is credited with recruiting Clemson’s all-time leading rusher (Raymond Priester), all-time leading passer (Woodrow Dantzler), and all-time leading receiver (Rod Gardner). Stockstill has coached in 11 bowl games during his career.

“Rick Stockstill is a proven coach, he’s a proven winner and he has shown the ability to develop outstanding talent throughout his coaching career,” said USC head coach Lou Holtz, who was on the road recruiting Thursday. “He has always impressed me with his coaching ability, and after having the opportunity to visit with him, I’m even more impressed and confident that he will be an outstanding addition to our football program.”

Stockstill said he was “extremely excited about joining Coach Holtz and the Gamecock staff.”

“To have the opportunity to work with a coach who has experienced the level of success like Coach Holtz is something that I’m really looking forward to,” said Stockstill. “I’m familiar with most of the athletes on South Carolina’s team and I can’t wait to get around this group of young people and work towards building the caliber of program that the University and Gamecock fans want to have. To also have the opportunity to coach in the SEC, which is arguably the most competitive conference in America, is something that I’ve really wanted to do for a long time. My family and I are excited about coming to Carolina.”

Stockstill also has coaching experience at the University of Central Florida (1985-88), where he tutored wide receiver Shawn Jefferson, who is currently a 13-year NFL veteran, and at Bethune-Cookman (1983-84). Born Dec. 23, 1959 in Sidney, Ohio, Stockstill grew up in Fernandina Beach, Fla. Stockstill was a three-year letterman at Florida State as a quarterback. He was team captain and honorable mention All-America in 1981 under Coach Bobby Bowden. He received his bachelor’s degree from FSU in 1982.

He and his wife, the former Sara Fleischman, have a son, Brent, and a daughter, Emily.