Feb. 4, 2004

• Signing Day Quotes From Head Coach Lou Holtz
• What the Recruitng Experts are Saying About USC’s Signees

RECRUIT BIOS

Albert Ashcraft B 6-3 190 Fr. Monroe, NC Monroe
– Played running back at Monroe High School
– Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash
– Ran track in high school
– Ranked the 43rd best running back in the nation by Rivals.com
– Ranked the 17th best prospect in the state of North Carolina
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson and Tennessee
– Played for Coach Barry Cloninger
– Coach Cloninger on Albert: “The South Carolina coaching staff got one good find here. He is a 6’3 190 pound player who is going to get bigger and better over the next four years. He sets goals and then he goes about and accomplishes them. Overall, he is just a great football player. South Carolina will be very proud of him after his four years there, just like we are now after his time here.”
– Comments on Albert in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “Built like Eric Dickerson. Albert combines great size with excellent speed and balance. His vision allows him to spot the hole quickly and despite the size, he is very difficult for defenders to latch onto.”

C.J. Barber B 6-2 215 Fr. Rock Hill, SC Northwestern
– Ranked the 13th best safety in the nation by Rivals.com
– Ranked the eighth best player in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Played wide receiver and defensive back at Northwestern
– Intercepted six passes during the 2002 football season.
– Named to the High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State Team at defensive back
– Earned All-League, Area, and some All-State mention for his play at defensive back as a junior
– Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida
– Comments on C.J. in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “Northwestern coaches compare C.J. to former Prep Football Report All-American Jeff Burris. I see a ball player who gets a good jump and reacts well to the ball. He excels in man-to-man coverage and can really hit.”

Jeremy Burgess L 6-5 265 Fr. Loris, SC Loris
– Played offensive guard at Loris High School
– Runs a 5.1 40-yard dash
– Ranked 41st best offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com
– Rated the 12th best player in the state of South Carolina by High School Sports Report
– Named to the High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State Team on the offensive line
– His brother, Jackie Burgess, played at Liberty University and played later with the Cleveland Browns
– Rated the 10th best prospect in South Carolina by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Played for Coach Steve Campbell at Loris High School
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson
– Coach Campbell on Jeremy: “He is a highly motivated young man who works hard on and off the field. He graded out at 88% blocking and played in the Shrine Bowl. He is going to be a good player for South Carolina.”
– Comments on Jeremy in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “Jeremy excels both as a run and as a pass blocker. He shows better than average speed, good athletic ability and can slide and move well laterally. He takes good blocking angles.”

Dorian Capers L 6-6 275 Fr. Beaufort, SC Thomas Heyward Academy
– Runs a 4.7 40-yard dash
– Played defensive tackle at Thomas Heyward Academy
– Ranked 19th nationally in the 2004 Rivals.com Defensive tackles rankings
– Ranked fifth in the 2004 Rivals.com South Carolina top 15 athletes
– Named Class AAAA All-State as a junior
– Totaled 77 tackles and four sacks during the 2002 season
– Rated the 8th best prospect in the state of South Carolina by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson
– Comments on Dorian in Tom Lemming’s Super Prep Football Report: “One of several potential supers in the state of South Carolina. Dorian is tenacious, aggressive, and a strong defensive lineman who can play end or tackle.”
– Played for Coach Harry Sprouse at Thomas Heyward Academy
– Coach Sprouse on Dorian: “He is a 6-7, 275-pound player who can run a 4.7 40 and that should say enough. He made the Georgia-South Carolina all-star team and he started at defensive tackle on our team. He can play with anyone and he will be a guy that can help South Carolina right away.”

John Paul Gillis L 6-6 285 Fr. Greenville, SC Wade Hampton
– Runs a 5.0 40-yard dash
– Played offensive tackle at Wade Hampton
– Played in the North-South All-Star Game
– John’s father, Paul Gillis, played for South Carolina
– Chose South Carolina over UNC, NC State, Duke, and Maryland
– Played for Coach Rick Scott at Wade Hampton High School

Marque Hall L 6-5 305 Fr. Wingate, NC Forest Hills
– Ranked the number one defensive line prospect in the state of North Carolina by Tom Lemming
– Ranked the number three prospect in the state of North Carolina by Prep Star
– Ranked the 17th best defensive lineman in the country by Prep Star
– Ranked the 83rd best prospect in the nation by Rivals.com
– Ranked the 10th best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com
– Ranked the 13th best athlete in the Atlantic East Amazing 80 by Rivals.com
– Ranked the third best athlete in North Carolina Top 25 by Rivals.com
– Runs a 4.8 40-yard dash
– Chose South Carolina over Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina
– Comments on Marque in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “I made a mistake by not putting Marque Hall on my All-American team. He is a big time player and he is one of the premier two way linemen in the country. He certainly has All-American potential playing at South Carolina.”

Chris Hampton B 6-0 175 Fr. Memphis, TN Melrose
– Rated on of the top 15 players in west Tennessee region
– As a defensive back, led his team with five interceptions hi senior year
– Recorded four interceptions his junior season
– President of Senior Class
– Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash
– Chose South Carolina over Louisville, Memphis, and Arkansas
– Played for Coach Kedrick Ingram at Melrose High School
– Coach Ingram on Chris:”He is the most intelligent football player that I have ever coached. He can see the field and make plays before they even happen. South Carolina is getting a quality football player and a quality young man.”

Antonio Heffner B 6-3 180 Fr. Memphis, TN Melrose
– Rated the fourth best athlete in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com
– Rated the 15th best Pro-syle quarterback by Rivals.com
– Threw for 1,439 yards and 18 touchdowns his junior season
– Passed for 1,260 yards and 14 touchdowns his senior season
– Earned all-city and all-region honors as a junior
– Led his high school team to an 11-2 record this past season
– Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash
– Chose South Carolina over Louisville, Kentucky, Mississippi, and LSU
– Played for Coach Kedrick Ingram at Melrose High School
– Coach Ingram on Antonio: “He is a solid player who is very focused when he’s on the field. He is a great leader who gets the job done. On or off the field, he is highly respected and a good decision maker.”
– Comments on Antonio in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “A tall, lean signal caller with tremendous skills. I was really glad I went to Memphis to see Antonio and came away very impressed with his arm strength, poise and ability to read defenses. I already knew he was a great athlete who could run himself out of trouble, but was unaware until I saw film how he will stand in the pocket until the last second to deliver a catchable ball to his receiv ers. He throws the deep out with authority, has a high release point and can run himself out of trouble.”

Jonathan Joseph B 6-0 190 Jr. Rock Hill, SC Coffeyville/Northwestern
– Played cornerback for Coffeyville Junior College
– Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash
– Ranked the 31st best JUCO player in the nation by College Football News
– Named All-Conference as a defensive back at Coffeyville in 2003
– Totaled three interceptions for 62 yards and one touchdown in 2003 while making 43 tackles, one sack and knocking down two passes
– Played for Coach Jeff Leiker at Coffeyville Junior College
– Chose South Carolina over Florida
– Enrolled at South Carolina in January 2004 and will participate in spring practice

Tremel Kline B 6-3 185 Fr. Seabrook, SC Battery Creek
– Caught 61 passes for 1,156 yards, and 10 touchdown’s his senior season
– On the defensive side of the ball, he totaled 35 tackles and two interceptions in 2003
– Runs a 4.45 40-yard dash
– Played in the 2003 Shrine Bowl
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson and North Carolina
– Played for Coach Andy Smith at Battery Creek High School

Antonio Lamar B 6-1 240 Fr. Snellville, GA Brookwood
– Played fullback at Brookwood
– Son of Frederick Lamar who played at the University of Georgia
– Rushed for 1,202 yards in 2002
– Competed in track and threw the shot put 55 feet
– Chose South Carolina over Mississippi State, Maryland, and Florida
– Played for Coach Mark Crews at Brookwood High School.
– Coach Crews on Antonio: “He is a top notch kid and a quality player. He is an outstanding blocker and also a 1,000-yard rusher, so he can do the job either way you ask. He will do a great job as a fullback for Coach Holtz and his staff.”
– Comments on Antonio in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “A major college talent at both fullback and linebacker. On offense, he rushed for over 1,100 yards showing exceptional quickness, great strength, and he proved to be a tremendous blocker.”

Dustin Lindsey L 6-5 225 Fr. Mobile, AL Davidson
– Twin brother of Jordin Lindsey
– Chose South Carolina over Auburn
– Played linebacker in high school
– Totaled 162 tackles, eight sacks, and two interceptions during the 2002 football season
– Co-Defensive Player of the year in southwest Alabama
– One of three finalists for Defensive Lineman of the Year in Alabama
– Played for Glenn Vickery at Davidson High School
– Coach Vickery on the Lindsey twins: “They are great kids who come from a great family. You never have to say hustle to either one of them because they only know one speed. These are the type of guys you want on your football team. They play very hard and other team mates feed off of them. Off the field they are very good students, and overall they are great kids.”
– Comments on the Lindsey twins in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “One of two twins with identical size, speed and potential. Both ball players are great in pursuit, with great strength and are sure tacklers. They both earned All-State Honors in 2002. Both show good instincts and intensity.”

Jordin Lindsey L 6-4 228 Fr. Mobile, AL Davidson
– Twin brother of Dustin Lindsey
– Chose South Carolina over Auburn
– Played linebacker in high school
– Totaled 153 tackles, and six sacks during the 2002 football season
– One of three finalists for Defensive Lineman of the Year in Alabama
– Co-Defensive Player of the Year in southwest Alabama
– Played for Glenn Vickery at Davidson High School
– Coach Vickery on the Lindsey twins: “They are great kids who come from a great family. You never have to say hustle to either one of them because they only know one speed. These are the type of guys you want on your football team. They play very hard and other teammates feed off of them. Off the field they are very good students, and overall they are great kids.”
– Comments on the Lindsey twins in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “One of two twins with identical size, speed and potential. Both ball players are great in pursuit, with great strength and are sure tacklers. They both earned All-State Honors in 2002. Both show good instincts and intensity.”

Kendrick Lynch B 5-9 165 Fr. Spartanburg, SC Dorman
– Played running back at Dorman High School
– Listed as an all-around athlete on the recruiting services
– Ranked the 32nd best athlete in the country by Rivals.com
– Ranked the 15th best prospect in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com
– Ran for 1,530 yards and 16 touchdowns for an average of 8.3 yards per carry
– Caught 21 passes for 365 yards his junior season
– Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Rated the sixth best player in the state of South Carolina by High School Sports Report
– Named to the High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State team at defensive back
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson
– Comments on Kendrick in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “He has the potential to be one of the most highly sought after backs in the state. I was impressed with his overall ability to catch the ball, run the ball, and at times even block. He is more of a slasher with great vision; once he adds some weight, look out!”
– Played for Coach David Gutshall at Dorman High School
– Coach Gutshall on Kendrick: “He is probably the best athlete that I have coached in my 11 years at Dorman. He has good hands and he can make cuts. He is big time play maker and can make something out of nothing. He first started playing here his freshman year and was a two way player for us. His freshman year in the state championship game, he inter cepted a pass and recovered a fumble. The fumble recovery is what turned the game around.”

Kevin Mainord L 6-4 265 Fr. Coalmont, TN Grundy County
– Runs a 4.7 40-yard dash
– Ranked 42nd nationally among defensive ends by Rivals.com
– Ranked the ninth best player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals.com
– Totaled 121 tackles his senior year while having nine sacks
– During his junior season, Mainord totaled 111 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks
– Chose South Carolina over Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Colorado
– Played for Coach Ken Colquette at Grundy County High School
– Comments on Kevin in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “He shows exceptional speed off the ball; he has quick feet, and I see him as a mean, nasty, tough, and take- no-prisoners type of defensive end who comes off the edge with a purpose.”
– Coach Colquette on Kevin: “USC got a quality athlete who is quick and strong. He has the chance to make a really big impact this fall. He is going to be a good player for Coach Holtz and his staff.”

Jamon Meredith L 6-6 255 Fr. Simpsonville, SC Hillcrest
– Runs a 4.8 40-yard dash
– Played strongside defensive end at Hillcrest High School
– Chose South Carolina over Clemson, Maryland, Georgia, and Wake Forest
– Played for Coach DeWayne Garrick
– Coach Garrick on Jamon: “Going to South Carolina is a good decision for him. He has great speed, good size and will be a tremendous asset for USC.”

Alonzo Middleton L 6-2 235 Fr. Orangeburg, SC Orangeburg-Wilkinson
– Runs a 4.6 40-yard dash
– Played inside linebacker at Orangeburg-Wilkinson
– Made 32 stops his junior season
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Rated the ninth best athlete in the state of South Carolina by High School Sports Report
– Named to the High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State Team at linebacker
– Benches 365 pounds and squats 575 pounds
– Competed in track at Orangeburg-Wilkinson and threw the shot put 59 feet
– Chose South Carolina over Florida, Maryland, Notre Dame, and East Carolina
– Comments on Alonzo in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “I saw excellent quickness, the ability to read offenses and very quick reflexes. He uses his hands well and keeps his feet under him.”

Grayson Mullins B 6-0 175 Fr. Irmo, SC Irmo
– Outstanding athlete who played a variety of positions, including QB, WR, DB, K, P
– Named to the High School Sports Report Class AAAA All-State team at Quarterback
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Played for Coach Bob Hanna at Irmo High School
– Coach Hanna on Grayson: “He has been an outstanding football player here. Grayson has a lot of athletic talent. He can kick, pass, and run the ball. He can go in and play wherever they need him because of his outstanding athletic ability.”

Matt Raysor L 6-5 275 Fr. Bamberg, SC Bamberg-Ehrhardt
– Runs a 4.7 40-yard dash
– Rated the 45th best defensive tackle nationally by Rivals.com
– Played defensive tackle at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
– Rated the 17th best player in the state of South Carolina by High School Sports Report
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Defensive MVP of the Shrine Bowl
– Comments on Matt in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “Matt is one of those athletes that college scouts really get excited over. He’s a big kid with exceptional quickness and speed.”
– Played for Coach Ron Duncan at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School
– Coach Duncan on Matt: “Matt participated in football, basketball, and baseball so you know right off that he is a very athletic individual. He was the student body president so he is well respected for other reasons than being just an athlete. He is a fine lineman and we are excited for him to be a Gamecock and are looking forward to seeing him play on Saturdays.”

Sidney Rice B 6-4 185 Fr. Gaffney, SC Gaffney
– Reguarded to be the best wide receiver prospect in the state
– Ranked the 12th best athlete in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com
– Runs a 4.55 40-yard dash
– Caught 57 passes for 897 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior to end his career with 138 receptions for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns
– Had 38 receptions for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior
– Named High School Sports Report Statewide All-State Team as a wide receiver
– Named High School Sports Report Offensive Player of the Year
– 2002-03 Class AAAA basketball Player of the Year
– Last year averaged 18 points and seven boards a game and helped lead Gaffney to a 28-0 record and the state championship
– Chose South Carolina over Florida, Miami, Tennessee, Georgia, UNC and Syracuse
– Comments on Sidney in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “The most talked about wide receiver in the state. Sidney brings great size, sure hands and deceptive speed to the recruiting table. On film, it’s his ability to catch anything close to him that really stands out. He’s also an outstanding downfield blocker, reads coverages well and has tremendous jumping ability.”
– Played for Coach Phil Strickland at Gaffney High School
– Coach Strickland on Rice: “He is definitely a play-maker. He is an outstanding individual and South Carolina will be truly blessed to get a player and player like Sidney Rice.”

Brandon Samuels L 6-3 232 Fr. Milford, VA Caroline
– Runs a 4.72 40-yard dash
– Played inside linebacker at Caroline High School
– Played for Coach Ron Prady at Caroline High School
– Coach Prady on Brandon: “He is a good player who does a great job of being in the posi- tion to make plays and then he makes them. One of the biggest things about him is his size and his speed. Off the field, he is a very good student.”

Ko Simpson B 6-2 180 Fr. Rock Hill, SC Rock Hill
– Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash
– Played on the 2002 Rock Hill Class AAAA State Championship Team
– Recorded 63 solo tackles, 49 assists, and four interceptions with six pass breakups his junior season
– On the offensive side of the ball, he caught 22 passes for 525 yards and four touchdowns his junior season
– Rated the No. 25 prospect in the Superprep South Carolina Top 30
– Enrolled in January of 2004 and will participate in spring practice
– Played for Coach Jim Ringer at Rock Hill High School

Justin Sorensen L 6-8 320 Fr. British Columbia Ballenas
– Runs a 5.4 40-yard dash
– Chose South Carolina over North Carolina and Michigan
– Played offensive tackle
– Named MVP of his team
– Played for Coach Hines at Ballenas High School
– Coach Hines on Justin: “He is an outstanding offensive lineman in our area. We are inter ested in seeing what he can do playing in a tough conference such as the SEC. We are very excited and our entire community is backing him.”

Evan Spanogians L 6-5 285 Fr. West Chester, OH Lakota West
– Runs a 5.2 40-yard dash
– Named Second Team Tight End on the All-Greater Miami Conference Awards
– Honorable Mention All-Southwest Ohio
– First Team All-County
– Chose South Carolina over Pittsburgh, Boston College, West Virginia, and Illinois
– Played for Coach Larry Cox at Lakota West High School
– Coach Cox on Evan: “Evan is a complete student athlete. He has a lot of acadmic and athletic intelligence. On the field, he is a young man who gives tremendous effort.

James Thompson L 6-4 310 Fr. Sumter, SC Sumter
– Named to the High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State Team on offensive line
– Named Second Team USA Today All-America
– Named to Tom Lemming’s Prep All-American Squad
– Ranked the 44th best player in the country by Tom Lemming
– Ranked the 3rd best prospect in South Carolina in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report
– Runs a 5.2 40-yard dash
– Ranked the 37th best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com
– Four year starter at Sumter High School
– Played in the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio
– As a senior graded out at 85% and had 28 knockdown blocks and graded out at 88% and 64 knockdown blocks in his career
– Chose South Carolina over Georgia, Clemson, Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina
– Comments on James in Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report: “Physically, he looks like he can already play in the NFL. He’s a very imposing, strong and tough offensive tackle. On film, I was impressed with James’ run blocking ability; he destroys defenders with his quick feet and superior strength. He also has a great attitude; he never lets up and shows excellent quickness off the ball.”
– Played for Coach Paul Sorrells at Sumter High School
– Coach Sorrells on James: ” He is a wonderful young man who is a good guy to coach. He is always in the weight room. James is just a great all-around player who is going to make a big impact. He has a lot of God-given talent and everyone who follows Carolina football will see it.”

Trent Usher B 6-0 185 Fr. Pageland, SC Central
– Son of former USC linebacker Al Usher
– Played quarterback and defensive back at Central
– Received the High School Sports Report Mr. Football Career Award for South Carolina
– Named to the South Carolina High School Sports Report 2003 Statewide All-State Team at defensive back
– Passed for 1,193 yards on 64 of 109 attempts in 2003
– Member of the 2003 South Carolina Shrine Bowl Team
– Played for Coach Joey Mangum at Central High School
– Coach Mangum on Trent: “You can say a lot of positive things about Trent. He loves playing the game and that separates him from others. He is a playmaker and he is a guy you can count on. He is going to be a versatile player who can probably play linebacker, defensive back or wide receiver.”