July 22, 2005

South Carolina football players Michael Flint and Ike Crofoot have earned athletic scholarships for the 2005-06 academic year, Gamecocks’ head coach Steve Spurrier announced today.

“These two men have been at USC for four years (Flint) and three years (Crofoot) and have done everything that the coaches have asked,” said Spurrier. “They are excellent students, attend every meeting and every workout. The one reason we put them on scholarship is they have earned it,” continued Spurrier “They are responsible and worked hard for it.”

Flint, a senior wide receiver from Mount Pleasant, earned a varsity letter last season after seeing action in nine games. The 6-1, 203-pounder caught three passes for 69 yards, including a 57-yard reception against Ole Miss. He appeared in seven games during the 2003 campaign, including a start against Tennessee.

“All the hard work and effort that I have put in has paid off,” said Flint. “I just need to keep working hard, doing what I’m doing and keep getting better to show people that I’ve earned it.”

Crofoot, a 6-2, 184-pound junior from Windermere, Fla., has handled the deep snapping chores on the punting team in each of his two seasons with the Gamecock program. He figured in on four tackles last season and is credited with seven tackles on special teams in his career.

“Coach Spurrier told me that if a walk-on works hard and proves himself, he could be rewarded with a scholarship,” said Crofoot. “I’ve been working hard to get to this point and I’m very excited about receiving a scholarship.”

Flint, Crofoot and the rest of the 2005 Gamecocks will report to pre-season camp on Monday, August 1 with the first fall practice slated for Tuesday, August 2.