Jan. 4, 2006

University of South Carolina wide receiver Sidney Rice has been selected to the fifth annual Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Scripps Freshman All-America team, it was announced today. In addition, Gamecocks’ head coach Steve Spurrier has been selected as the FWAA’s top first-year coach.

Rice, a redshirt freshman from Gaffney, S.C., set numerous Carolina records in 2005, including receiving yards (1,143) and touchdown receptions (13) in a season. He also logged a school record six 100-yard receiving games. In addition, the 6-4, 191-pounder recorded 70 pass receptions, the second highest single season total in school history. He capped his freshman campaign with a pair of Independence Bowl records for receptions (12) and receiving yards (191). Rice was previously named to the first team all-SEC by both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches, was the National Freshman of the Year by Rivals.com and earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-America squad.

Spurrier earned the honor after leading the Gamecocks to a 7-5 record, including a 5-3 mark in Southeastern Conference action. The season was highlighted by Carolina’s first win ever in Knoxville against Tennessee and a win over Florida, the first for the Gamecocks over the Gators since the 1930s. The Gamecocks won a school record five straight SEC contests. Previously, Spurrier had been named the 2005 SEC Coach of the Year by the Associated Press.

The team and coach are selected by a group of writers led by FWAA vice-president Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel.