July 20, 2006

University of South Carolina wide receiver Sidney Rice earned a berth on the first team and cornerback Fred Bennett was named to the second team, as the 2006 SEC Football Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Team was announced today.

Rice, a sophomore from Gaffney, S.C. was an all-league selection last fall after setting the school’s single-season records for receiving yards (1,143) and touchdown catches (13). He posted six 100-yard games, culminating with a 12-catch, 191-yard performance in the Independence Bowl. The 6-4, 200-pounder was the 2005 Rival.com National Freshman of the Year.

Bennett, a senior from Manning, S.C. is the lone returning starter in the Gamecock secondary. He earned honorable mention All-SEC honors in 2005 after intercepting three pass and leading the team with 10 pass breakups. The 6-1, 199-pound defensive back has logged seven interceptions in his career while appearing in all 35 games over the past three seasons.

Rice, Bennett and the rest of the Gamecocks will report for fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 3.