Oct. 23, 2006

University of South Carolina defensive end Casper Brinkley has been named the Defensive Lineman of the Week in the Southeastern Conference, the league office announced today.

Brinkley, a 6-3, 250-pound junior from Thomson, Ga., figured in on six total tackles, including five solo stops, in the Gamecocks’ 31-13 win at Vanderbilt on Saturday. Four of his six tackles came in the Commodores’ backfield, accounting for 23 yards lost, including a pair of sacks. He also was credited with a forced fumble. The Gamecock defense held Vanderbilt to just 253 yards of total offense.

Brinkley becomes the third Gamecock to earn weekly recognition by the SEC. Previously placekicker Ryan Succop and wide receiver Sidney Rice earned accolades.

Brinkley and his Gamecock teammates will face eighth-ranked Tennessee on Saturday. Game time is set for 7:45 p.m. and the game will be nationally-televised on ESPN.