Dec. 7, 2007

South Carolina defensive tackle Ladi Ajiboye was named to the second team Freshman All-America squad by the Sporting News, it was announced today. In addition, Gamecock tight end Weslye Saunders and linebacker Cliff Matthews earned honorable mention Freshman All-America honors as selected by the national weekly publication.

Ajiboye, a 6-1, 294-pound defensive tackle made 10 starts, most among the Gamecock freshmen. The Riverdale, Ga. native who attended Hargrave Military for one semester before enrolling at South Carolina in January of 2007, recorded 39 tackles, including 3.0 sacks. He registered a season-high six tackles, including 2.0 sacks in the win at North Carolina and was credited with five stops against both LSU and Arkansas. He was previously named Freshman All-SEC by both the Sporting News and by the league’s 12 coaches.

Saunders, a 6-5, 279-pound tight end from Durham, N.C. caught a dozen passes for 151 yards, an average of 12.6 yards per catch. The Durham, N.C. product had a season-high four catches at LSU and three catches against Florida. He had a 48-yard reception against Kentucky.

Matthews, a 6-4, 234-pounder from Cheraw, S.C., logged 26 tackles including 2.0 tackles for loss while starting each of the final nine games at outside linebacker. He moved into the starting lineup at LSU despite playing with a broken bone in his hand. He had a season-high four tackles against South Carolina State and matched that total against North Carolina. He was previously named Freshman All-SEC by both the Sporting News and by the league’s 12 coaches.

The Gamecocks wrapped up the 2007 regular season with a 6-6 record overall, 3-5 in SEC play