Dec. 2, 2013

University of South Carolina junior defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles has been recognized for his outstanding play in the Gamecocks’ 31-17 win over Clemson on Saturday night.

Quarles, a 6-4, 298-pounder from Hodges, S.C., was named the SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week by the SEC office and the National Defensive Player of the Week by Athlon Sports. It was the second time this season that Quarles was honored by the league office as the Defensive Lineman of the Week, as he also earned that distinction against Missouri.

Quarles paced the Gamecocks on Saturday with six tackles including four solo stops. He was credited with a career-high 2.5 sacks, accounting for 26 yards. He also had one quarterback hurry as the Gamecock defense held the high-octane Clemson offense to just 17 points, forcing a half-dozen turnovers.

Quarles, an all-conference candidate, is second in the SEC with 9.5 sacks and is tied for second with 13.5 tackles for loss.

Other Gamecocks to win SEC weekly accolades this season include Clayton Stadnik (offensive lineman – Vanderbilt); A.J. Cann (offensive lineman – UCF); Connor Shaw (offense – Missouri); Elliott Fry (special teams – Missouri); Victor Hampton (defense – Mississippi State); and Elliott Fry (freshman – Florida).