Dec. 17, 2013

University of South Carolina junior defensive end Kelcy Quarles has been named second-team All-America by the Associated Press and by CBSSports.com, it was announced today. Additionally, Quarles and senior quarterback Connor Shaw were selected as honorable mention All-Americans by SI.com.

Quarles, a 6-4, 298-pounder from Hodges, S.C., was the team leader in tackles for loss with 13.5 including a team-high 9.5 sacks. One of four captains, Quarles enters the 2014 Capital One Bowl with 36 tackles, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and three quarterback hurries. A first-team All-SEC by both the Associated Press and by the league’s 14 coaches, Quarles earned first-team All-America honors from Sporting News.

Shaw, a 6-1, 209-pounder from Flowery Branch, Ga., became the winningest quarterback in school history with a 26-5 record, including a 17-0 mark at home. In 2013 he completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,135 yards with 21 touchdowns and just one interception.

Quarles, Shaw and their Carolina teammates will begin bowl mini-camp later today. The No. 8/8 Gamecocks (10-2, 6-2 SEC) are preparing for a New Year’s Day match in the Capital One Bowl with the 19th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (9-3, 6-2 Big Ten). Game time is set for 1 p.m. ET at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando.