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lS( lm\ >/ a ?%o/ / 7\ \ oo? I ! /?o\ " oO? r / oooo\ OOO ( AOOOOOO\ Means fr? nl By BRIAN SCHAFFER Staff Writer As a senior at Union High School, Monty Means played in the Shrine Bowl during Christmas. He was named second-team AllAmerica by USA Today and was widely recruited as a wide receiver. Now that he is at USC, Mean said he is just another guy playing behind the veterans and trying to learn the ropes. "It's different from high school," Means said. "Everyone here was All-America or something. I'm just learning the system and trying to get playing time and contribute." Means came to USC last fall but was unable to participate because he did not meet the NCAA's Proposition 48 academic requirements. He said he has used his time constructively this past year. "I had to be responsible for school," Means said. "I had to make sure to get my work done." \^Qor\c> caiH ha hoe noinoH fimro lviuaiio oaiu nw uao gaiuvu iivt or ten pounds and become stronger. Means chose to play for the Gamecocks for several reasons. "I wanted to play in my backyard," he said, "and there is an opportunity for early playing time." Means also plans to play baseball for USC this spring. He was named All-State in baseball his senior year in high school when he batted .515 with eight home runs. Means was drafted in the 31st round by the Atlanta Braves as an outfielder. However, his parents insisted he go to college. Bl 1H ^Kjni law WBgBBmttr:*m &mwmrZ*m * jamt till? X?CWoOQOoJc^^ 'OOOfHX^O ^Z? , o?ooo onoo r / /^\ c 'woo^ wjnl OOOOQ9oo9?/ ( ( } /_ \ ffl# ^ ?k^S l_go?OQoo mm ?ooo"n?t ready again "I hope I can play early. But if I don't, I won't get down. I'll just come back and try hard next time." Monty Means Sophomore Wide Receiver Means, who is being counted on by the coaching staff to increase the depth of the receiving corps, said he is hoping to contribute immediately. "We've been out there learning," he said. "I'm ready for the first hit with those defensive backs. I guess that weight I added might help." One might expect Means to be over-anxious to play because of the long lay-off, but he is trying to keep a level head as the season approaches. "I hope I can play early," he said. "But if I don't, I won't get down. I'll just come back and try hard next time." rMHH BalilrSfffS353 iiPPaM. Wm h I mwa&mmm ISlsi m IWBSIirallR ilaifEE ?cock ^^3 twxM M JoSoo^f [uVZ , y op oooo v i? or&OOOOQV^ \ Ofpoooo \ oo??o?2 ~~ >r/ 70 ooo |Y, . t Vy 00000 V 1 \ I Defen By JOHN MacMILLAN Staff Writer When the USC football team enters its second season of SEC competition, the defensive unit looks to be one of the team's bright spots. "We may have more depth in our secondary than any other area on our team," said coach Sparky Woods. "This is the best secondary we've had since I've been here at USC." The Gamecocks return three of four starters from last year's secAndnru C nr\ i Ar UrAnlr A r\ a nr\ o tko uuuai v. Jtuiui 11 aniv nuaiiid, uiv, defensive MVP from last year's squad, returns at right cornerback. Adams is a preseason All-SEC nominee and led the Gamecocks with four interceptions last season. Tony Watkins is another AllSEC nominee and returns at strong safety. He led the Gamecocks with 94 tackles last season. Junior Norman Greene returns at free safety. He has two years of starting experience and was second on the club last season with 83 tackles. The left cornerback position is a question for Woods and his coaching staff. Rocky Clay, the starter from last year's squad, graduated. The void will be filled by Ron Nealy or Reggie Richardson. Nealy is said to hold a slight edge after the pre-season, but this is not definite. Both of the players are sophomores. The biggest question on the Gamecock defensive unit involves the line. "We need to find a player for the nose tackle position," said Woods. "I don't know if we'll have to do smoKe I ^Rum Zv^SS^^S^tSKkSSS^JKBSBSSB^^t^jSM :i : - Hi ; < vx;' ;, ,' - - .- -....... IWnlBrnWflfMBBBI QJffinM foot! icH A Wi seloo! 21 Frank Adams d FS &v 7 Corey Bell j 85 Hank Cam /N D PR 49 Benii Youi 0 43 AubrevBr V 58 ChmRumph 46 Roderick Howeil 62 Enc 35 James Rowers " ^an" some shifting with defensive or offensive players, but finding a nose tackle is one of our main concerns." Sophomore Mike Washington and freshman Freddie Carter will compete for the vacant spot. There is also a possibility that Eric Sullivan might get the nod. Sullivan started six games last season at right end as a true freshman. Junior David Turnipseed returns at left end, and Eric Sullivan returns on the other side. we ieei gooa aooui piayers iiKe David and Eric," said Woods. "It is good to have players of that caliber when you're a little thin on the line. "David has really turned into a important factor on our defenDie. It' Cons i SPORT ?111111 Ballroom |BodyBuUdin| ^ Rnwlt \ t Equesti Fenci f-TL|| fi#: LacrOi Men's R X? Men's Vol ^Mountaineering i Office of Campus ball ti VnOo?0%0oOoOO?oo :s for n t \ 6 Norman Greene ' 24 TonvWaUins 26 Jerry Inman 44 Shawn Sterling ) V v 94 Mike Washington 91 David T ' 95 Freddie Carter 96 Jahmal I ^ ^ Mi DEFENSE sive squad." Woods said there is concern about the depth of the Gamecock's defensive line in the first two games, which will be on the road at Georgia and Arkansas. "It's going to be very hot in Athens and Fayetteville," Woods said. "The two-game road trip will be a good test on our depth along the line." One position in which the Gamecocks are particularly strong is at linebacker. Senior co-captain Ernest Dixon returns at outside linebacker. Dixon is an all-conference candidate as he returns with three years of starting experience. He had 60 total tackles last season. Six tackles rs That S ider Yoi Invited! I CLUBS < Dance Rol ; & Fitness jrf Sailing ng rian * Seid ng -T\. Ultir sse ugby > Won leybali World & Whitewater ;I| V i Recreation*BIatt PE ( I ime! ;.v / .1 S$M ?uo0oooo ' ispect dss g\ 3 Ron Nealy ^ ^e^1C^K'U','SOn nnie Smith (ILCB^ ibrey Brooks W 40 Ernest Dixoa unupseed 47 KonauRetd Perafori 92 Bob Rotenberger were for losses, and four were quarterback sacks. Junior Chris Rumph, who will occupy the other outside linebacker position, has two years of playing experience. Returning at the two inside linebacker positions will be Hank Campbell and Eric Brown. Campbell was a walk-on last year and played a big role in the defensive scheme. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the 24-23 win over Tennessee. Senior Eric Brown returns with two years of playing experience. He has 224 career tackles, and his 80 tackles last season were third best on the club. imple. irself 1TCISC ler Hockey | & Windsurfing I Scuba okan Aikido J||? nate Frisbee.jp? ^ater Ski ! j|p len's Soccer|?if Tae Kwon Do Vrestling ft ! 1 J :enter*777-5261 ? I*