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Dixon true le By ROB RODUSKY Sports Editor Some athletes are driven toward future success by dollar signs, increased exposure or their love of the game. But USC linebacker Ernest Dixon has something that makes other goals pale in com parison. Dixon's mother is at home in Fort Mill with cancer. This situation keeps Dixon in school and on the road to graduation. "I found out what cancer can do to a person," he said. "1 know that I can do the best thing I can do here, which is to stay in school and make sure I graduate. "I must make sure everything is positive from my standpoint, which is one less thing she has to worry about." Dixon is scheduled to graduate in December, a semester early, . with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. Dixon, who is 6'2" and weighs 255 pounds, said predicting a result for the Gamecocks this season is difficult. He said the team will play each game aggressively. "I feel that we will play with the ability to win each and every -r " i? a one 01 mem, nc .vuu. The three-year letterman is not interested in personal goals or accomplishments. "I see a leadership role in helping out the younger guys," Freshman kick By NANCY SALOMONSKY Encore Editor The game is tied with three seconds on the clock. The pressure is on, and the kicker takes the field to attempt the game winning field goal. This is a scenario that freshman kicker Reed Morton is ready to take on. "It has been a dream of mine to play for South Carolina since I was young," he said. "It is a real thrill and a responsibility that I am looking forward to." The Columbia native and Irmo high school graduate is often compared to former USC standout and N LkHE Nt PR PUHPOS THE U.S. GOOD S SCHOLA k i ader on and < 1mlW^m HI yf Experienced linebacker Ernes leader and role model. Dixon said. "I will begone of a few that will be looked up to to make the big play." Dixon said his greatest moment as a Gamecock was "beating Clemson. The overall er challenges f Irmo high school graduate Collin Mackie, who finished his career in 1989 as USC's all-time leading scorer. Morton is flattered by the comparison and is ready for the challenge. "1 have been compared to Collin my entire high school career, especially when I tied his record in high school," Morton said. "But, if there is anyone in the world that I want to be compared to, it's Collin." Morton nas nign nopes coming into his first collegiate season. "Our team goal is to be the national champions, but that should AV in I 10GRA E: TO PRODUC NAVY OR MAF TARTING SALA iRSHIPS AVAIL; -ALL TUITI ?PLUS $ 1( )ff the field aPKy^Hj vTmH^h ^HH WE , |^Bbnj .a^H ?t Dixon is an outstanding win, and it was my first win since I have been here. " Dixon uses three phrases to describe himself, "Caring for my teammates, respect for my coaches and leadership." or starting job be everyone's goal," he said. "As far as my individual goals, I want to make every kick. That has been my goal throughout my career. "I think our season will be record-breaking and end in a bowl game, hopefully the Sugar Bowl." Morton comes to USC with a list of credentials including All-State, All-Region, All-City, North-South All Star Game, USA Today Second Team Ail-American and a career best 56-yard field goal. "The team has been working hard this summer, and we see where we want to be," Morton said. "You won't be disappointed." Y/M 3 QBQ UlS M 1 E WELL-TRAINED ilNE CORPS. GUA RY. &BLE, PAYS: ON -ALL BC D0.00 A MONTH Heisman trophy unc By BRIAN MANKE 1 Special to The Gamecock j As another college football season begins, the usual annoying question of the Heisman trophy favorites is ' popping up again. { So, I will do my best to join the parade of picking ( the guys in the spotlight, the ones who will then be drafted in the seventh round of the NFL draft or flee 1 to Canada for the love of the game and not the moh- 1 ey. 1 Marshall Faulk, Charlie Ward, Tyrone Wheatley, ' Calvin Jones and Marvin Graves will lead the charge from the outset. Faulk, the explosive running back from San Diego State, has to be the favorite after being one of 1992's 1 Finalists. Alier UCC'lUlIlg 10 ICI1UUI1 111 M.11UU1 lui auuuiu jrv^cu and passing up the opportunity to go pro, Faulk wants to showcase his talent as the premier runner in the nation. The 5'10", 200 pound Faulk is often compared to the Detroit Lions' Barry Sanders, the 1989 Heisman winner. It does not hurt that Faulk plays in a conference that does not believe in defense. Each conference team wants to be on offense last so its players can pad their stats. Charlie Ward, the collegiate answer to Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders, leads Florida State's quest for a national championship. The versatile quarterback has plenty of offensive weapons including Tamarick Vanover, who could also be in contention for the Heisman if he receives a big chunk of the offensive load. If Ward can get the big wins that have eluded Florida State in the past, Encore is coming. Enc< is coming. Encore is coming. Encore is comi Encore is coming. Enc< is coming. Encore is coming. Encore is comi Encore is coming. Encc Encore. This Thur ARiN ' 11 fp0-' s}Wf< US HT ' i JlkE , EDUCATED OFFICERS RANTEED EXCITING JOI )OKS -ALL FEES SUBSISTENCE PAY CONTACT: LT. McKINNEY 203 FLINN HALL 777-4124 ler 'Marshall' law lis stock could rise high enough to where he could lossibly overtake Faulk. The Michigan Wolverines have a ferocious tailback in the 6'T\ 225 pound Tyrone Wheatley, who is i punishing back with superb hands to add to his Jimensions. The Wolverines defense, which keeps the opposi lion off the field quite a bit, will give Wheatley plenty of opportunities to perform his talents. In addition, the national television coverage Michigan receives will be to Wheatley's advantage. The Big Eight's top hope is Nebraska's Calvin Jones, who was the leading rusher in the conference in 1992. Jones returns to a fine-tuned offense that is overlooked when fans talk about the best in college football. Jones' 110 yards-per-game average will only increase as he gets to run behind an offensive line that can dominate an opponent. My sleeper pick is Marvin Graves of Syracuse. With the Orangemen's less-than-tough schedule, , Graves' golden arm and his ability as a running quar- * terback, Graves will pop into the Heisman conversation early and often. With Syracuse tallying up so many points, Graves will get plenty of attention. Rounding out the candidates are wide receiver Michael Westbrook of Colorado, quarterback Eric Zeier of Georgia, cornerback Antonio Langham of Alabama and noseguard Rob Waldrop of Arizona. In any case, here's hoping that the boys at the New York Downtown Athletic Club will get their act together. College football is too great of an establishment to be made a mockery of. " "V ore is coming. Encore i coming. Encore is ing. Encore is coming, ore is coming. Encore . coming. Encore is mg. Encore is coming, ire is coming. sday. USC A&E. J FS I I wk W H? TO SERVE IN , BS WITH A * % % - i * * * > * V < *. ft K ft ; T *" f 1 I