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Rice, newcomers boost USC’s firepower Youth provides spark for Gamecocks revamped passing attack Tom Benning FOR THE GAMECOCK I A look at last week’s box score might have a typical USC fan scratching his head when looking at some of the Gamecocks’ contributors. The emergence of a number of young players such as receivers Sidney Rice, Kenny McKinley and Carlos Thomas has the Carolina faithful looking forward with longing eyes. “I guess you could say it (the UGA game) was the coming-out party,” Rice said. “I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the team. Coach gave me the opportunity to make plays, and that’s what I tried to do.” Rice, a redshirt freshman, had five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown in the Georgia game. However, the contest was not a breakout game for Rice alone. True freshmen Carlos Thomas, Kenny McKinley and Jonathan Hannah also made contributions for the Gamecock receiving corps in their first SEC contest. Rice’s debut donning the garnet and black was long overdue. Players and coaches had often raved about Rice’s performance in practice as he consistently impressed his teammates while on the scout team last season. “I knew he had it in him. He had been doing it out here in practices,” quarterback Blake Mitchell said. “He is a great player. I just throw it up there and hope he comes down with it.” After suffering injuries that took him out of last season and the first game of this season, Rice’s first game since high school was the Georgia game. “There are just some things that you have to deal with,” Rice said Wednesday. “God has a plan for everybody. I guess that was a part of his plan. Now I’ve got Coach Spurrier.” Strangely, both of Rice’s injuries happened without contact, but Rice was able to have a sense of humor about the subject. “Getting hurt by yourself,” Rice said, shaking his head sheepishly, “Coach Spurrier Jr. would call it a lack of athleticism.” Rice is probably the tallest and most athletic receiver on the team. A basketball player in high school, Rice can create a lot of matchup problems for opposing defenses, adding a “I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the team. Coach gave me the opportunity to make plays, and that’s what I tried to do.” i SIDNEY RICE USC receiver dimension the Gamecocks otherwise wouldn’t present. “I use my height and my long arms as an advantage,” Rice said. “If they throw the ball up, I try my best to go and get it.” While Rice was excited about being back out on the field, he was even more enthusiastic about the rest of the receivers, especially some of the young talent at his position. “Right now we have a lot of good, young receivers,” Rice said. “Carlos, Kenny and the other young guys are doing a lot of good things. As long as they are doing whatever coach asks them to do, they’ll be playing.” Thomas was named SEC Freshman of the Week for his play on both offense and defense, and McKinley had a drive-sustaining catch on third down in the Georgia game. Hannah, a tight end, filled in admirably for starting tight end Andy Boyd. USC’s incoming group of freshmen was ranked 23rd in the nation by rivals.com, but no one predicted they would have such an impact so soon. This success starts with first-year starter Mitchell, who has made strong bonds with the young receivers. “They are all good guys,” the sophomore signal caller said. “We are out here all the time, and you just develop that chemistry being around one another.” McKinley credited the success ot the young players to hard work and the help of some older receivers. Rice attributed Spurrier’s Cock ‘n’ Fire system as another reason for everyone getting involved. “I love (the system) just as well as all the other receivers love it,” Rice said. “I’m looking forward to catching balls. We know coach Spurrier is going to throw a lot of balls, and everybody is going to get their chance.” While the freshmen were pleased with their current roles on the team, it was the future that excited them the most. With four more years of eligibility and three more years with Mitchell under center, expectations are already high. The young guns seemed to have no problem with the added pressure. “We talk about this a lot,” McKinley said, “and I think we will probably be the best receiving corps in the nation in a couple of years.” Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocksports@gwm.sc.edu Nick Esares /THE GAMECOCK Redshirt freshman receiver Sidney Rice celebrates after scoring against UGA. TUESDAYS $2 Pint Night Garnet Pants Perfect for game day! Now Exclusively At Britton's 2818 Devine St. 771-2700 only 1 mile from campus ^^^^^wumbrittonsofcolumbiaxon^^^^^^ [BRAND NEW STUDENT HOUSING! I _| _I