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# Seeing double' Twin defenders stick together through rough times Brian Davis FOR THE GAMECOCK Thirteen pounds. That’s about all that separates USC’s Jordin and Dustin Lindsey, identical twins. Hailing from Davidson High School in Mobile, Ala., “the twins” had some decision •making to do. The two decided they didn’t want to be separated, costing them a shot at possibly playing at more high-profile schools. “That’s the thing with Alabama,” Dustin said. “They were offering one of us a scholarship and not the other one because of the scholarship probation back then. We were like, ‘forget that, that isn’t happening.’” Born on Christmas tve in 1985, the twins naturally did what almost all other kids in Alabama do — they played football. The two have been •coached by their father since age 5, with him contributing his knowledge up through their underclassmen years in high school. “He was one of those hyper parents,” Dustin said. “We’d be 6 years old, he’d be sitting there going crazy about plays. ‘This is what you got to do, this is what you got to do.’ I didn’t really know what to do then. The two are almost indistinguishable, and not only in looks. Listed at the same height, linebacker Dustin gives up 13 pounds to defensive end Jordin, but other differences don’t appear to be common. At Davidson, the two were co-defensive linemen of the year in southwest Alabama. They were two of three finalists for defensive player of the year in the state. Nine tackles and two sacks wete all that separated them as seniors in Mobile. 1 heir skills have been recognized by USC co defensive coordinators John Thompson and Tyrone Nix. Jordin now starts, while Dustin contributes to the defense from the bench and is leading his brother in tackles. “We’re just doing what they want us to do,” Dustin said. “Bring as much intensity as we said out on the field, do everything we can, learn everything we can from our coaches.” “They love the game, they play hard, they play hurt, they’re tough,” Thompson said. “They keep getting better and better.” A recent theme of USC football has been opportunity. Redshirt freshman defensive back Stoney Woodson and senior. defensive back Tremaine Tyler were slotted as starters after the original secondary performed poorly the previous week. Freshman linebacker Marvin Sapp got . the nod over experienced, talented linebackers because of their weak showings. The twins were no exception but are now something more — I potential leaders of a 1 struggling defense. “I think they see that if you play hard and you play hard all the time, you get on the field,” ^ Thompson said. In a time when Thompson is concerned about scoring defense, third-down i conversions and a lack of awareness, the twins have elevated their games — earning 15 tackles in the last three games. The twins, sophomores this season, have a few years left and are excited about what’s to come. “A lot of the guys that we have now, it’s going to be a different story the next couple years,” Dustin said. “We got some fire coming up in everybody’s butts.” Comments on this story? E-mail gamecocksports@gwm.sc.edu Katie Kirkland/'XH^ GAMECOCK Sophomore defensive end Jordin Lindsey turns the corner on a defensive play. Jordin and his twin Dustin play defense for USC. NAME: Dustin Lindsey POSITION: Linebacker HOMETOWN: Mobile, Ala. HEIGHT: 6 feet 3 inches WEIGHT: 215 pounds YEAR: Sophomore NAME: Jordin Lindsey POSITION: Defensive End HOMETOWN: Mobile, Ala. HEIGHT: 6 feet 3 inches WEIGHT: 231 pounds YEAR: Sophomore -Bom on Christmas Eve in 1985 -In their senior season at Davidson High School, Jordin had 153 tackles and six sacks, while Dustin had 162 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions -The twins were two of the three finalists for defensive lineman of the year in Alabama Laura-Joyce Gough / TH E GAMECOCK Youthful receivers step up in Cock ’n’ Fire Underclassmen help take charge of 0 Spurrier aerial attack Paul Cohen FOR THE GAMECOCK' USC freshman wide receivers Sidney Rice, Kenny McKinley and Carlos Thomas are barely eligible to vote, but they are on track to be the Gamecocks main offensive threats Saturday. As USC nears the midpoint of its 2005 campaign, the recurring theme seems to be ehanges. Through the past • couple of weeks, the defense has been the target of many adjustments. However, when the Carolina offense takes the field against Kentucky, fans can expect to see some very young faces hoping to play a major (ole. “We will let Carlos Thomas play a little more, Kenny McKinley, Sidney Rice as well. It might be three freshman wideouts at the same time on the field,” USC coach Steve Spurrier said. T|ue freshman ^ Carlos Thomas has been shuffled back and forth between offense and defense thus far. A two-way player coming out of high school, coaches thought they had found a consistent spot for him on the defensive side of the ball. Nevertheless, with the team’s offensive struggles, Spurrier said Thomas would see some extensive action at wide receiver this week, and as of Thursday, he was listed as a starter at that position. Another true freshman Kenny KcKinley will also spend more time on the field come Saturday. Averaging nearly 13 yards per catch, McKinley has given Gamecock fans just a glimpse of his ability. Like many college receivers, the Georgia native is a former high school quarterback who is familiar with making big plays, and Carolina will look to him to make some big plays versus Kentucky. Perhaps the lone bright spot in the Gamecock offense is redshirt freshman Sidney Rice. The Gaffney native has nearly 300 yards receiving and has scored a touchdown in each of the four games he has played. With an average of almost 17 yards pjr catch, Rice has established himself as USC’s most dangerous offensive weapon. “Sidney Rice is doing some good things. He is still learning how to play out there,” Spurrier said this week. “Sidney is a good guy. He listens well and he’s a wonderful guy to coach,” Spurrier said. Rice acknowledges that, although Carolina might be lacking in experience, the opportunity to make a difference as a freshman is a valued one, and he and his counterparts are trying to make the most of it. “A lot of freshmen don’t get to play,” Rice said. “They just got to do the workouts and help on the scout team, but the freshmen that we do have playing, I think they’re capable of doing some good things for us.” On the other hand, the emergence of the young receivers has not left much room for veterans such as junior Noah Whiteside. With the early departure of star Troy Williamson for the NFL, Whiteside seemed fit to be the Gamecock’s go-to receiver this year. But aft^r breaking his ankle in the Garnet and Black Spring Game, Whiteside has struggled to regain his form and his starting position. With only five catches on the year, he looks to help the team in any way he can. “As long as I get out there and just do the best I can do, you know, I shouldn’t worry about nothin’,” Whiteside said. One possible explanation for Whiteside’s decreased playing time has been his susceptibility to injury. In the midst of trying to recover from his broken ankle, Whiteside has suffered another injury, one that he compares to turf toe. The pain on the bottom of his right foot has made it difficult to push off, an essential activity for receivers. Still, Whiteside said he is optimistic he will feel better and be able to contribute this week. The Gamecocks’ leading receiver up to this point has been junior Syvelle Newton with 21 receptions, including two touchdowns. Newton has been very supportive of his freshmen teammates, hoping to use his experience as an advantage while the younger players try to gain theirs. VOUTH • B6 * Katie Kirklandn\\\\ GAMECOCK Freshman receivers Kenny Mckinley, above, and Carlos Thomas will see increased playing tpe this Saturday against Kentucky. „