written by Jeff Westfall

STRENGTHS: The main strength of the Gamecock offense for 2002 will be the offensive line. To start with USC returns four players with starting experience. Seniors Shane Hall (RG, 6'6 305) and Cedric Williams (LG, 6'3 305), who have both earned All-SEC awards in the past, are back as third year starters. Another third year starter returning is junior Travelle Wharton (LT, 6'4 300). Wharton has been a starter at LT since the day he stepped on campus, and is probably the most talented lineman of the bunch. Look for him to finally start getting the recognition he is due. Senior CJ Frye (C, 6'1 300), who was a starter on the 2000 squad at RG, will probably be the starter at center, but he must hold off talented redshirt freshman NaShan Goddard (C, 6'6 295). Another big key to the USC O-line will be its depth. This is easily the most depth Coach Holtz has had on the line since being in Columbia. Guys such as sophomore John Strickland (C, 6'4 305), sophomore Jonathan Alston (LT, 6'5 285), redshirt freshman Josh Malloy (RG, 6'3 320), senior Watts Sanderson (RT, 6'5 300), and junior Jeff Barnes (LG, 6'4 290) are names to watch for. Even though talented TB Derek Watson has been dismissed, the running back position will still be a strength of the team. The main guy to look for here is senior Andrew Pinnock (RB, 5'11 255). Pinnock is a big bruising back who led the team in rushing last year with 622 yards on 115 carries (5.4 avg.). He also scored a team best 12 touchdowns, which was third best in the SEC. With Watson gone, look for these numbers to increase. Another back to watch for is 2001 Outback Bowl MVP senior Ryan Brewer (RB/WR, 5'11 210). Brewer will split time at both TB and WR. Easily the most exciting player on the USC offense will be new QB Corey Jenkins. Jenkins played four years of pro baseball and two years of JC football before joining the team last year. Used primarily as a running QB last year in spot duty behind Phil Petty, Jenkins's passing skills improved tremendously this spring. During the spring game Jenkins completed 11 of 18 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 91 yards on eight carries. At 6'2 225, Mr. Jenkins will be a load for opposing defenses to deal with. Another strength Jenkins brings to the squad is leadership. His leadership skills were a big reason he beat out sophomore Dondrial Pinkins (QB, 6'3 240) this spring. The place kicking position will also be a strength as Daniel Weaver has emerged as a consistent force.

CONCERNS: The top offensive concern heading into the 2002 season is the wide receiving corps. Last years top pass catcher, Brian Scott, has graduated. Scott, while not a speed burner, was a very consistent receiver for QB Phil Petty. He also had a knack for making key receptions during crucial moments of games. While not lacking in talent, this years wide out group lacks experience. The leading receiver heading into the season is Ryan Brewer, who had 37 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns. Senior James Adkisson (WR, 6'4 215), sophomore Andrea Gause (WR, 5'10 185), and sophomore Matthew Thomas (WR, 6'1 190) are the top receivers to watch for. Gause was especially impressive during the spring game as he caught four passes for 149 yards and four touchdowns. All three of these guys mentioned bring more speed to the position then USC has had in many years. Look for USC's passing game to become more vertical with this group. The key here will be consistence.

written by Jeff Westfall

STRENGTHS: USC will have a nice starting defensive line in 2002. Senior nose guard Langston Moore (NG, 6'2 300) is one of the best at his position in the SEC. Last year he was in on 56 tackles, with three tackles for loss and one QB sack. He also blocked two field goals. Another returning player is senior defensive end Dennis Quinn (DE, 6'4 265). Quinn is an extremely steady player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The other starter will be sophomore George Gause (DE, 6'5 260). Gause, who is the most physically gifted player on the defense, brings a big time pass rushing threat to the group in the mold of past Gamecocks Kalimba Edward and John Abraham. Even though talented linebackers Kenny Harney and Kalimba Edwards are off to the NFL, the linebacking crew should once again be very solid. Senior Jermaine Lemon (OLB, 6'2 220) returns at one LB spot. Last year Lemon was the second leading tackler with 91 stops, two QB sacks, five tackles for loss, seven QB pressures, and five deflected passes. The starter in the middle coming out of the spring is senior Rod Thomas (MLB, 6'1 235). Thomas has seen tons of action over the years at both inside and outsider backer. His biggest strength would be speed. Another player to watch for at the MLB spot is JC transfer Darel Slay (MLB, 6'3 250). Mr. Slay is a very highly touted player who could make a move this fall. One of the biggest surprises this spring has been the play of redshirt freshman linebacker Lance Laury (OLB, 6'3 225). Lance is a big hitter who also possess great pass rushing skills. One USC coach described Lance as a player who "gets to the ball carrier in a hurry, and usually arrives in a bad mood." Look for this player to surprise many offenses in 2002. The depth at LB is also very solid. Watch for guys like junior Jeremiah Garrison (OLB, 6'1 230), sophomore Orus Lambert (MLB, 6'3 235), and senior Lenny Williams (OLB, 6'4 230) to see playing time. The safety position also looks to be in very good shape with many talented players returning. The big name here is senior spur safety Rashad Faison (SS, 5'9 200). Faison is an All-American candidate who led the team in tackles last year with 104 stops. He also had one interception, 9.5 tackles for loss, and two QB sacks. Another guy to look for is junior free safety is Deandre Eiland (FS, 6'1 200). This player has tremendous speed, and never seems to drop an interception. Eiland split starting time over the past two years with departed senior Antoine Neismith. The biggest surprise in the secondary this spring has been the emergence of junior cornerback Dunta Robinson (CB, 6'0 180). Dunta locked down one corner spot while others are still fighting it out to decide the other.

CONCERNS: The main concern heading into the fall on defense is the depth on the D-Line. While the starters are very solid, Coach Holtz would like for some of the back-ups to step up their play. Three guys who will be pushed to fulfill their potential are sophomore Jason Capers (DE, 6'3 270), sophomore Preston Thorn (NG, 6'0 275), and senior Shaun Smith (NG/DE 6'3 310). Another name to watch for is JC All-American Randy Jackson (DE, 6'4 277). The USC coaches won a vicious recruiting battle over rival Clemson to sign Mr. Jackson. Hopefully he will be able to add some good solid depth to the line. The other defensive concern is the corner back position. Losing Sheldon Brown and Andre Goodman to the NFL is a definite problem. While Dunta Robinson has locked up one spot, there is still a battle going on to claim the other side. Senior Issac Stackhouse (CB, 5'10 190) is the favorite, and listed as the starter to grab that position coming out of spring. But the coaches have made it clear that the battle will resume this fall. Look for senior Brian Elam (CB, 5'11 175) and junior Corey Peoples (CB, 6'2 205) to give Stackhouse a battle for playing time.