Youthful receivers step up in Cock 'n' Fire

USC freshman wide receivers Sidney Rice, Kenny McKinley and Carlos Thomas are barely eligible to vote, but they are on track to be the Gamecock's main offensive threats Saturday.

As USC nears the midpoint of its 2005 campaign, the recurring theme seems to be changes. 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 role.

"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.

True 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 per 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 after 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.

"We got a lot of great, great freshmen like Kenny McKinley and also Carlos Thomas," Newton said. "And you always want those guys who you know gonna be here for the next couple years, especially when everything hasn't been goin' right in the season. You want those guys to get a chance to be on the field and get prepared, hopin' for next season."

Newton, who played wide receiver as a freshman for Carolina, was moved to quarterback early last season when Dondrial Pinkins went down with an injury. But when Spurrier took over, Newton returned to the receiver slot he once occupied. Nonetheless, he and Spurrier acknowledged he has been getting increased reps at quarterback this week in case of an "emergency."

Despite their age and inexperience, Spurrier has certainly put his faith in the freshmen receivers. As far as this week goes, the Gamecocks have cast their ballot for the young guns, hoping they can help to turn the season around.