Saunders under investigation from NCAA

South Carolina football may be without one of its offensive starters for the beginning of the season.

Senior tight end Weslye Saunders is currently under investigation from the NCAA for a possible rule violation concerning whether or not Saunders received improper gifts from an agent. The incident in question is a trip Saunders took to Miami during  his 2010 spring break with a University of North Carolina football player and whether the agent paid for hotel rooms and airfare.

The Durham native is reportedly friends with defensive tackle Marvin Austin and several other members of the Tar Heel football team that are the focus of the NCAA’s investigation.
South Carolina athletics director Eric Hyman issued a statement Sunday regarding the NCAA’s investigation into Saunders.

“The NCAA has been in contact with us regarding a possible rules violation in one of our programs,” Hyman said. “We have and will continue to cooperate fully with their inquiry. We have confidence in our compliance program and will work with the NCAA to bring this matter to a resolution in a timely fashion.”

Saunders is a highly touted professional prospect for the tight end position. He has caught 60 passes for 718 yards and six touchdowns in his career as a Gamecock. Last season the senior accumulated 353 yards receiving and three touchdowns, including two scores against Clemson.

The tight end has had his eyes on the next level throughout his career. He decided in January to come back to school after contemplating going pro following his junior campaign. He was also suspended from the team for a week in January for missing the first team meeting and for having problems with his attitude.

The players who gain to benefit if Saunders is dismissed are senior captain Patrick DiMarco and sophomore tight end Justice Cunningham. DiMarco switched from fullback during the spring and received the Joe Morrison Award as the Offensive Player of the Spring. The Altamonte Springs, Fla., native has amassed 189 total yards in his career, including three touchdowns.  Cunningham may also see some playing time.