South Carolina All-Decade Team - Defense

DE- Cliff Matthews- The Cheraw native is not only one of my favorite all-time Gamecocks because of his humble demeanor, but also his high energy motor and desire to be the best. Matthews was a second team All-SEC selection this year, and had he not been injured and missed most of two full games, he may have been 1st team All-SEC, an honor that I doubt escapes Matthews in 2010.

DT- Langston Moore- Another of my all-time favorite players at USC. Moore was a constant nightmare for centers and guards during his career at Carolina and was a big reason why USC had nationally ranked defenses.

DT- Nathan Pepper- The Greenville HS standout has been a steady force on the defensive line since the 2006 season. Pepper will be the first Gamecock player to play in four bowl games when he lines up on Jan. 2nd in the Pappa John's Bowl against UConn. Pepper was a 245 pound under valued DE when he arrived at USC in 2005 as a part of Spurrier's first recruiting class. Ron Cooper found a diamond in the rough when he evaluated and signed Pepper, whose only other commitable offer was Kentucky. I think a lot more teams wish they had offered the now 290- plus pound DT.

DE- Kalimba Edwards- While the 6'6 260 pounder was listed as a LB, he was really a walk-up DE, who primarily played on the line of scrimmage. Edwards was two-time All-SEC and in 2001 earned All-American honors. Had 15 career sacks.

OLB- Eric Norwood- Norwood came back for his senior season, after first announcing he would leave early for the NFL. It turned out to be a great decision for Norwood and USC. The Acworth, GA standout will leave Carolina as a three time first team All-SEC performer by the SEC coaches, he has the record for sacs and tackles for loss in a career, and he was named first team All-American by The Walter Camp Foundation and the Associated Press. Norwood should also go much higher in the 2010 NFL Draft.

MLB- Jasper Brinkley- Brinkley made an instant impact when he arrived in 2006 from Georgia Military Junior College, starting every game and being named unanimously to the first team All-SEC. Brinkley recorded over 100 tackles as a junior and was primed for an All-American year in 2007, but his season came to an end with a knee injury at LSU. Carolina's struggles down the stretch in the '07 season could partially be attributed to his loss, as well as Sidney Rice's early departure for the NFL Draft.

ILB- Kenny Harney- The Allendale native starred in the 2000 and 2001 seasons for The Gamecock defense. HE was known for hard hits and his steady sideline to sideline play. Carolina really did not replace his presence in the lineup until Brinley arrived in '06.

DB- Sheldon Brown- What a tremendous find by current USC assistant Brad Lawing,who was recruiting coordinator under former head coach Brad Scott. A high school running back at tiny Lewisville HS, Brown developed into an All-SEC performer, and has had a stellar NFL career, earning All-Pro honors for the Philadelphia Eagles.

DB- Dunta Robinson- The highest selected Gamecock DB in the NFL Draft, going 10th overall to the Houston TExans, Robinson was a great find by former Carolina assistant coach Buddy Pough. Coming out of Athens, GA, Robinson's only BCS offer was South Carolina. Robinson was a lock don defender, who could have also excelled as a return man, but was too valuable to risk injury.

DB- Rashad Faison- While the diminutive 5'9 spur safety never made it to the NFL, Faison was a stalwart on Carolina defenses from 2000-2002. Faison is the all-time leader in unassisted tackles and recorded 27.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as s DB.

DB- Ko Simpson- The Rock Hill native was a late qualifier and as a result was grey-shirted as a freshman in 2003. Simpson started every game in 2004 and 2005, earning Freshman All-American Honors and All-SEC honors both years. Simpson decided to leave early for the NFL Draft following the 2005 season and now plays for the Detroti Lions. The one thing I remember about Simpson is his nose for the football and uncanny natural football instincts. He could find a fumble in a pile and come out the other side and go the distance for a TD, or get a pick 6 as easy as any player I have ever seen play.

P/PK Ryan Succop- What a tremendous leg. Succop's ability to kick the ball out of the end zone was sorely missed, as Gamecock fans had become spoiled at the number of touch backs Succop recorded over the course of his career. Was also an excellent punter. The one kick I will always remember was the 55 yarder at Vanderbilt in 2006. That kick would have been good from close to 70 yards out.