USC All Decade Team- Offense

While I agree with many of The State's all decade selections, I would differ with just a few, so here goes. I based my selections on their overall impact on the Gamecock program, post season recognition, and NFL potential.

OFFENSE

TE- Weslye Saunders- While Cook is the more popular selection, I beleive Saunders is more of a true TE, while Cook played flexed like a slot receiver for much of his career. Saunders makes a major impact in every game when he is actually part of the game plan. Saunders still needs to improve on his blocking but has the potential to be a 1st round draft pick after a productive senior season. I also can't really forgive Cook for checking out early. Saunders wanted the ball in his hands late in the season, and was vocal about it. The coaching staff listened and Saunders delivered, scoring on a highlight reel catch against Florida and then picking up two TD grabs against Clemson.

LT- Travelle Wharton- what can you say about Wharton? He started for four straight seasons, earning All-SEC twice and is now a standout in the NFL.

LG- Cedric Williams- Williams was named first team All-SEC following his senior season and was a three year starter for the Gamecocks

C-NaShon Goddard- While the big man from Ohio only played center as a freshman, he showed his versatility, playing tackle and guard over the next three seasons. He was a four year starter and has been a journeyman in the NFL. Goddard was a basketball player that picked up football late in high school, but was considered one of the top OL's from the buckeye state. Great job of recruiting by Todd Fitch to steal Goddard away as a late signee.

RG- Shane Hall- Hall was a part of Lou Holtz's first recruiting class at South Carolina and the big NJ product enjoyed a fine career for the Gamecocks and led the way for Carolina running backs on the two Outback Bowl teams, earning All-SEC honors.

RT- Melvin Paige- A former Tuba player in the Dillon band, Paige was actually recruited to Carolina by current defensive line coach Brad Lawing during the Brad Scott Era. Paige developed into an excellent tackle prospect under the tutelage of current Miami Dolhins OL coach Dave De Gugelielmo.

WR- Sidney Rice- Was a dominant performer for two years before leaving early for the NFL. Is currently having an All-Pro season with the Minnesota Vikings and probably living a dream catching passes from Brett Favre. What would Rice's numbers been like had he played three or four seasons in Columbia? WOW!

WR- Kenny McKinley- USC's all-time leding receiver. Enjoyed an excellent four year career, despite an injury plagued senior season. Was drafted by the Denver Bronco's and saw spot duty this season as a receiver and punt recturner.

QB- Phil Petty- Petty will always be remembered and revered by Gamecock fans as the QB that led Carolina out of a 1-21 two season nightmare. Petty was not spectacular and did not possess a bigtime arm, but what Petty brought to the table was the intangibles of leadership and heady play that separates the really good QB's with the rest of the pack. Petty was the guy that would stay out of the bad play. He would get Carolina into a good play by changing the call at the line of scrimmage, something coach Spurrier would like to see Stephen Garcia do more of. Petty was also on eof the best at throwing the ball away instead of taking a sack, again something GA Mangus and Spurrier are working with Garcia on. Petty lead Carolina to 8-4, 9-3 seasons as a junior and senior. His career culminated in winning the 202 Outback Bowl MVP award, but two games as a senior standout, Petty lede Carolina down the field in a 14-9 comeback win against Georgia, completing a TD pass to Brian Scott late in the game to provide the difference. Petty also had a career day against Alabama in Williams-Brice Stadium, leading Carolina to a come from behind 37-35 win against the Crimson Tide.

RB- Derek Watson- Watson played a large role in Carolina's turnaround in 2000-01, but had a trouble plagued career off the field that led to an early departure from Carolina. Watson rushed for over 1000 yards as a sophomore in 2000, leading a strong ground game from the spread offense that helped propel the Gamecocks to a 7-4 record. Watson also blocked two punts in the Swamp that had Carolina ahead 21-3 in the first quarter.

RB- Corey Boyd- An after thought in the recruiting class of 2002 to Demetris Summers, Boyd proved to be the better back, completing an excellent career as a Gamecock. The Orange, NJ native had over 2000 yards rushing and over 1000 yards receiving. I remember Steve Spurrier, Jr. saying that Boyd was the only player that he had ever seen that had the skill set that would allow him to be a full-time WR or RB. Boyd had a shifty running style and sure hands out of the backfield. He never shied away from contact, and who will ever forget the head to head collision he had with a Virginia DB as a true freshman? That hit ended the young man from UVA's football career.

Coming tomorrow, the All-Decade Defense!