COLUMBIA -- If USC's various special teams units didn't know what was in store for them in the Ray Rychleski era, the night of Aug. 7 filled in the blanks.

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina tailback Mike Davis was the forgotten man at the end of last season.

COLUMBIA -- On Thursday afternoon at USC's practice field, coach Steve Spurrier stood surrounded by the media and offered up this proclamation about freshman receiver and former Chester standout C.C. Whitlock:

COLUMBIA -- The knock on Tommy Beecher has been his lack of experience.

COLUMBIA -- Jamon Meredith's talent is such that he might be a pro this time next year. When NFL scouts come to South Carolina, they ask the coaches about the big offensive linemen.

COLUMBIA -- Dustin Lindsey has been through a lot at South Carolina.

COLUMBIA -- Since Steve Spurrier is always his offense's harsh critic, his reaction to Saturday's scrimmage qualified as glowing.

COLUMBIA -- Everybody has a friend who is not shy about throwing his arm around your shoulder and squeezing his way into a picture.

COLUMBIA -- Tommy Beecher barely gets through a meal at a restaurant before he's interrupted by a South Carolina fan eager to talk Gamecock football.

COLUMBIA -- When the USC men's basketball team takes off for Europe today, all eyes should turn to Evka Baniulis. The reason has little to do with basketball.