Summers Named All-SEC Freshman

Demetris Summers received another post season accolade today, his second, and once again joined Travelle Wharton, Moe Thompson and Charles White as one of few recipients of post season football honors at SC for the 2004 campaign. Next season will be different ...

USC's Demetris Summers Named to SEC Coaches All-Freshman Squad

Standout tailback had solid rookie season for the Gamecocks

Columbia, S.C. - Demetris Summers, who had a standout rookie season for the University of South Carolina, has been named to the Southeastern Conference Coaches All-Freshman Football Team.

Summers, a 6-1, 208-pound tailback from Lexington, S.C., was USC's second leading rusher in 2003 with 638 yards. He went over the 100-yard mark twice, including a season-best 161-yard, three touchdown effort against Alabama-Birmingham and a 158-yard outing against nationally ranked Tennessee.

Summers averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He also had 12 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns. He had 136 yards in kick returns for a total of 920 all-purpose yards. Summers suffered a concussion in the second half of the Arkansas game and did not play the following week against Florida.

The Sporting News had previously named Summers and Chris White to its 2003 SEC All-Freshman football squad.

When told earlier of the TSN award Summers read from a prepared statement.

"I only received this honor because of the support I received from my teammates and coaches," said Summers. "I know I've got a lot of areas to improve in and need to work real hard between now and next season in order to become the type of player I want to become."

White, who missed the 2002 season with a neck condition, came back in 2003 to play in all 12 games, while starting the final six games of the year either at center or guard. The 6-4, 308-pounder, was a Prep Star All-America choice his senior year at Chester High School.

Also, Travelle Wharton, a senior offensive tackle from Fountain Inn, S.C., has been chosen second-team All-Southeastern Conference by both the league's coaches and by the Associated Press panel of voters.

Wharton, a four-year starter and 2003 team captain, started 44 games during his Carolina career, including the last 29 consecutive games at offensive tackle. The 6-4, 315-pounder was a Freshman All-America selection in 2000.

Moe Thompson, a sophomore defensive end for the Gamecocks, was chosen to the Associated Press' honorable mention All-SEC squad on Monday. Thompson started all 12 games for Carolina in 2003 and was the team's third leading tackler with 60 total stops. The 6-3, 280-pounder from Goose Creek, S.C., led the Gamecocks with three fumble recoveries and eight quarterback pressures. He was tied for the team lead with five quarterback sacks.