South Carolina Football: 10 times that star ratings didn’t matter for the Gamecocks

The most rankings-busting recruits in South Carolina Football history:
Wide Receiver Sidney Rice

Hailing from powerhouse prep program Gaffney High School, Sidney Rice (2004-2006) was almost as highly regarded as a basketball player as he was as a football player by some recruiting outlets. The state’s Mr. Football was also the Player of the Year in basketball and had an offer to play both sports at Syracuse before choosing the Gamecocks.

The recruiting industry didn’t see what Carolina and Syracuse saw in Rice as he was rated as a 2-star prospect for much of his recruitment until a bump his senior year moved him into 3-star territory.

After a redshirt season in Lou Holtz’s final year in Columbia, Rice immediately became one of the best receivers in the nation in 2005 for Steve Spurrier. In two seasons of remarkably consistent, excellent play, Rice totaled over 140 catches, more than 2200 yards, and 23 touchdowns despite quarterback instability and playing alongside another all-time great Gamecock receiver Kenny McKinley.

Sidney Rice was an All-SEC receiver in both of his collegiate seasons before being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He went on to be a Pro Bowler for the Vikings before injuries cut his career short. Not too shabby for a 3-star.