South Carolina Gamecocks

7

Michael Rathe

Class: Senior Hometown: San Diego, Calif. High School: Rancho Bernardo

Last College: Mesa CC Height / Weight: 6-1 / 204 Position: QB Birthdate: 12/22/1981 Experience: 1VL Major: Sport & Entertainment

2005 Preseason >> Spent the offseason in a state of limbo, waiting for the NCAA to make a ruling on his attempt to gain a sixth year of eligibility ... His experience and intelligence make him a strong candidate for a starting spot at quarterback if cleared ... Saw limited reps during the spring, as his uncertain status led the coaches to give the bulk of the snaps to Brett Nichols, Antonio Heffner and Brett Nichols ... Completed 5-of-13 passes for 42 yards in the Garnet and Black Spring Game.

2004 >> Reserve quarterback who appeared in five games ... Best remembered for his game-winning 19-yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson with 1:28 remaining against Kentucky in Lexington ... Trailing 7-6 in the fourth quarter in that game, Rathe was inserted in the lineup on USC's final offensive drive ... He drove the Gamecocks 88 yards in 13 plays, with the five minute plus drive culminated by the game winning TD toss to Williamson in the right corner of the end zone ... Against Kentucky, Rathe completed five of seven passes for 57 yards and the one touchdown ... On the season, Rathe was 12-18-1 for 143 yards and two touchdowns ... Also tossed a touchdown pass at Florida, a five-yard strike to David Smith late in the fourth quarter ... Earned a spot on the SEC Fall Sports Academic Honor Roll ... Rathe has applied for a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, based upon some circumstances he encountered when he was at the University of San Diego.

2003 >> Junior college transfer who competed for playing time during preseason camp ... Saw action in five contests ... Played in the first four games of the season and then in the season finale vs. Clemson ... On the year, he completed two of eight passes for 24 yards with two interceptions ... Completed two passes for 24 yards vs. Clemson ... Threw interceptions against Georgia and Clemson ... Earned a spot on the SEC Fall Sports Academic Honor Roll.

2002 >> Junior college transfer who enrolled at USC in January of 2003 and participated in spring practice ... Coaching staff likes his versatility.

JUNIOR COLLEGE >> Rated the #37 junior college prospect by Rivals.com ... Rated the #49 prospect in the SuperPrep JUCO Top 100 ... Completed 52% of his passes (160-304) for 2,874 yards and 30 touchdowns ... Originally signed with the University of San Diego out of high school ... Played for Coach Martin Moss at Mesa Community College ... Chose South Carolina over Kansas.

HIGH SCHOOL >> During his senior campaign he passed for 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns ... Completed 60 percent of his passes his senior year ... Named second team all-league ... All-academic team member ... Named team's offensive player of the year.

PERSONAL >> Born Dec. 22, 1981 ... His major is Sport and Entertainment Management.