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Kelvin Rainey
Redshirt Freshman
6'3", 233 lbs.
Yulee, FL
Recruitment:
3 stars, #29 athlete in the 2012 class
Other offers: Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, South Florida, Texas Tech, Southern Cal
College Career:
Rainey was recruited as a tight end, a primary factor in his choosing South Carolina over the rest of his impressive offer list. The coaches approached him in the spring about converting to linebacker, an area of dire need, and Rainey agreed to do so. However, he's recently returned to practice with the offense. We can only assume that Rainey's well on his way to an identity crisis and may take on an entirely new persona by the time he's finished here.
2013 Outlook:
Rainey had an impressive spring, snagging five interceptions over the course of the practice period and was recognized for making Big Plays (evidently that is a specific accolade, and not just fluffy commentary called upon by lazy bloggers). Rainey entered fall practice looking to figure into the two-deep at Will linebacker BUT WAIT. He's mysteriously moved back to practicing on the offensive side of the ball, although there still seems to be some evidence that he's still in the mix at linebacker. Yet, Cedrick Cooper and Marquis Roberts seem to have a foothold on the two-deep at Will. So, uh, sit tight and we'll know more in a week or two.
Trivia:
Hometown of Yulee, Florida, is served by two fire departments, explaining the nickname "Kelvin 'My Hometown Is Served by Two Fire Departments' Rainey".
Possible Todd Ellis play-by-play call:
"Shaw fakes the handoff to Davis, rolls out, and fires—hits Kelvin Rainey down the seam! Rainey's got itit in and he will go untouched into the end zone! TOUCHDOWN, GAMECOCKS! Oh my! The freshman comes through and delivers an up-to-the-minute forecast for this Volunteer secondary: expect Rainey conditions!"