Reaves to join Kiffin's Vols

Alan Hawes
The Post and Courier

South Carolina's Marvin Sapp tackles Clemson's Aaron Kelly in the fourth quarter Saturday.

CLEMSON — South Carolina lost big to its rival Saturday, and it might be on the verge of losing its quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.

David Reaves is expected to join Lane Kiffin's new staff at Tennessee, sources told The Post and Courier on Saturday night.

Earlier in the day, Reaves declined to comment after Clemson's 31-14 victory at Death Valley. But a source said Reaves and coach Steve Spurrier plan to meet before Monday.

Reaves, 29, is in his seventh year on USC's staff. He was a graduate assistant the first two seasons and he's been a full-time member the past five. The Columbia native took over the recruiting coordinator duties in February 2006.

It's not clear what position Reaves would hold under Kiffin, who is Reaves' brother-in-law.

Kiffin, the 33-year-old former Oakland Raiders coach, is expected to be named Tennessee's next coach early in the week. He'll replace Phillip Fulmer, who was ousted a few weeks back but allowed to finish the season.

Since Spurrier works extensively with the quarterbacks, Reaves' loss might be felt more in the recruiting department - especially this time of year.

Secondary coaches Shane Beamer and Ron Cooper have both served as recruiting coordinators in the past, Beamer at Mississippi State and Cooper at USC.

Reaves might not be the only USC assistant on the move.

Also, the heat is certainly on offensive line coach John Hunt after the Gamecocks were ranked last in the SEC in sacks allowed and rushing yards a game most of the season.

No home Cook-in here

In the end, Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning didn't have to worry about stopping South Carolina tight end Jared Cook.

Cook did that all by himself.

The multi-talented Cook was benched for the second half after a lackluster performance against the Tigers in the first half.

"Jared just didn't look like he was into the game," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. "So I said, 'Weslye (Saunders), go play the second half.' There was one little ball thrown behind Jared, and I just didn't like his effort going for it."

The All-SEC tight end was a non-factor, finishing with one reception for two yards.

"I don't know that we did all that much," Koenning said. "He didn't play the second half. Not sure why he didn't play, but it's pretty easy to stop him when he's on the sidelines."

Davis vs. Davis

Clemson running back James Davis and South Carolina running back Mike Davis both played well.

James Davis rushed for 91 yards and three touchdowns on 24 attempts. Davis has 725 rushing yards for the season and 3,855 for his career, 111 yards shy of Raymond Priester's school record.

Davis' three TDs boosted his career total to 49, one behind Travis Zachery's school mark of 50 touchdowns.

"I've still got one more game left to get them both," James Davis said. "I'm a little closer, but the records are not important. Beating South Carolina was what really mattered."

Mike Davis had arguably one of his best games of the season for USC, with 76 yards on 17 attempts. Davis, who had a long run of 13 yards, came into the game averaging an anemic 3.5 yards a carry. He averaged 4.5 yards against the Tigers.

Injury update

--USC freshman safety Akeem Auguste left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return.

--USC cornerback Captain Munnerlyn left the game in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury.

--Clemson reported no injuries.

This and that

--USC wide receiver Kenny McKinley extended his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 42. He became the fifth player in SEC history to record 200 catches. McKinley has 201 career receptions.

--Clemson wide receiver Jacoby Ford had a 50-yard TD reception in the second quarter. It was Ford's sixth career TD of more than 50 yards.

--Hamlin recorded his 14th career interception. He moved into sole possession of third place on Clemson's all-time interception list. It was also Hamlin's 18th career takeaway, which trails only Terry Kinard (1979-82) with 19.

--The Gamecocks became only the second team this season to pass for more than 200 yards against the Tigers.

--The Tigers have 12 interceptions against the Gamecocks since Spurrier took over as USC's coach.