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McKinley celebrates his Sharper image
McKinley rounds out assault on record book — with one mark still in reach
South Carolina wide receiver Kenny McKinley celebrates his touchdown catch with South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders in the fourth quarter during the Gamecocks game against Arkansas at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday, November 8, 2008.
Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com /The State
Written by CHRIS DEARING
Special to The State
Posted on 11.09.08
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As Kenny McKinley celebrated on the Williams-Brice Stadium turf for the final time after South Carolina’s 34-21 victory against Arkansas, he glanced up at the Sterling Sharpe placard in the northeast corner of the end zone and had one simple exclamation.
“They got to take it down now, baby,” McKinley shouted.
The sign is an acknowledgment of what Sharpe, the former All-American receiver for USC from 1983-1987, accomplished during his four-year career. He left the Gamecocks as the all-time leading receiver in receptions and yardage but both of those honors go to McKinley now.
McKinley set the career reception mark three games ago and now has 188 in his career. He broke the yardage record on his first reception Saturday that resulted in a 30-yard gain after a catch and run to the Arkansas 14-yard line. The former quarterback out of Mableton, Ga., now has 2,602 yards in his career after his seven-catch, 130-yard performance. He eclipsed Sharpe’s mark of 2,497 yards.
“I never thought I’d be standing here in this position but I’m happy and proud to have the records now,” McKinley said. “I’m so humbled about this, but now I don’t have to worry about the Sterling Shape questions anymore. They’ll be calling me asking me when Jason Barnes or one of those boys is fixing to break my record now.”
McKinley’s sits atop the record book in many receiving categories. Other than the receptions and yardage records, the 6-foot, 187-pounder has the single-season record of 77 catches that he reached last season. He also has caught a pass in a school record 40 consecutive games, which is the sixth-longest streak in the country.
The only record he does not have is the career touchdown record of 23 held by Sidney Rice. After his 15-yard scoring reception Saturday, McKinley is tied with Robert Brooks and Jermale Kelly for second all-time with 19. He still has two regular season games and a bowl contest to try to catch that record as well.
Quarterback Stephen Garcia said that type of production is something the Gamecocks have come to expect but will certainly miss next season.
“You just get the ball up in the air, and he’ll most likely come down with it unless you overthrow him like I did,” Garcia said. “He’s unbelievable and we’re going to miss him next year.”
McKinley came in as a lightly regarded prospect but has been spectacular in his four seasons.
“This is my foundation, where everything started for Kenny McKinley,” he said. “I played quarterback in high school, so this is where everything started. I thank the fans, coach Spurrier Jr., all the guys ahead of me and my teammates now. If my jersey does get retired it would be a good accomplishment but if it doesn’t I know what I did here and I know my legacy here so it’s not really a big deal right now.”
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