Ex-Gamecock player arrested on drug and weapons charges

Former SC and USC football player Demetris Summers has been charged with drug trafficking, possession of a gun during commission of a violent crime, possession of a stolen gun and unlawful conduct toward a child.

After a monthlong undercover operation, Lexington County drug agents on Friday raided the home of Summers and Latesha Boykin. Boykin faces the same charges as Summers, according to a Lexington County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Three children, who live with Summers and Boykin at their River Oaks Apartment residence, off Bush River Road, were taken into protective custody.

Summers, a former USC tailback who joined the Gamecocks in 2003 for two seasons after a starring career at Lexington High School, was charged last November with intent to distribute crack cocaine, having a gun illegally and driving under the influence following an accident in West Columbia.

He set national records from 1999-2002 and is still ranked among the best high school player nationally. He compiled a four-year varsity career of 9,076 yards rushing and 120 touchdowns, even though he seldom played an entire game. Summers’ rushing yards and TDs at one time ranked 13th nationally.

After breaking South Carolina’s all-time rushing record and becoming a Parade magazine All-American, Summers dreamed of playing in a New Year’s Day bowl game when he signed with USC as a five-star recruit.

His college career was sidetracked by injuries and marijuana. After coach Steve Spurrier booted him after several positive tests for using marijuana, Summers was out of football for three seasons, working odd jobs and attending a few tryouts.

Summers lasted two weeks at the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in 2006 before being cut.

He returned to professional football when Calgary coach John Hufnagel took a chance on him after spotting him at a tryout in Orlando. Summers played for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League in 2008.

Clif LeBlanc contributed to this report.

This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Ex-Gamecock player arrested on drug and weapons charges."