Quarles named first-team All-American by Sporting News

South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles has been named first-team All-America by Sporting News, it was announced Friday.

Quarles, a 6-4, 298-pounder from Hodges, S.C., was the team leader in tackles for loss with 13.5 including a team-high 9.5 sacks. One of four captains, Quarles enters the 2014 Capital One Bowl with 36 tackles, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and three quarterback hurries. Earlier this week he was named first-team All-SEC by both the Associated Press and by the league’s 14 coaches.

In addition, Athlon Sports released its All-America and All-SEC squads. Quarles earned a spot as a first-team All-SEC selection and a second-team All-American. Running back Mike Davis and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney earned second team All-SEC recognition.

College Sports Madness also announced its All-SEC teams. Quarles once again represented South Carolina on the first team, with Davis, Clowney and cornerback Victor Hampton earning second-team honors.

With Quarles earning a spot on the Sporting News All-America squad, it marks the fifth-consecutive year in which the Gamecocks have had a first-team All-American. Eric Norwood (2009), Alshon Jeffery (2010), Melvin Ingram (2011) and Jadeveon Clowney (2012) were recognized in the four previous seasons.

This story was originally published December 13, 2013 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Quarles named first-team All-American by Sporting News."