Two Gamecocks will turn pro

COLUMBIA - South Carolina safety Ko Simpson and defensive end Johnathan Joseph said Monday they will forgo their remaining two years of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.

Simpson, a sophomore named to the third-team AP All-America list last month, led South Carolina with 103 tackles this season and had one interception. Tightlipped about what round he thinks he might be drafted, Simpson said he started thinking midseason he might turn pro.

"This only comes once in a lifetime," Simpson said. "I think, basically, in two years I did probably what all I could do at USC. ... I just followed my heart and thought it was best."

Simpson had six interceptions his first season, which tied for third in the nation, and was named Southeastern Conference freshman of the year. He signed with South Carolina in 2003 but didn't enroll until the next year.

Joseph led South Carolina with four interceptions this season and finished with 55 tackles. The redshirt sophomore started two games in 2004 before he broke his foot in the first quarter against Georgia.

For Joseph, the decision to go pro was more difficult and came at the end of the season. Joseph, who has been clocked at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash, hopes to improve his stock before the draft.

"It was a hard decision for me to make," Joseph said. "I think the tests will be a big part of where I get drafted."

Both talked with Spurrier, who wanted them to stay, but he left the decision up to the players.

Spurrier was out of town and not available for comment.

In a statement, Spurrier announced Monday that backup quarterback Antonio Heffner will transfer to Tennessee State.

Heffner, who went 22-for-33 for 236 yards and two touchdowns this past season, started for injured Blake Mitchell in the Gamecocks' 48-7 loss at Auburn. Spurrier later moved him to receiver, but he had just one catch for seven yards.

"Antonio will transfer to (Division I-AA) Tennessee State where hopefully he will be their starting quarterback in an offense more suited to his talents," Spurrier said.

Tailback Albert Ashcraft, who didn't play last year, also decided to transfer to Western Carolina where he will run track.

Dustin Lindsey, a sophomore who finished third on the team with 58 tackles, will not play next season after he was ruled academically ineligible, Spurrier also said in the statement.