Former standouts hold own at college

The Southern Conference got plenty of national attention earlier this season when Appalachian State University traveled to Ann Arbor, Mich., and knocked off fifth-ranked University of Michigan. Then Appalachian State was beaten by conference foe Wofford.

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The national media was learning something many of us have known for years. Southern Conference football is awfully good.

As usual, Columbia County has several athletes playing in the Southern Conference. Here is a look at how four former county standouts are performing this season.

Paul Miller (Lakeside)

6-1, 200 pound So. LB, Wofford

Miller is a reserve linebacker and special teams performer for Wofford. He was on the field the day the Terriers shocked Appalachian State 42-31. Wofford is 4-1 this season. Its only loss was a 38-17 setback at North Carolina State. Miller has seen action in all five games this season and has made five tackles.

Reggie Rice (Greenbrier) 6-0, 205 pound RS Freshman LB, The Citadel

Rice wasted little time securing a starting position at The Citadel. Although he was recruited as a running back, Rice has found a home at linebacker. The Bulldogs are 3-1 and Rice has played a major role in their success. In last weekend's 41-16 win over UT-Chattanooga, Rice had three tackles, a sack (for a 20-yard loss) and forced a fumble. For the season, Rice has 14 tackles including 2.5 for losses. He also has a sack and two forced fumbles.

Tim Camp (Harlem)

6-0, 206 pound RS Jr. WR,

Georgia Southern

Camp has become a very versatile and productive player for the Eagles. He has caught seven passes this season for 60 yards. He has also helped out in the return game, averaging 27 yards on two kick returns, and he has one punt return for 13 yards. Camp has helped the Eagles get off to a 3-1 start this season. The Georgia Southern offense is averaging nearly 44 points per game.

Daniel Jordan (Greenbrier)

6-4, 212 pound RS-Sr. Punter, Georgia Southern

Jordan is closing out a solid college career this season. He is a former walk-on who became a four-year starter and is considered one of the finest punters in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision. He finished 22nd in the nation last season averaging more than 41 yards per punt. So far in 2007, he is off to a good start. Jordan is averaging 40.7 yards on 15 punts. Even more impressive is that he has put eight of his 15 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line. With field position at such a premium these days, there is no doubt Jordan is a key factor in Georgia Southern's hot start.