Alshon Jeffery his freshman year. Melvin Ingram in his senior season. Both players overcame different obstacles to become breakout stars for the Gamecocks in those seasons. This year, there are a few players who could surprise everyone and take some of the spotlight away from guys like Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney.
On defense, the one player that comes to mind is Devin Taylor.
Sure, Gamecock fans know how good he can be. They also knew how good Alshon and Ingram could be, too.
For the rest of the country, though, I think Taylor is about to have a season that will impress them and propel him into the first round of the NFL draft.
He’s got the body of an NFL defensive end, the hands of a good defensive back and the work ethic of a coach’s son. Don’t be surprised if he runs another interception back for a touchdown, scores another on a fumble recovery and records 10+ sacks this season. I won’t be.
On offense, the player I think will break out and surprise people already sort-of had a breakout season.
By the end of the season, I think Brandon Wilds will be getting the majority of the touches behind Lattimore, and he’ll probably see more touches than him against UAB and Wofford.
Last season, he proved he could be a lead back on any other team; He had 107 carries for 486 yards and three touchdowns after not playing or barely playing in Carolina’s first seven games.
He’s got good hands, incredible size, and speed. Wilds could be the Trent Richardson to Lattimore’s Mark Ingram. Seriously.
Other guys that are flying under the radar who could have breakout seasons include TE, Rory Anderson, LT, Brandon Shell, and DB, Ahmad Christian.