Bruce Ellington Listed on Paul Hornung Watch List
January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) reacts after he scored the game winning touchdown in the 2013 Outback Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jadeveon Clowney isn’t the only South Carolina Gamecock getting recognition this offseason. Heading into the 2013 season, South Carolina wide receiver Bruce Ellington has been named to the Paul Hornung watch list. The Paul Hornung award is a yearly award, now in its fourth year, given to the most versatile player in college football. Bruce Ellington is one of 44 players to be named to the Hornung preseason watch list.
Ellington, the junior wideout, is coming off his best season to date. In 2012, Ellington led the Gamecock football team with 600 receiving yards and 40 catches. Ellington also tallied seven touchdowns in 2012. Not only did Ellington lead the team in terms of receiving yards, but Ellington has also been the top kickoff receiver for the Gamecocks since the 2011 season.
Over the past two years, Ellington has amassed 57 catches for a total of 811 yards and eight touchdowns. The Gamecocks will be depending on Ellington to step up and contribute in a major way, especially after losing Ace Sanders to the NFL Draft. Ellington will be a huge target for Gamecock quarterbacks Connor Shaw and Dylan Thompson. Ellington will be the most experienced receiver in the very talented stable of receiver for the Gamecocks. After observing Bruce and his work ethic over the past two season, Gamecock fans should be excited to see what Ellington will bring to the table in 2013.
Rumor has it that Ellington will be returning punts on top of his receiving and kick return duties. Ellington is an incredibly versatile piece to the Gamecocks championship puzzle. If Bruce continues to improve this offseason like he did between his first and second year for the Gamecocks, he could have a season to remember and a trophy to add to his resume.