In honor of Jadeveon Clowney possibly becoming the second South Carolina Gamecocks player to go first overall in the NFL Draft, we go back to 1981 to take a look at George Rogers, the first Gamecock to go first.
When the road that runs past the stadium is named after you and when your number is retired by the school while you’re still playing, you know you’ve had a great career. Such was the case with Rogers, whose 6’2″, 228 lb. frame made him larger than other running backs of his time. Perhaps that’s why he went for 1,894 yards as a senior, currently a school record and the reason he won the Heisman that year. He left Columbia with 5,204 yards (on 5.5 yards per carry), putting nearly 2,200 yards clear of Brandon Bennett on the all-time list, and is tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 31 (seven back of Marcus Lattimore).
Rogers would be taken first by the New Orleans Saints in the 1981 Draft and enjoyed a seven-year career with the Saints and Redskins. His career ended in injury after the 1987 season, but he was fortunate to be part of the Redskins squad that won the Super Bowl that year.