South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Linebackers
Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Ernest Hawkins, Sherrod Pittman, Daniel Fennell, and Jalen Henry
Ernest Hawkins is a JUCO transfer that committed to South Carolina in the class of 2015. He was rated a 3-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. He originally committed to UTEP out of high school in the class of 2012 and also had an offer from Purdue.
Hawkins backed out of his plans to greyshirt and enroll at UTEP after the recruiting staff was let go. According to Dwayne McLemore of The State, Hawkins did not play football for 2 years while he waited for an opportunity to play somewhere. He worked the night shift at Wal-Mart to pay his bills.
In 2014, opportunity came knocking and Hawkins did not hesitate to answer. He enrolled at Hartnell College, where he caught the eye of the Gamecock coaching staff. This season, he is penciled in to back up Larenz Bryant.
Hawkins did not play football for 2 years while he waited for an opportunity to play somewhere. He worked the night shift at Wal-Mart to pay his bills.
Sherrod Pittman was one of the highlights of the 2015 class for the Gamecocks. He was a 4-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the number 23 outside linebacker in the nation. He committed to the Gamecocks over offers from Florida, Clemson, Auburn, and many others.
During his senior year, Pittman broke his leg causing the early enrollee to miss spring practice with the Gamecocks. He was given the Outstanding Weight Room award when he arrived on campus.
Daniel Fennell joined the Gamecocks in the class of 2015. He was rated a 3-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the 20th inside linebacker in the nation. He committed to South Carolina over offers from Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, and others.
Jalen Henry also joined the Gamecocks in the class of 2015. He was rated a 3-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite. Henry chose to enroll early, and was considered the most improved freshman on the defense after spring practice. He is with the third team at the MIKE linebacker position.
Next: South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Tight End
More from Garnet and Cocky
- South Carolina Football: What has changed on the Gamecocks’ depth chart?
- South Carolina Football: Gamecocks make top group for elite athlete out of Georgia
- South Carolina Basketball: Gamecocks announce complete out-of-conference schedule for 2023-2024 season
- South Carolina Football: Kickoff time set for next weekend’s matchup with Tennessee
- South Carolina Baseball: Gamecock pledge decommits from class