South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Wide Receivers

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Deebo Samuel

Tyshun “Deebo” Samuel committed to the Gamecocks in the class of 2014. He was rated a 3-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite index, but analysts at 247Sports liked him so much they rated him a 4-star in 247Sports index. He was ranked the number 109 wide receiver in the nation according to the Composite rankings and 35th by 247Sports. He had offers from Appalachian State, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, NC State, and others.

Samuel did not necessarily require a redshirt season last season as Spurrier Jr. felt that he could have contributed. The problem was that the Gamecocks already had experienced wide receivers returning, and burning a redshirt year on him may not be worth it in the long run. Hence, Samuel redshirted, which allowed him to prepare to step into the limelight this season.

Samuel will be the number 2 option and starter across from Pharoh Cooper this season. “He will be one of the guys,” Spurrier Jr. said. “He had a good spring game and made a bunch of plays. He played just about the entire spring game. He didn’t come out.”

Steve Spurrier and Spurrier Jr. have compared him to Bruce Ellington. “He’s strong, quick, physical,” Spurrier Jr. said after spring practice had concluded. “He’s got some Bruce Ellington characteristics, he really does. He catches the ball well. Toward the end of last year, he really did a lot of good things. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player.”

Next: Carlton Heard