South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Wide Receivers

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Carlton Heard

Carlton Heard is arguably one of the most exciting stories in college football. Heard was lightly recruited out of high school in the class of 2011 and wound up walking on at Gardner-Webb. He redshirted his freshman year after earning a scholarship in preseason practices.

As a redshirt freshman, Heard caught 31 passes for 422 yard and 1 touchdown. Against Liberty University, he caught 7 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown which earned him the honor Big South Freshman of the Week.

Heard wanted a bigger challenge and decided to leave Gardner-Webb and walk-on at South Carolina in 2013 turning down a scholarship from Charlotte.

Heard wanted a bigger challenge and decided to leave Gardner-Webb and walk-on at South Carolina in 2013 turning down a scholarship from Charlotte. He even managed to catch Steve Spurrier’s eye. “He just showed up one day,” Steve Spurrier said. “I’m glad he did.” Due to NCAA transfer rules, Heard would have to sit out the 2013 season.

By the 2014 season, Heard had earned a scholarship. He also changed the SEC football landscape after blocking a punt against Florida, according to ESPN. He hasn’t made an impact at receiver, but he’s stood out in camp as a player who has been consistent in catching the ball.

Next: The Second Team