Even in its more successful seasons, few think of South Carolina as a high-octane offensive juggernaut. Certainly, plenty of respectable quarterbacks and running backs have come and gone through the South Carolina football program. Even so, stout defenses most often define USC’s good years.
However, a string of very athletic, very versatile receivers have made Carolina their alma mater. Currently, four ex-Gamecock legends play on NFL rosters. Alshon Jeffery of the Eagles, Bruce Ellington from Houston, Panther Damiere Byrd, and, last but not least, Pharoh Cooper plays for the L.A. Rams.
All Gamecock fans remember well Todd Ellis shouting on the radio, “Touchdown Carolina! Touchdown (insert receiver’s name)!” USC routinely draws in some of the best receivers in the country. Quarterbacks love these guys, and defenses fear and despise them. These dynamic freaks of nature turn five yard slants into fifty yard gains and scores. Known as a jack of all trades, Pharoh Cooper never hesitated to get under center for a wildcat play.
This alone should give Carolina plenty of status as wide receiver U. However, the current roster lists some amazing receivers in its own right. Deebo Samuel, already a legend, could well win a Heisman Trophy in his upcoming senior season. Bryan Edwards has already caught six touchdown passes in his two years as a Gamecock. In addition to this, Edwards eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season. Shi Smith displayed an electrifying level of athleticism and power as a freshman last season. Smith rambled for just shy (no pun intended) of 300 yards and two scores.
Watch for these ultra-talented athletes to put up almost video game stats with a cannon-armed signal caller in Jake Bentley. He handily gets the ball to them, and they take care of the rest.
Deebo would have to try hard not to wind up an early NFL Draft round pick. An injury early last season tempered what would’ve been ceiling-shattering stats. Expectations rise up to the moon for this coming season.