South Carolina Football: Each Gamecock Selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft

2 of 14

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 12: Zachary Dixon #31 of the Baltimore Colts gets tackled by Rick Sanford #25 of the New England Patriots during an NFL football game September 12, 1982 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Dixon played for the Colts in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

DB RICK SANFORD (1979)

With their first pick in the ’79 Draft, the New England Patriots selected defensive back Rick Sanford. He was the 25th overall pick, and became the first ever Gamecock to be chosen in the first round. This draft class included QB Phil Simms, and Hall of Famers Kellen Winslow, Sr. and Dan Hampton.

Sanford spent three seasons in Columbia, where he recorded eight interceptions for the Gamecocks from 1976-1978. The Rock Hill native spent seven seasons in the NFL, playing six with the Patriots before spending his final year in Seattle.

Sanford recorded 16 total interceptions from his safety position, including a career-high seven in 1983. He started 60 games before hanging up his cleats after the 1985 season.

Home/South Carolina Football