South Carolina football: NFL draft outlook for former Gamecocks

Staying on the offensive side of the ball, receiver Shi Smith is next on the list. The senior finished up his Carolina career ranked inside the top 10 in program history in both catches and yards.

Smith has been a major contributor since his freshman season, and finally got an opportunity to take over the No. 1 role following the graduation of all-time leading receiver Bryan Edwards. Smith shined in the new role, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

Smith eclipsed the century mark twice in the 2020 season, and recorded double digit catches on three occasions. From a statistics standpoint, his best outing was in the opener against Tennessee, where he tallied 10 catches and 140 yards. But his most impactful game may have been the upset over Auburn.

In that matchup, he battled through double teams and consistent trash talk from the Auburn secondary on his way to an eight-catch, 76 yard performance. His lone touchdown is below, and ended up being the game’s deciding points.

Smith is considered the 191st best prospect, and the 29th best wideout, according to Pro Football Network.

Next, we’ll get back to the defense, where a second member of the secondary lands with a fifth round draft grade.

Israel Mukuamu comes in at No. 246 on the list, ranking as the draft’s 25th best cornerback. He’s twice led the team in interceptions, and is perhaps most remembered for a three-pick performance in the Gamecocks’ upset of third-ranked Georgia in 2019.

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Mukuamu opted out of the team’s final three games following the firing of Will Muschamp. For his career, he finishes with 64 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, and seven interceptions.

Next up is a pass catcher that’s yet to make a decision on his football future. Senior transfer tight end Nick Muse is still mulling over whether to move on from the South Carolina program amid a coaching change, or return for one final go.

The brother of Raiders safety Tanner Muse, Nick hauled in 30 receptions for 425 yards and his first career touchdown in Columbia this past season. He was the team’s second-leading receiver, and showed his versatility by lining up out wide and on the line.

Muse possesses size and speed to become a major mismatch for opposing defenses, and if he decides to go pro, could wind up being a late-round steal for an NFL organization.

Pro Football Network ranks Muse as the 314th best draft prospect regardless of position, as well as the 19th best tight end. He is considered to be a sixth round selection.

Last, but certainly not least, is big man Sadarius Hutcherson. The senior leader has been with the program for five seasons, evolving into one of the best lineman on the team. Over his five-year career, Hutcherson started more than 30 games.

A massive human being, standing at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, the Tennessee native has twice been featured on Bruce Feldman’s ‘college football freaks’ list. He is considered to be the 444th best draft prospect and the 27th best offensive guard.