South Carolina football: NFL Draft grades for Gamecock players

Shi Smith is the first offensive player on the board, ranking as the 168th-best prospect in the draft. He’s considered the 28th-best wideout after compiling a four-year career that saw him leave the program with the fourth-most catches in school history.

Smith tallied 174 career catches for 2,204 yards, and finished the 2020 season with the fifth-most receptions in the Southeastern Conference. He was the Gamecocks’ only reliable option on the outside, and accounted for more than half the team’s production at the position.

He doesn’t have the size that many of the top options at wide receiver possess, but his speed, elusiveness, and sure hands could translate easily into long career at the slot position. Smith’s showing at the Senior Bowl only boosted his draft stock, as he was able to display his ability to create separation and haul in tough catches.

Smith could be off the board as early as day two, or he could fall to the later rounds, depending on specific team needs.

The last player on the PFF Big Board is offensive lineman Sadarius Hutcherson. Hutcherson has been a stalwart on the Carolina front five for the last three seasons, proving to be one of the Gamecocks’ top run blockers. He was an integral part in helping Kevin Harris win the SEC’s regular season rushing crown, and has been a frequent flyer on Bruce Feldman’s annual list of college football freaks. Here’s what Feldman said about Hutcherson’s strength and athleticism ahead of the 2020 season.

"Freakiest attribute: Leaping ability The Gamecocks starting left tackle for most of last season isn’t only one of the strongest men in the SEC, but the 320-pounder also has impressive athleticism as reflected by his 31.5-inch vertical jump. Hutcherson, a former high school tight end, also benches around 450 pounds and squats more than 600."

Hutcherson started 39 games for the Gamecocks over four seasons, playing both tackle and guard. He’ll likely play on the inside at the next level, and could prove to be an asset for a team with a bruising run game. He’s hoping to hear his name called on the final day of the NFL Draft.