South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-12 greatest defensive tackles of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 6 Defensive Tackle of All-Time:
Roy Hart
USC celebrates win over Southern Cal Oct 1983 USC Gamecocks football players Roy Hart and James Sumpter hoist coach Joe Morrison after beating the Trojans at Williams-Brice Stadium. pic.twitter.com/BtiiVTo82V
— Gamecock History (@HistoryAthletic) October 31, 2022
Roy Hart (1983-1987) missed most of his first three years on campus with injuries. When he got healthy in 1986, he had a very good season but was snubbed from postseason award lists. In 1987, he was too good to ignore, as he picked up an absurd 112 tackles (including 19 in one game vs. Nebraska) and 5 sacks on his way to All-American honors. Hart set the tone up front for the “Black Death” defense of 1987 and was a team captain.
After a brief stint in the NFL, Hart was considered the best football player in the World League of American Football before getting a second chance in the NFL. That second chance was cut short due to more injuries, however. He finished his South Carolina career in the top-10 for tackles for loss despite only being healthy enough to play for about two and a half seasons.