South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-12 defensive ends/EDGE players of all-time

Ranking the top-12 defensive ends/EDGE players in South Carolina football history

South Carolina football's Jadeveon Clowney with a sack against Missouri in 2012. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina football's Jadeveon Clowney with a sack against Missouri in 2012. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
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South Carolina football alum Casper Brinkley sacking Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina Football’s No. 12 EDGE Player of All-Time:
Casper Brinkley

One-half of the greatest set of twins to play football at the University of South Carolina (sorry, Lindsey boys), Casper Brinkley (2006-2007) was a stud as soon as he and his brother Jasper arrived from Georgia Military College. In his first season in Columbia, Brinkley put together a 7-sack, 13.5 tackle-for-loss campaign that saw him snubbed from joining his brother on the All-SEC team despite being worthy of the honor.

Brinkley’s 2007 season was even better despite the sack numbers not being there. He matched his tackles for loss number from 2006 and notched significantly more tackles as he played a more versatile role for the Gamecock defense. His ability to play standing up as an edge rusher or with his hand in the dirt led him to a brief NFL career despite his limited time playing high-level college football.