South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-15 greatest cornerbacks of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 5 Cornerback of All-Time:
Bobby Bryant
The original dominant Gamecock defensive back, Bobby Bryant (1964-1966) was a two-sport star at South Carolina, shining for both the football team and the baseball team. A running back and wingback out of high school, he was not switched over to the defensive side of the ball until 1965. The switch came with an immediate payoff as Bryant was an All-ACC performer that season.
The next year was even better as the team captain was voted to the All-American team and was named ACC Athlete of the Year. After graduating from Carolina, Bryant became one of the best players on one of the best NFL defenses of all-time. A member of the Purple People Eaters for the Minnesota Vikings, Bryant was one of just 11 players to play in four Super Bowls for the franchise. He is considered the best corner in the franchise’s history and retired in the top-10 in career interceptions among all NFL players.