South Carolina Football: Ranking the most otherworldly Gamecock athletes

Aliens are real. At least, that’s what three retired United States military officers testified in front of Congress this week. According to Ryan Graves, David Fravor, and David Grusch, the US government knows about extraterrestrial life and has known about it for decades. Reading this may have one wondering, “What on earth does this have to do with South Carolina football?!” Not to worry, we’re getting there.

The three former military officials have alleged that the government is in possession of several UFOs and multiple “non-human” remains that are believed to be from another planet. Whether any of this is remotely true is up for debate (Hey, aliens, if you are real, don’t start the invasion until after college football season. Thanks.), but it certainly has the nation talking.

The discourse around otherworldly life has reminded many sports fans that some of the best athletes in the world sometimes resemble something other than human as they do things that don’t feel possible for any “normal human” to do.

With this thought in mind, one could make the argument that South Carolina football proved long ago that aliens are among us. A number of former (and current) Gamecocks could have their substantial abilities passed off as being alien-like. But which of these players is the most otherworldly?

Honorable Mention

Nyck Harbor: This may seem too premature, but it isn’t. Despite not having played a down yet for the Gamecocks, Nyck Harbor belongs in this discussion. Quite literally one of a kind, Harbor is 6’5″ and 241 pounds, and he is an Olympic-caliber sprinter who has realistic dreams of participating in the Games in 2024 and 2028. It wouldn’t be that hard to believe he wasn’t human, would it?

Byron Jerideau: Byron Jerideau was not a flashy player during his three years in garnet and black. What he was, though, was arguably the strongest player to ever suit up for an SEC program. Jerideau’s legendary workouts included doing sets with 500-pound squats and 450-pound bench presses. That’s certainly not normal for human beings.

During his playing days, Jerideau squatted 670 pounds before being asked by coaches not to try heavier amounts for fear of injury. He also bench pressed 500 pounds before having the same restriction placed on that workout, too. Both marks are South Carolina football records, and he would have been able to do more.

Steve Taneyhill: Anyone who saw Steve Taneyhill on the field understands this one. Taneyhill was as known for his good performances as a quarterback as he was for his good performances as a showman. A boisterous celebration artist in an era that didn’t see much of that type of behavior, Taneyhill had otherworldly talent, confidence, and brashness and led the Gamecocks to the program’s first-ever bowl game victory.

Jordan Burch: Jordan Burch played his high school ball in Columbia at the Hammond School, and the former 5-star prospect came to campus with unrealistic expectations. Following Jadeveon Clowney as the next 5-star defensive end to play for the Gamecocks, the hype surrounding Burch centered around his insane athleticism.

At 6’5″ and 275 pounds, Burch was among the fastest players on the team and was utilized on kick coverage teams early in his career. That is not normal usage for defensive linemen. Burch routinely would chase down plays from the backside that seemed impossible, and, though things never went quite as well for Burch as Gamecock fans would have hoped, he looked in line for a big year as a senior before transferring to Oregon this offseason.

Sadarius Hutcherson: Graduating high school at 235 pounds, Sadarius Hutcherson was not the typical offensive line recruit. Former Gamecock offensive line coach Shawn Elliott saw something in Hutch and convinced him that the best thing for South Carolina football and for Hutcherson would be to gain 100 pounds. He gained the weight and became an All-SEC lineman who played in the NFL. That shouldn’t be possible for humans.

Hayden Hurst: Hayden Hurst was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school and played two years of professional baseball before a battle with “the yips.” After leaving baseball, he walked on to the South Carolina football team and was even better as a football player.

Hurst’s freakish athleticism was on full display in garnet and black as he became one of the best tight ends to ever lace up cleats for the Gamecocks. The elite playmaker earned a 1st-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Dan Reeves: Perhaps a surprising inclusion in this discussion, Dan Reeves was a good quarterback on some bad South Carolina teams. However, when he got to the NFL, he was an All-Pro running back before becoming a very good wide receiver, an elite special teams contributor, and a potential Hall of Fame head coach. Reeves’ ability to do just about anything, especially at his size and with his limited overall athleticism, is nothing short of otherworldly.