For first time, South Carolina football alum scores in NFL, has perfect celebration

South Carolina football wide receiver Xavier Legette was one of the country's biggest benefactors from the NCAA granting the "Covid redshirt" as he used his 5th year of eligibility to go from virtual afterthought to All-American and NFL Draft 1st round pick.

When the Carolina Panthers selected Legette with the final pick of the opening round of April's draft, Legette instantly became one of the most electric players on the roster. Through the first few weeks of the NFL season, his numbers were a bit pedestrian through the Panthers' quarterback concerns and transition from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton.

However, on Sunday, the former Gamecock had his best day as a pro.

Through the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals, Legette already had set career-high numbers in receptions (5) and yards (49), and #17 found the end zone for the first time in the NFL.

In the 2nd quarter, after a nice catch-and-run earlier on the drive, Dalton found Legette in the front of the end zone for an 8-yard score following him beating man coverage with an in route.

After this first NFL touchdown, the country boy from Mullins, South Carolina celebrated in an appropriate fashion. Known for his southern accent and for riding horses, Legette mimed riding a horse through the crowd of his celebrating teammates.

The rookie finished Sunday's game against the Bengals (one that the Panthers lost 34-24) with 6 catches for 66 yards and the touchdown. He also rushed twice for 10 yards in the losing effort.

During his South Carolina football career, Xavier Legette went from being a four-year player who was in and out of the lineup due to injury and inconsistent production to becoming one of the very best receivers in program history. In 2023, Legette posted one of the best seasons ever in garnet and black. He became just the second Gamecock ever to have over 1200 yards receiving, the fifth ever to catch 70 passes, and the first ever to have multiple 70-yard touchdowns in one game.