South Carolina football alums impressing during first NFL training camps

South Carolina football had four players selected during the 2024 NFL Draft and several others who were signed to various undrafted free agent rookie contracts after the draft ended. As NFL training camps officially started on Monday (rookie camps and voluntary camps began earlier in July), three of these rookie Gamecocks have impressed during their first NFL experiences.

Wide receiver Xavier Legette (Carolina Panthers; 1st round, pick 32) was the first Gamecock selected in this year's draft, and his short trip up I-77 to Charlotte has been an easy transition so far. The Palmetto State native has been really good so far for the Panthers. After training with fellow South Carolina football legend Deebo Samuel this offseason, Legette has looked like Deebo on the field, hauling in deep balls and working well in the short game.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints; 5th round, pick 150) is in the unique situation of being behind a veteran starter (Derek Carr) who can show him the ropes but who isn't so entrenched into his starting spot so as to make the idea of Rattler seeing the field an impossibility. If he continues performing as well as he has so far in camp, he could get some reps this fall. Rattler has been sharp for the Saints at practice, impressing his teammates and the Who Dat fanbase.

An unorthodox undrafted free agent, running back/special teamer Dante Miller was signed before the NFL Draft thanks to the fact he was not on the Gamecocks' active roster in 2023 due to the NCAA denying his appeal for a final year of eligibility. Miller is nicknamed "Turbo," and he has proven that label accurate this summer as he has made an interesting bid for a roster spot with the New York Giants.

Legette and Rattler are guaranteed to make the Panthers and Saints, respectively, and Miller's chances improve every day to make the Giants' squad. The NFL's roster cuts (down to 53 players) will take place at the end of August.