South Carolina Football: A look at every 5-star recruit in program history; Two are in this year's class!

South Carolina Football's All-Time 5-Star Recruits:
Linebacker Ricardo Hurley (Class of 2002)

A little-known answer to the trivia question "Which player was the first 5-star to sign with the Gamecocks in the modern recruiting era?", Greenwood High School product Ricardo Hurley, also a Parade All-American, elected to stay home and play for his home state school despite many outside suitors.

Hurley played well as a first-year player, earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2002, but injuries and struggles with scheme limited him the next two seasons. As a senior, he played somewhat better for new head coach Steve Spurrier, but the starting job he once owned became a rotational role with sophomores Cody Wells and Ryan Brown, neither of which were nearly as highly touted as recruits.

Once viewed as a can't-miss prospect who was going to continue the recent run of linebacker brilliance seen from players like Kalimba Edwards (outside linebacker) and Kenny Harney (inside linebacker), Hurley played both spots during his Gamecock career but didn't live up to expectations at either position.

Hurley's NFL career lasted less than one season, and the Rivals and Scout 5-star never played like one after his high school career ended.