South Carolina Football: Gamecock NFL Draft count up to three as Marcellas Dial is selected
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina football fans watched five former Gamecocks get picked in the 2023 NFL Draft as Cam Smith (2nd round to the Miami Dolphins), Zacch Pickens (3rd round to the Chicago Bears), Darius Rush (5th round to the Indianapolis Colts), Jovaughn Gwyn (7th round to the Atlanta Falcons), and Jalen Brooks (7th round to the Dallas Cowboys) fulfilled their dreams of becoming NFL players.
This year, the Gamecocks again have multiple players vying to become NFL Draft selections. Wide receiver Xavier Legette was the first to be picked as he went to the Carolina Panthers with the last pick of the 1st round. Quarterback Spencer Rattler was taken by the New Orleans Saints as the second USC alum off the board after being taken in the 5th round by the New Orleans Saints.
Next up, though, was Marcellas Dial. Dial was believed to be the next most-likely South Carolina football alum to be taken in the 2024 NFL Draft after Legette and Rattler, and that is exactly how things played out for the Palmetto State native. The Gamecock defensive back was selected in the 6th round by the New England Patriots with the 180th overall selection.
Dial primarily played outside corner with the Gamecocks, but he has some experience working in the slot, adding to his versatility as he searches for a full-time spot on the roster for the Patriots in year 1 of the post-Bill Belichick era. Interestingly enough, however, the Patriots official draft graphic for Dial listed him as a safety, indicating that a position change could be coming.
The Patriots are in the middle of a rebuild, so Dial will be one of many younger players on the roster in New England. One step up he will have on many others in the battle for playing time will be his experience on special teams. Playing under former Gamecock special teams coordinator Pete Lembo, Dial was a contributor on multiple kick coverage units during his time in garnet and black.
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