South Carolina Football: Gamecock signs with NFL team after draft

South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer set a three-year record for most Gamecocks drafted as four players brought the USC total to 13 draftees since Beamer took over the program. Wide receiver Xavier Legette (1st round, Carolina Panthers), quarterback Spencer Rattler (5th round, New Orleans Saints), defensive back Marcellas Dial (6th round, New England Patriots), and offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo (7th round, Denver Broncos) were all taken in this weekend's NFL Draft.

The Gamecock-related NFL news kept coming, though, as undrafted free agent signings began across the league.

Running back/special teamer Dante Miller actually signed before the NFL Draft with the New York Giants, and then after the draft ended on Saturday, quarterback/wide receiver/running back Dakereon Joyner (training camp invite from Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints), wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (undrafted free agent contract, Cleveland Browns), and tight end Trey Knox (undrafted free agent contract, Minnesota Vikings) all received their professional opportunities.

Another Gamecock veteran inked an UDFA deal, too, as defensive lineman Tyreek Johnson signed with the New York Jets, according to an aggragated report from The Jet Press.

Johnson was a part-time starter for the Gamecocks as a senior after spending most of his career dealing with injuries. He was a solid player who got most of snaps at defensive end, but he occasionally would kick inside to defensive tackle. At about 280 pounds, he could find himself in a hybrid role with the Jets if things go well for him at the next level.

An additional trait of Johnson's that will help him as he fights for a roster spot is his intelligence. A six-time fall SEC Academic Honor Roll player (he made the Honor Roll every year he was in Columbia), Johnson should have no problem understanding the schemes, techniques, and concepts the Jets wish to use.

He will battle for a long-term spot with the Jets alongside a young and talented defensive line group in New York.