Ranking the Top 11 South Carolina Gamecocks Football Players in the NFL
John Canady
Host · Writer
11) QB Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler spent three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina in 2022. After joining the Gamecocks, the quarterback showed his ability to be a game manager despite USC's struggles at the offensive line. Now, he plays for the New Orleans Saints, where he’s impressed enough that many believe he could be the future starter after Derek Carr’s tenure comes to an end.
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1) CB Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
Stephon Gilmore is the oldest player on this list, and remarkably, he remains in the league, playing at the level he has been. The cornerback was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills after spending three years at South Carolina. Since then, Gilmore has played with six teams across his 13 seasons in the pros, including his current squad, the Minnesota Vikings.
2) WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel played four seasons in South Carolina from 2015 to 2018. The wide receiver was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Since joining the Niners, Samuel has showcased his versatile skill set, inventing what many consider the new “wide back” position. In six seasons with San Francisco, the 28-year-old has racked up 5,515 yards and 40 touchdowns.
3) DE Jadeveon Clowney, Carolina Panthers
Jadeveon Clowney spent three years with the Gamecocks from 2011-2013, putting together an impressive resume that earned him the top overall draft pick in 2014. Clowney was most known for his massive hit in the Outback Bowl against Michigan after wrecking the Wolverines' play for a tackle for loss on the running back, which resulted in him recovering his own forced fumble. After five years with the Houston Texans, injuries slowed down the defender's career, but now he can suit up for his home team, the Panthers.
4) LB Ernest Jones IV, Seattle Seahawks
Ernest Jones IV spent three seasons at South Carolina before entering the NFL Draft in 2021. The linebacker became a dependable starter for the Gamecocks during his sophomore season. After becoming a star with the Los Angeles Rams, he carried his college success to the NFL. Now, the 24-year-old finds himself with the Seattle Seahawks after being traded two times in the last few months.
5) CB Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Jaycee Horn was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The corner showed out in his three seasons with the Gamecocks, and many had him ranked as the top cornerback in his respective draft class. Clearly, the Panthers were one of the teams who viewed him highly. However, in four seasons with Carolina, injuries have plagued the talented defender’s career, allowing him to play in only 29 games. He's shown glimpses of his potential when he’s on the field, but so far, he’s struggled to stay on the field.
6) WR Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers
Xavier Legette emerged as a star in his fifth and final season at South Carolina. As a fifth-year senior, the wide receiver broke out for 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns which led to him being selected in the first round by the Panthers. So far in his rookie season, Legette has shown flashes of what Carolina fans have hoped to see, and staying close to home has already turned him into a fan favorite.
7) CB Cam Smith, Miami Dolphins
Cam Smith played four seasons at South Carolina, where he took a big leap from his sophomore season to his junior year. Smith developed into what USC fans would consider a top corner in recent memory alongside Horn and Gilmore. The Gamecock product was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he’s yet to make an impact on the next level.
8) RB Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
Rico Dowdle spent four seasons at South Carolina where he never emerged as a sure-fire starting running back but he did bring excitement every time he touched the ball. The playmaker went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he’s found a home with the Dallas Cowboys, where he’s carved out a role on offense after years of serving as a special teamer.
9) DT Javon Kinlaw, New York Jets
Javon Kinlaw spent three seasons with the Gamecocks, improving each year. The defensive tackle developed into an absolute game wrecker with South Carolina, which allowed the 49ers to take him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his four seasons in San Francisco, Kinlaw never seemed to make the same impact he showed in college. Now, the six-foot-five defender is playing for the New York Jets, where he gets a fresh start to showcase his talent.
10) TE Hayden Hurst, Los Angeles Chargers
Hayden Hurst played three seasons with the Gamecocks, during which time he showed the potential to be a dominant tight end. His impressive blocking and improved route running led to Hurst's being drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Gamecock has yet to break out so far in his career, which has led to him bouncing around, where he currently plays for the Los Angeles Chargers.
11) QB Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler spent three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina in 2022. After joining the Gamecocks, the quarterback showed his ability to be a game manager despite USC's struggles at the offensive line. Now, he plays for the New Orleans Saints, where he’s impressed enough that many believe he could be the future starter after Derek Carr’s tenure comes to an end.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) CB Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
Stephon Gilmore is the oldest player on this list, and remarkably, he remains in the league, playing at the level he has been. The cornerback was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills after spending three years at South Carolina. Since then, Gilmore has played with six teams across his 13 seasons in the pros, including his current squad, the Minnesota Vikings.
