{"id":7963,"date":"2017-08-20T07:00:02","date_gmt":"2017-08-20T11:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=7963"},"modified":"2017-08-19T20:19:16","modified_gmt":"2017-08-20T00:19:16","slug":"south-carolina-gamecocks-top-25-players-for-25-years-in-the-sec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2017\/08\/20\/south-carolina-gamecocks-top-25-players-for-25-years-in-the-sec\/","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina Gamecocks – Top 25 Players for 25 Years in the SEC"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 1992, the SEC added both the South Carolina Gamecocks and Arkansas Razorbacks to the conference, sparking a change in college football. Since then, expansions have been commonplace, but that was the move that started it all. In honor of the Gamecocks 25 years as a member of the SEC, we look back at the 25 best players during their tenure. This list mainly takes into account player’s career while at South Carolina, pro accomplishments are not heavily factored in.<\/p>\n

As with any listing of great players, there will be debate about the order and who gets left off. Hopefully this list with elicit debate, but also take fans on a trip down memory lane as well.<\/p>\n

Celebrating 25 Seasons in the SEC<\/h2>\n
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  1. Elliot Fry<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Place Kicker (2013-16)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"\"<\/a>
    COLUMBIA, SC – SEPTEMBER 26: Place kicker Elliott Fry #29 (Photo by Todd Bennett\/GettyImages)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The diminutive kicker from Carrolton, TX left South Carolina as the school\u2019s all-time leading scorer. He totaled 359 career points. Fry was 66-88 (75%) on field goals throughout his four years in Columbia. His most memorable kick may be his game winner in double overtime at Missouri in the Gamecocks 17-point comeback.<\/p>\n

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    1. Cory Boyd<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Running Back (2003-07)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \"\"<\/a>
      KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 27: Cory Boyd #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks stiff arms Eric Berry #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers (Photo by Rex Brown\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Always known as a hard-nosed runner, Boyd was fan favorite during his Gamecock career because of his effort and toughness.\u00a0 He played for both Lou Holtz<\/strong> and Steve Spurrier<\/strong><\/a> while in Columbia, one of only a few players to learn under two Hall of Fame coaches while in college. The New Jersey native finished with 2,267 yards rushing and added another 1,303 yards receiving. He also scored 28 total touchdowns in four seasons. Boyd is still the career leader for catches and receiving yards by a South Carolina running back.<\/p>\n

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      1. Shaq Wilson<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Linebacker (2008-12)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \"\"<\/a>
        NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 30: Shaq Wilson #54 of the South Carolina Gamecocks intercepts a pass (Photo by Frederick Breedon\/Getty Images).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Wilson was never the biggest or fastest player, but his instincts and toughness allowed him to shine while at South Carolina. He finished his tenure in garnet and black with 246 tackles, four sacks, and four interceptions. However, his impact went beyond numbers, as he was the leader on some of the best defenses in Gamecock history.<\/p>\n

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        1. Phil Petty<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Quarterback (1998-2001)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \"\"<\/a>
          11 Nov 2000: Quarterback Phil Petty #14 of the South Carolina Gamecocks passes the ball during the game against the Florida Gators. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez \/Allsport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          After playing sparingly his first two seasons, the Boiling Springs, SC native took over as the starter full time his junior year. He was never the flashiest player, nor did he have the gaudy stats, but he led his team to victories. As a quarterback, that is usually what matters most. His 5,652 yards and 28 passing touchdowns both rank in the top ten in school history.<\/p>\n

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          1. A.J. Cann<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Left Guard (2010-14)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \"\"<\/a>
            FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER12: A.J. Cann #50 of the South Carolina Gamecocks blocks on a play.
            (Photo by Wesley Hitt\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            One of the best offensive lineman ever at South Carolina, he is second in school history with 51 career starts. After redshirting, the Bamberg native was a four year starter during the most successful time in program history. Cann was named 2nd<\/sup> team All-American and 1st<\/sup> team All-SEC during his senior season, before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.<\/p>\n

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            Stars in Their Time<\/h2>\n
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            1. Antonio Allen<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Safety (2008-11)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \"\"<\/a>
              ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 10: Antonio Allen #26 of the South Carolina Gamecocks intercepts a pass for a touchdown that was intended for Orson Charles #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 10, 2011 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              Allen was an unsung hero on the defense mentioned above. He was never the big name or focus of those units, but he always found a way to come up with big plays. Whether it was forcing and recovering fumbles, or blitzing from the secondary to pressure the quarterback, Allen made an impact. He totaled 198 tackles and snagged four career interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns from the defensive side of the ball.<\/p>\n

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              1. Brandon Bennett<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Running Back (1991-94)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                \"\"<\/a>
                ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 4, 1993: Running back Brandon Bennett #33 of the South Carolina Gamecocks. (Photo by Bernstein Associates\/Getty Images).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                Bennett played for South Carolina in their last season as an Independent, and for the first three years in the SEC. He is famous in Gamecock lore for his leaping touchdown against Georgia, in 1993, as the time ran out in Athens. He remains second in school history in rushing yards with 3,055 and is fourth in rushing touchdowns with 27.<\/p>\n

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                1. Stephon Gilmore<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Defensive back (2009-11)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \"\"<\/a>
                  FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 7, 2009: Stephon Gilmore #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks returns a kick off against the Arkansas Razorbacks (Photo by Wesley Hitt\/Getty Images).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                  A defensive back from Rock Hill, SC, he was one of the recruits who changed the course of the program. A starter in the secondary from his first day on campus, he also found ways to produce on special teams and on offense. His 39-yard pass against Clemson as a freshman helped spark his team to the first of five straight wins over their instate rival. He finished his career in Columbia with 181 tackles, seven sacks, and eight interceptions.<\/p>\n

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                  1. Duce Staley<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Running back (1995-96)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    \"\"<\/a>
                    2 Aug 1995: Duce Staley of South Carolina at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire \/Allsport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                    The native of West Columbia starred for two season at South Carolina after transferring from junior college. Duce accounted for 972 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year. His 1,116 yards as a senior ranks sixth all time for a single season in school history. He finished with 1,852 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns in Columbia. He played ten years in the NFL for the Eagles and Steelers.<\/p>\n

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                    1. Pharoh Cooper<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Wide Receiver (2013-15)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      \"\"<\/a>
                      COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 01, 2014: Brian Randolph #37 of the Tennessee Volunteers watches as Pharoh Cooper #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks makes a touchdown catch. (Photo by Streeter Lecka\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      The Havelock, NC native came to South Carolina to follow in the line of great defensive backs that have played there. He left as one of the most productive and explosive offensive weapons to ever wear the garnet and black. His 233 yards receiving against Tennessee is the single game record. His 138 catches, 2,163 yards and 22 touchdowns are all top ten in school history. Cooper also added 513 and four scores rushing the ball. He even completed nine career passes, four of those ending in touchdowns.<\/p>\n

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                      1. Skai Moore<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Linebacker (2013-17)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        \"\"<\/a>
                        COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 28: Skai Moore #10 of the South Carolina Gamecocks tries to stop Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers from throwing a pass. (Photo by Streeter Lecka\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                        The only current player on this list. Skai Moore will return as a fifth year senior after missing last year due to injury. Moore is the only Gamecock defender to lead the team in tackles three seasons in a row. He has 11 career interceptions heading into 2017, needing only three more to tie the school record. The Cooper City, Fl native has a penchant for turnovers, with three forced fumbles and recoveries during his time.<\/p>\n

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                        1. D.J. Swearinger<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Safety (2009-12)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n