HOOVER, Ala. — South Carolina wideout Pharoh Cooper admits that he often reminisces about life on the defensive side of the football.

In addition to his duties at quarterback, Cooper was an all-state defensive back for coach Jim Bob Bryant at Havelock High in North Carolina before signing with the Gamecocks in 2013.

For Steve Spurrier, the four-star athlete has become South Carolina’s focal point on offense and in the return game as a multi-position threat.

“(I miss defense) all the time,” Cooper said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “I feel like what would I be doing if I was at DB right now, making plays and highlights. I think about it all the time.”

During last season’s lackluster effort defensively, Cooper says he could’ve helped his teammates within a youth-laden secondary, but understands his team’s need on offense.

He is the SEC’s top returning receiver this fall following a 1,136-yard sophomore campaign.

“When I see a ball in the air that should’ve been picked off, I know I would’ve gotten it,” Cooper said. “But I know that’s not my role. I’m on offense.”