A representative from all 32 NFL teams was on hand in the Palmetto State to take a peak at South Carolina’s pro prospects on Wednesday.
There were 17 Gamecocks who participated at the school’s Pro Day on Wednesday. Former South Carolina Spur T.J. Gurley posted the best vertical leap at 37 inches. Coming in at second was receiver Carlton Heard not far behind at 36 inches.
Gurley also led the way in the broad jump at 10 feet and 2 inches. Defensive end Mason Harris was second at 10 feet and 1 inch.
Leading the way on the bench press with 34 reps of 225 pounds was defensive tackle Gerald Dixon Jr. The only other player to throw it up at least 30 times was offensive tackle Mike Matulis, who hit exactly 30 reps.
Receiver Pharoh Cooper didn’t wow anyone in the 40-yard dash, clocking a time of 4.61. However, that’s to be expected and the former Gamecocks standout felt like he shined in the individual drills.
“I proved that I’ve got good route running and that I can catch the ball,” Cooper said. “They have always had questions about me catching the ball and route running, so I feel like I did good through the whole position drills. That’s something I looked forward to. I’m not a big test guy. I’m not going to run a 4.3 40. I’d just rather go out there and play football.”
Cooper also believes his intangibles, such as his character, will help his draft stock and separate him from other pro prospects.
“It’s going to help me a lot. I feel like it helped me a lot in the interviews in the meeting room,” he said. “Everything I talked to them about, they said I was a nice, respectful guy. I came from a military background, so a lot of coaches like that. Being disciplined. The interview process went good and I felt like I did well in all of my interviews. They know I’m a good character guy and they don’t have to worry about any issues off the field.”
For Dixon Jr., it was an extra special day, and not just because he had his chance to be out at Williams-Brice Stadium for the last time.
“Just feels good to be out here and run around and do some drills for the scouts,” Dixon said. “I had high expectations, I felt like I had something to prove. Today is also my birthday. I wanted to give my all today. I wouldn’t want to be any other place than right here in Willy B celebrating my birthday on Pro Day.”
Former running back Brandon Wilds only participated in the vertical leap and the broad jump. He was 3rd in the vertical at 35 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet and 10 inches.
Meanwhile, tight end Jerell Adams only took part in the bench press and got it 18 times but also did individual drills on the field. According to the Post and Courier’s David Caraviello, Adams said he’s had meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers so far.
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
