We’re past the halfway point of the NFL season as many teams begin to push into the playoffs. Former South Carolina Gamecock greats have played a role in their team’s success in 2024.
On offense, defense and special teams, the former Gamecocks made their presence felt year after year. Let’s take a look at some of these key contributors and how they performed this season.
The Carolina Panthers rookie has really taken off as the season has progressed. Legette is second on the team in receptions and leads the team in both receiving touchdowns. With Dionte Johnson now with the Baltimore Ravens, Legette now leads a trio of rookie pass catchers that gives Panthers fans hope for a bright future.
Talent was never a question for former Gamecock great Jaycee Horn. The problem for Horn is that his short NFL career has been his ability to stay on the field due to various injuries. Now in his fourth year, Horn has started every game thus far and is showing why he was a top-ten pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is third on the team in solo tackles, fourth in total tackles and has one interception. If Horn can stay healthy, his future is bright in Carolina.
After joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Dowdle was primarily used as a rotation player in Dallas. As the year progressed, Dowdle began to see his playing time increase. This season, with Tony Pollard leaving to join the Tennessee Titans, Dowdle became the Cowboys’ starting running back and was a constant presence for his team. Currently, he leads the team in rushing with 374 yards and is fifth on the team in receiving (166 yards). Dowdle’s best season comes ahead of him seeking a new contract this offseason.
Nixon is in his third season with the Packers and has already earned first-team All-Pro honors in consecutive years. He is one of the best returners in the game and plays an important role in Green Bay’s defense. As a cornerback this season, Nixon has 42 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. So far in the NFL’s new kickoff return rule and on punts, Nixon has made 7 returns for 195 yards.
Deebo is quietly enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. The 49ers’ all-purpose offensive weapon is having the second-best yards per catch average of his career (16.1), just behind his 2021 First Team All-Pro season in 2021. Samuel Sr. is third in the team in 2021. receiving with 468 yards, adding 80 yards rushing. Samuel Sr.’s unique ability to stress defenses in both the running and passing game will be key to his team returning to the Super Bowl in February.
You might also like:
Join the community:
YesYou can follow us for future coverage by clicking “Follow” in the upper right corner of the page. Also be sure to follow us on @GamecocksDigest And on Facebook!
