Deebo Samuel

Samuel is the leading returning receiver for the Gamecocks, but he can impact the game in a variety of ways. Not only did Samuel lead the squad in both receptions and receiving yardage in 2016, but he also scored six rushing touchdowns. With big-bodied Bryan Edwards slated to start opposite him and Hayden Hurst ranked as one of the top tight ends in the country, teams will be unable to focus all of their attention on the versatile Samuel, who even threw a touchdown pass last season. With sophomore quarterback Jake Bentley back under center, Samuel should be one of the top wide receivers in the SEC.

The cupboard is relatively bare in Columbia when it comes to South Carolina’s receiving corps, but Samuel is one of the few returning wideouts with legitimate experience. He appeared in five games last season as a redshirt freshman, hauling in 12 of 21 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown. Now that Pharoh Cooper and Jerell Adams are gone to the NFL, Samuel has a legitimate shot to be the team’s top wideout. At 6-0, 205, Samuel is big enough to work on the outside and quick enough to gain separation. The primary issue here may not be with Samuel himself, but rather with the Gamecock offense as a whole. The Gamecocks will be installing a new system under OC Kurt Roper, and given the lack of experience at several key spots, the offense could be a work in progress for much of the season. With that, Samuel’s upside is capped, but he should still push for 50 receptions as the team’s top receiving option.