A few times here on Armchair All-Americans, we have had writers create “All-Time Teams” for their respected pro or college teams. South Carolina staff writers Christopher Phillips and Tyler Clark will be taking a look at who should be on the Gamecock football dream team.

South Carolina has never been known for high scoring offenses throughout it’s history, but a very solid all-time team can be created. I would love to hear any differing opinions Gamecock fans may have out there!

Quarterback

Connor Shaw (2010-2013)- Connor Shaw may not be the most talented quarterback of all time, but the guy is a winner. As a starting quarterback, Shaw led the Gamecocks to a 27-5 record and NEVER lost at home. In 2013, Shaw came off of the bench with a sprained knee and erased a 17 point deficit to defeat #5 Missouri in double OT 27-24.

Fullback

Patrick DiMarco (2007-2010)- Patrick DiMarco was recruited by Steve Spurrier to play Tight End, but was moved to fullback where he turned into one of the most important parts of the offense. Undrafted out of South Carolina, DiMarco was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. In 2016, DiMarco was selected to his first career Pro Bowl.

Running Back

George Rogers (1977-1980)- George Rogers is still the only South Carolina player to win the Heisman Trophy. His 5,204 yards is still the highest career total by any Gamecock running back, and his 31 rushing touchdowns is tied with Harold Green for second. He is second on the all-time points scored list, with 202. He also gained more than 100 yards in each of his final 22 college games.

Marcus Lattimore (2010-2012)- Initially, I was only going to put George Rogers under running back, but it wouldn’t be fair to exclude the impact of Marcus Lattimore. As a freshman, Lattimore rushed for 1,197 yards with 17 touchdowns and also contributed 412 yards receiving with 2 touchdowns. His freshman season earned him NCAA Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Freshman team. This historic freshman season was headlined by his performance against Florida to win the SEC East, where he rushed for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns. Lattimore’s last two seasons at South Carolina were great until he tore ligaments in his knee in back to back seasons.

Tight End

Jared Cook (2005-2008)- Jared Cook was able to be successful at South Carolina despite a period of poor quarterback play. The 6’5 TE was able to catch 73 passes for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. Cook was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2009 and has also played for the Rams and Packers. Cook caught the pass to put the Green Bay Packers in field goal range against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Divisional round.

Tackle

Travelle Wharton (2000-2003)- Travelle Wharton headlines a slim list of successful South Carolina offensive lineman. Wharton started 45 games in his career at South Carolina and didn’t allow a sack after the second game of his freshman season. In his senior season, Wharton was selected to the All-SEC team. After his career at South Carolina, he enjoyed a terrific NFL career for the Carolina Panthers and Cincinatti Bengals.

Jamon Meredith (2005-2008)- Jamon Meredith missed most of his senior season at South Carolina, but was extremely productive in his sophomore and junior seasons. In the 31-28 victory over Clemson in 2006, Meredith held Clemson great Gaines Adams (RIP) and the rest of Clemson to no sacks. Meredith received SEC offensive lineman of the year for his efforts. Meredith was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2009 and has since played for 9 other teams.

Guard

AJ Cann (2010-2014)- AJ Cann was the anchor of the offensive line during the most successful time in South Carolina football history. AJ Cann started 51 games in his career which is second to only TJ Johnson, who may or may not be listed later in this list. In 2014, Cann was selected as a 2nd team All-American and an All-SEC lineman. Cann was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015 in the 3rd round.

Tom Addison (1955-1957)- Tom Addison was recruited by the legendary Rex Enright and played for Coach Enright in his last season. After AJ Cann, the Guard position gets a little bare so I chose Addison for his very unique career. After 3 seasons at South Carolina, Addison was drafted by the Baltimore Colts but chose to sign with the brand new Boston Patriots franchise. Addison was selected to the All-Time Patriots AFL team and also served as the first president of the Players Association. Tom Addison was selected to the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Center

TJ Johnson (2009-2012)- As previously promised, TJ Johnson makes the list. TJ Johnson started 53 games in his Gamecock career and was the first Gamecock center to be drafted since 1986. Along with AJ Cann, Johnson serves as one of the most reliable and underrated players in South Carolina football history. He was drafted by the Cincinatti Bengals in 2013, and has played in 32 games.

Wide Receiver

Sterling Sharpe (1984-1987)- Sterling Sharpe headlined the fun teams of the mid 1980’s at South Carolina. Sharpe set several school records during his time at South Carolina that would later be broken. The records included 169 career receptions, 2,497 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. In 2014, Sharpe was selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Sharpe enjoyed a fantastic career with the Green Bay Packers going to 5 Pro Bowls in his first 6 seasons before a career ending neck injury. He finished his NFL career with 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Sidney Rice (2005-2006)- Sidney Rice makes the all-time team because he should, and also because he’s my favorite Gamecock player ever. In Rice’s freshman season, he caught 72 passes for 1,143 yards and 13 touchdowns. During the 2005 campaign, he caught a touchdown in 8 consecutive games. In 2006, Rice caught another 72 passes for 1,090 yards and 11 touchdowns. After his redshirt sophomore season, he broke my 11 year old heart and declared for the NFL Draft. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and played 7 seasons in the NFL before retiring due to injury.

Alshon Jeffery (2009-2011)- Alshon Jeffery is the final receiver to make the list. Along with 4 other players on this list, Jeffery played during the most prosperous time in Gamecock history. Alshon earned many national recognitions during his career including Freshman All-American, All-SEC, All-American, and Capital One Bowl MVP. In 2010, Jeffery caught 88 passes for 1,517 yards and 8 touchdowns. Jeffery was selected by the Chicago Bears in 2012 and has been one of the best receivers in the NFL in that time.

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