Carolina Loses Jeffery, Gilmore To The NFL

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On Monday, South Carolina fans were reveling in a rump-kicking of traditional power Nebraska and the school’s first-ever 11-win season.  This morning, a little cold water got tossed onto the celebration.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery — the MVP of the Capital One Bowl — and cornerback Stephon Gilmore announced that they would be leaving Carolina early for the NFL.  Gilmore informed USC’s coaches of his decision yesterday by phone.  Jeffery released a statement through ESPN.com’s Joe Schad:


“I would like to thank the fans, my teammates, Coach (Steve) Spurrier, everyone involved for all the opportunities South Carolina has provided me.  I am proud to say I will always be a Gamecock.  I’m ready for the next step.  I’m physical and can make plays in the red zone.  I can make big plays in big games.  I can work on my speed and get quicker.  I want to be like Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson.”


Jeffery is Carolina’s all-time receiving yardage leader with 3,042.  He is also tied with for Gamecock Sidney Rice for the school lead in TD catches with 23.

Gilmore was a freshman All-American and a third-team All-American as a sophomore.  He finishes his USC career with eight interceptions.

The Cocks are still waiting on a stay-or-go decision from junior defensive end Devin Taylor.