Zacch Pickens hears name called in NFL Draft
Former South Carolina Gamecocks standout Zacch Pickens has been selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the 64th overall pick.
A four year letter winner at South Carolina, Pickens appeared in a total of 47 times during his career at South Carolina, starting 32. He tallied 131 tackles for his career in addition to 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
He turned down an opportunity to head to the NFL after his junior year for a chance to return to Columbia, graduate, and improve his stock.
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“Zacch could have been a high draft pick, chose to come back because they had goals that they hadn’t accomplished yet as individuals,” Shane Beamer said last summer. “But more importantly they were not satisfied with just winning seven games last season at South Carolina.”
“Graduate. I knew if I didn’t get that graduation that I probably wouldn’t have come back,” Pickens said l last August. “And, I definitely had to get that. Make sure Mama happy. That’s the only thing. I wanted Mama to be happy. I had to get it.”
The Palmetto State native played his high school football at TL Hanna in Anderson, ranking as a five-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking. His acquisition represented a significant recruiting win for the Gamecocks, as USC beat out the likes of Clemson, Georgia, and numerous other major options for his services.
During his time at TL Hanna, Pickens led the Yellow Jackets to an appearance in the 4A state championship game. He logged 87 tackles that season but also rushed for 889 yards as a jumbo running back.
After his senior season under Shane Beamer, Pickens racked up internal accolades for his work as a defensive tackle. He was voted Most Outstanding Senior, won the Joe Morrison Award as MVP of the Gamecocks defense, captured the Steve Wadiak Team MVP Award, and was given the Rex Enright Team Captains’ Award.
Pickens was also named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2022, then played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl after his final year at USC. During his first season in 2019, he was a PFF Honorable Mention Freshman All-America selection after enrolling early.
He was one of five former Gamecocks invited to the NFL Combine following his time in Columbia, joining Cam Smith, Darius Rush, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Jalen Brooks.
“Zacch’s a talented football player, a big guy who plays very hard, he practices very well. He takes coaching, so it’s really good to see those guys,” USC defensive coordinator Clayton White said last year.
