Josh Vann signs with NFL team
Former Gamecocks wide receiver Josh Vann has an opportunity to play in the NFL, as the Carolina Panthers signed him to a free agent deal.
The Tucker, Georgia product arrived at South Carolina in the class of 2018 as a four-star prospect, rated by the On3 Industry Ranking as the nation’s number 144 prospect regardless of position and the 25th-best receiver prospect in the country.
During his five-year playing career with the Gamecocks, Vann saw action in 57 games with 21 starts. He caught 108 passes for 1,352 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His best statistical season came in 2021, when he started all 13 games and caught 43 passes for 679 yards and 5 touchdowns.
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Vann also served reliably as USC’s starting punt returner his last two seasons with the program.
During the regular season finale in 2022 against Clemson, Vann suffered a knee injury after catching a pass that prevented his return in that game and forced him to miss the Gator Bowl.
He was able to return to participate in USC’s Pro Day in March.
“Preparing for it was crazy,” Vann said participating in the drills. “It was a long journey. When I started out, I was really slow, questioning myself, like why am I moving this slow? Just to be out here running, I’m thankful for that.”
Vann also discussed what an NFL team could get in him if given the opportunity.
“Being able to adapt to any offense, any culture. You don’t have to worry about me being a knucklehead. I just come in to work. I’m a fun person to be around.”
Here’s more on Vann from his GamecocksOnline.com bio:
“Fifth-year “Super Senior” who played in all 12 regular season games… presented with the “Overcoming Adversity” award at the annual team banquet following the season… caught 18 passes for 296 yards, 16.4-yards per reception, with three touchdowns… returned 10 punts for 151 yards, an average of 15.1-yards per return… added two kickoff returns for 45 yards… caught his first receiving touchdown of the season in the bowl-clinching win over Vanderbilt… logged a career-long 37-yard punt return at Florida… had two receptions for 78 yards and two scores against Tennessee… also had two kickoff returns against the Vols for 45 yards, including a career-long 26-yard return… hauled in two catches for 56 yards against Clemson, including a catch that resulted in a game- and season-ending injury… invited to the 2023 Tunnel To Towers Hula Bowl.”
