Gamecocks in the NFL: Conference championship recap

Super Bowl LVIII will feature two former South Carolina Gamecocks with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs both winning their conference championship games.

Here’s a look at how every former South Carolina player in the league did this past weekend.

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Jadeveon Clowney – RAVENS
Playing in 61 defensive snaps this past weekend, Clowney finished with two tackles including a tackle for loss and a QB hurry in the Ravens 17-10 loss to the Chiefs. The loss ends Clowney’s tenth season in the NFL and also the furthest he’s ever reached in the playoffs.

Javon Kinlaw – 49ERS
Kinlaw finished with two tackles and was credited with a tackle for loss. He played a total of 27 snaps between defense and special teams. This will mark the first time in Kinlaw’s career that he’s advanced to the Super Bowl.

Deebo Samuel – 49ERS
Despite playing through a shoulder injured that he sustained during the divisional round the previous week, Samuel led the 49ers with eight receptions for 89 yards. He also added seven yards rushing on three carries. His play to start the second half, gave San Francisco a spark to overcome a 17-point halftime deficit to defeated the Lions. This marks the second in Samuel’s career that he’ll play in a Super Bowl. That other appearance came during his rookie year when he played in Super Bowl LIV.

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** On Jan. 17, Shi Smith signed a futures deal with the Kansas City Chiefs for next season. His deal doesn’t impact the Chiefs salary cap this year and unfortunately under this deal, he can’t play for them until next season.

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