Marcellas Dial latest South Carolina DB selected in NFL Draft
Joining a long list of South Carolina defensive backs to be drafted, Marcellas Dial is the latest after being selected in the sixth round by the New England Patriots.
Being the 180 overall pick, Dial helped his cause throughout the draft process with strong showings at the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine. During his senior bowl game, not only did Dial excel at cornerback, but he also got reps at nickel and safety. Additionally, like we’ve said about many Gamecock players in recent years, his willingness to be a factor on special teams also helped his caused. At the Combine, Dial ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and finished in the top-ten in testing in all cornerback events.
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Since defensive back coach Torrian Gray arrived at South Carolina ahead of the 2021 season, three Gamecock defensive backs have been drafted. Those other two include Cam Smith and Darius Rush, both in 2023. Additionally, Carlins Platel spent the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was place on injured reserve.
The recipient of South Carolina’s “Overcoming Adversity Award” in 2023, during his time with the Gamecocks, Dial started in 29 of the 38 games he appeared in. He complied 114 tackles to go along with three interceptions, three tackles for loss, a sack, and forced a fumble. Dial also deflected 31 passes. A physical cornerback, who has the ability to play nickel as well, Dial stands at 6-0, 180 pounds.
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Prior to arriving at South Carolina in 2021, he spent this first two years at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, GA. While they didn’t have a season in 2020, Dial did enough good in 2019 to have him ranked as the No.5 JUCO CB before committing to the Gamecocks.
