Payton Mangrum making most out of his opportunities at South Carolina
When Payton Mangrum walked on at South Carolina in 2020, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. As he heads into his third-season with the Gamecocks, he wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
“In high school, I had crazy numbers but I didn’t have like any offers,” said Mangrum. “It’s something that I carry as a chip on my shoulder that motivates me everyday to go work. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I’m thankful that my parents can afford to pay for me to go to school.”
In a recent Garnet Trust interview, Mangrum shared how drastically his opportunities grew from year one to year two.
“With the last (coaching) staff, I was new and had just got here. I was the last person (that year) to get here; got here in August right before school started (in) 2020. I was just working, trying to get noticed and get better. Then we got coach (Shane) Beamer in the winter of my freshman year and that spring he gave everybody an opportunity.
Last year the wide receiver carved out a role on special teams and appeared in all 13 games. His season was highlighted by a 44-yard touchdown reception on a fake punt against Tennessee.
“I went out there and kept working and working… he kept giving everybody an opportunity when he got here. A lot of people say that about a coach but he definitely gave everybody a fair chance to play. As a walk-on I definitely appreciate that because you know it’s not always gonna be fair.”
Listen to Mangrum’s full Garnet Trust interview below
Discuss Payton Mangrum’s interview on The Insiders Forum!
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