South Carolina WR Xavier Legette selected in first round of NFL Draft
For the 16th time in South Carolina history, a Gamecock was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. With the 32nd and final overall pick of the first round on Thursday night, Legette was taken by the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers acquired the pick after trading up with the Buffalo Bills.
The Mullins, SC native put together one of the greatest single seasons by a South Carolina wide receiver in school history. Compiling 1,255 yards receiving this past year, Legette’s performance put him only behind Gamecock great Alshon Jeffrey’s 2010 season, which saw the future Super Bowl champion finish with 1,517 yards receiving.
[GamecockCentral for $1: In-depth coverage and a great community]
A First-Team All-SEC honoree, Legette’s role drastically increased in 2023 after catching just 42 passes for 423 yards in his first four seasons at South Carolina. With wide out Juice Wells out of lineup for most of the year, Legette not only become quarterback Spencer Rattler’s go-to receiver but he quickly became one of the top receivers statistically in the country.
Legette is the first Gamecock since Jaycee Horn in 2021 to be drafted in the first round. The other 14 South Carolina players to be drafted in the first round include Javon Kinlaw (2020), Hayden Hurst (2018), Jadeveon Clowney (2014), Stephon Gilmore (2012), Melvin Ingram (2012), Johnathan Joseph (2006), Troy Williamson (2005), Dunta Robinson (2004), John Abraham (2000), Ernest Dye (1993), Sterling Sharpe (1988), George Rogers (1981), Willie Scott (1981), and Rick Sanford (1978).
[Get news from GamecockCentral via email]
Some of the additional honors Legette has received over the past year include:
– 2023-24 South Carolina Male Athlete of the Year
– 2023 Senior Bowl All-American Team
– 2023 Third-Team All-American (Phil Steele, College Football Network)
– 2023 First-Team All-SEC (PFF, Phil Steele, College Football Network)
– 2023 Second-Team All-SEC Wide Receiver (AP, Coaches)
– 2023 Second-Team All-SEC All-Purpose (AP)
– 2023 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy Finalist
– 2023 Rex Enright Team Captain
– 2023 co-Steve Wadiak Team MVP
– 2023 Steve Spurrier Award – MVP Offense
– 2023 Most Outstanding Senior
– 2023 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist
– 2023 Midseason Second-Team All-American (AP)
