Ranking the greatest Gamecocks

GoGamecocks ranks the 20 best defenders in South Carolina history.

1. ERIC NORWOOD

Defensive line/linebacker, 2006-09

USC’s all-time leader in sacks (29) and tackles for loss (54.5). ... Led Gamecocks in interceptions in 2009 with two. ... Named to 2009 Associated Press All-America first team.

2. BOBBY BRYANT

Defensive back, 1964-66

Holds USC record for longest punt return (98 yards vs. N.C. State in 1966). ... First-team All-American in 1966 by New York Daily News and Detroit Sports Extra. ... All-ACC in 1966. ... Most outstanding athlete in ACC in 1967.

3. JAMES SEAWRIGHT

Linebacker, 1981-84

Earned Associated Press and Football Writers Association first-team All-America honors in 1984. ... Recorded 369 tackles, including 133 as a senior. ... Leading defensive player on USC’s “Fire Ants and Black Magic” team of 1984, which went 10-2.

4. DICKIE HARRIS

Defensive back, 1969-71

One of the top return specialists in USC history. ... On 162 returns (kickoff, punt or interception), had 2,767 yards and six touchdowns. ... Returned a punt 97 yards for a touchdown against North Carolina and had a pair of other touchdown returns, a kickoff return for 96 yards and an interception for 94 yards, against Georgia in 1970.

5. BRAD EDWARDS

Defensive back, 1984-87

Second-team All-American by United Press International and third-team selection by The Associated Press in 1987. ... Returned interceptions for touchdowns against Clemson in 1986 and ’87.

6. RICK SANFORD

Defensive back, 1975-78

USC’s first first-round NFL draft pick. ... Played for New England Patriots from 1979-84 and for Seattle Seahawks in 1985. ... Led USC in interceptions in 1978 with four and was named to The Sporting News All-America Team.

7. JOHN ABRAHAM

Defensive end, 1996-99

Third all time at USC in sacks with 23.5. ... Led USC in sacks for four seasons: 1996 (four), 1997 (6.5); 1998 (seven); 1999 (six). ... All-SEC in 1999.

8. ANDREW PROVENCE

Defensive line, 1980-82

Associated Press and The Sporting News All-American in 1982, the season in which he led USC with 10 sacks. ... Led USC in tackles in 1981 (161) and 1982 (133). ... Second in career tackles with 401.

9. KO SIMPSON

Defensive back, 2004-05

Led USC in interceptions with six in 2004, one of which he returned 57 yards for a touchdown against Georgia. ... Had 57-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Arkansas. ... Led USC in tackles with 103 in 2005.

10. SHELDON BROWN

Defensive back, 1998-2001

Led USC in interceptions in 1999, 2000, 2001. ... Second in passes defended in a season with 15 in 2000 and second in career passes defended with 36. ... Third-team AP All-American in 2000.

11. KALIMBA EDWARDS

Defensive line/linebacker, 1998-2001 First-team All-American by The Sporting News in 2001. ... Led USC in sacks with seven in 2000. ... Returned an interception 81 yards for a touchdownagainst Tennessee in 2000.

12. JASPER BRINKLEY

Linebacker, 2006, ’08

Led USC with 85 unassisted tackles in 2006, second most in school history. ... Had 14.5 tackles for loss that season, fourth-best all time at USC.

13. PATRICK HINTON

Defensive back, 1987-90

Had 240 career interception return yards, the USC record. That included an 83-yard interception return against N.C. State in 1988. Had 114 interception return yards in that game, a USC record.

14. JONATHAN MARTIN

Linebacker, 2000-2002

Led USC in tackles with 122 in 2002. ... Had 239 career tackles and was a member of two Outback Bowl-winning teams.

15. RASHAD FAISON

Defensive back, 1999-2002

Led USC in tackles in two seasons: 100 in 2000 and 104 in 2001. ... Broke up 25 passes in his career.

16. MIKE DURRAH

Linebacker, 1980-83

School single-season-record 179 tackles in 1983. ... Finished career with 396 tackles, third most.

17. PAUL VOGEL

Linebacker, 1981-84

Made 164 tackles as member of 1984 Fire Ants defense. ... Had 262 career tackles.

18. BRYANT GILLARD

Defensive back, 1982-84

Had four interceptions against Florida State in 1984. Finished that season with nine interceptions, a USCrecord.

19. ARTURO FREEMAN

Defensive back, 1995-99

Led USC in tackles in 1996 (99) and 1997 (92). Led USC those two seasons with three and six interceptions.

20. DUNTA ROBINSON

Defensive back, 2001-03

Broke up 22 passes in his career, including 12 in 2003.

This story was originally published September 5, 2010 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Ranking the greatest Gamecocks."