How Will Muschamp is helping former Gamecocks negotiate NFL waters without pro day
South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp sounded almost of two minds about his team’s situation when it came to not having a pro day this season.
On one hand, he simply said it was “very disappointing,” as a projected group of 19 Gamecocks didn’t get the chance to work out in front of NFL scouts. Only five them went to the NFL combine, and two didn’t work out, one who was hurt (Bryan Edwards) and one who had already raised his stock earlier in the draft process (Javon Kinlaw).
But he also felt his players would get their chances in some capacity, and he’s been doing what he can to help.
“I’ve talked to a bunch of coaches from the National Football League and a bunch of general managers,” Muschamp said. “Probably half of the league, asking questions about guys that were at the combine and then guys who weren’t at the combine.
“Those guys will all get an opportunity.”
The players who might not are the small school talents who often come to Coluimbia to catch attention from those scouts drawn in by the USC roster.
Muschamp also made a point to say linebacker T.J. Brunson, a local product and three-year starter should have been included at the combine in Indianapolis.
The Gamecocks coach has been on all sides of this, having spent some time in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Nick Saban. He picked up an understanding of what teams look for and applies it to his own recruiting, right down to written tests to assess leadership and communication skills.
He noted the chance to talk is among the most valuable parts of a pro day, when team personnel and player can spend some time together. And that’s another factor lost for the Gamecocks’ NFL hopefuls.
“It does hurt from a standpoint of a guys that are going to be impressive in a one-on-one interview,” Muschamp said. “That when you meet those guys, you realize the football intelligence that they have, the type of person they are.”
Gamecocks who were set to attend NFL pro day
Linebacker T.J Brunson
Punter Joseph Charlton - Went to combine
Wide receiver Chavis Dawkins
Running back Mon Denson
Running back Rico Dowdle - Went to combine
Wide receiver Bryan Edwards (injured) - Went to combine
Running back Tavien Feaster
Linebacker Daniel Fennell
Safety J.T Ibe
Running back Caleb Kinlaw
Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw - Went to combine
Tight end Kyle Markway
Long snapper Matt Oliveira
Defensive tackle Kobe Smith
Offensive lineman Donell Stanley
Linebacker Eldridge Thompson
Kicker Will Tommie
Running back A.J. Turner
Defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum - Went to combine
