
Twenty-Three Former Gamecocks Earn Spots on NFL Opening Day Rosters

Twenty-three former University of South Carolina football players earned their way onto the 53-man opening day NFL rosters.
The list features six players from the Gamecocks’ 2022 squad, including Nate Adkins (Broncos), Jalen Brooks (Cowboys), Jovaughn Gwyn (Falcons), Zacch Pickens (Bears), Darius Rush (Chiefs) and Cam Smith (Dolphins).
Dallas has the most former Gamecocks on their 53-man roster, with four, as Brooks, Rico Dowdle, Stephon Gilmore and Israel Mukuamu all made the Cowboys’ roster.
In addition to the 23 players on active rosters, Zach Bailey (Chargers), Kevin Harris (Patriots) and Taylor Stallworth (Panthers) have been signed to their respective team’s practice squad.

Former Gamecock DL Javon Kinlaw (99) of the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo courtesy South Carolina Athletics)
Here is the entire list of Gamecocks in the NFL:
Name | Team | Position |
---|---|---|
Dennis Daley | Arizona Cardinals | Offensive Tackle |
Rashad Fenton | Arizona Cardinals | Cornerback |
Jovaughn Gwyn | Atlanta Falcons | Offensive Guard |
Jadeveon Clowney | Baltimore Ravens | Defensive End |
Jaycee Horn | Carolina Panthers | Cornerback |
Hayden Hurst | Carolina Panthers | Tight End |
Taylor Stallworth* | Carolina Panthers | Defensive Tackle |
Zacch Pickens | Chicago Bears | Defensive Tackle |
Jalen Brooks | Dallas Cowboys | Wide Receiver |
Rico Dowdle | Dallas Cowboys | Running Back |
Stephon Gilmore | Dallas Cowboys | Cornerback |
Israel Mukuamu | Dallas Cowboys | Defensive Back |
Nate Adkins | Denver Broncos | Tight End |
Cam Smith | Miami Dolphins | Cornerback |
Kingsley Enagbare | Green Bay Packers | Edge |
Keisean Nixon | Green Bay Packers | Cornerback |
Chris Lammons | Indianapolis Colts | Cornerback |
Darius Rush | Kansas City Chiefs | Cornerback |
Zach Bailey* | Los Angeles Chargers | Offensive Guard |
Ernest Jones | Los Angeles Rams | Linebacker |
Nick Muse | Minnesota Vikings | Tight End |
D.J. Wonnum | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive End |
Kevin Harris* | New England Patriots | Running Back |
Adam Prentice | New Orleans Saints | Fullback |
Javon Kinlaw | San Francisco 49ers | Defensive Tackle |
Deebo Samuel | San Francisco 49ers | Wide Receiver |
* - Practice Squad
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