South Carolina offensive weapon declares for 2022 NFL Draft

South Carolina running back ZaQuandre White has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and will forego the opportunity to play in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina. The junior college transfer played two seasons with the Gamecocks after converting from linebacker to running back.

White is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound redshirt senior who started his college career at Florida State before attending Iowa Western Community College and making the move to South Carolina in 2020.

He was ranked the No. 1 junior college running back in the 2020 class and provided an instant threat within the Gamecocks struggling offense. Out of high school, White ranked as a four-star recruit out of Florida.

White was named the 2021 most improved player by Shane Beamer and his staff after spring practice this offseason, helping assert his place within the new offense. Despite carrying the ball just 16 times at the FBS level before 2021, the staff placed faith in him as a key offensive players in the rotation.

ZaQuandre White enters the 2022 NFL Draft after posting 583 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 88 carries in 2021, adding 18 receptions for 196 yards and two touchdowns.

ZaQuandre White releases statement

Along with the announcement that ZaQuandre White would enter the 2022 NFL Draft, the post included a statement to South Carolina fans for the their support during his time on campus.

“Gamecock Nation, as a kid growing up in Florida, playing big time college football was always a dream of mine. While playing these past five years, I also set a goal of playing in the NFL. After a lot of thought, prayer and talking with my family, I have decided to start pursuing this goal and begin preparing for the NFL Draft immediately.

“I would like to thank God, my family, and all of my coaches through the years for pushing me and helping me become the player and man I am today. I want to thank my teammates for all of the memories on and off the field and for a Brotherhood that will last a lifetime. Finally, I want to thank the great South Carolina fans for your support. I couldn’t have picked a better place to finish the last two years of my college football career.

“I look forward to making my family, friends, coaches, teammates and Gamecock Nation proud at the next level!”

The statement also came with a caption on social media, which read, “Next Chapter” with a black heart emoji.