South Carolina receiver Josh Vann makes NFL draft decision

South Carolina receiver Josh Vann is forgoing the NFL draft to return for one more year in Columbia, On3’s Matt Zenitz reports. Vann led the team with 43 catches for 679 yards this past season.

A Georgia native, Vann was a four-star recruit and the No. 25 receiver in the class of 2018 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He committed to the Gamecocks over offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, UCF and others.

The receiver played a limited role in his first three years with the program before becoming a full-time starter this season. As such, his draft stock could benefit from an extra year of college.

South Carolina finished this season with a 7-6 record in coach Shane Beamer’s inaugural season. The Gamecocks defeated North Carolina by score of 38-21 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to close the season.

Vann’s production this year was impressive considering South Carolina went through several different quarterbacks. For the bowl game, receiver Dakereon Joyner took most of the reps at quarterback, finishing a perfect 9-for-9 for 160 yards and a touchdown.

Help is on the way for Vann and the rest of the receiving corps next season, however. Former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler has transferred to South Carolina to reunite with Beamer. Rattler spent three seasons with the Sooners, accumulating 4,595 yards and 40 touchdowns. The No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2019 according to On3 Consensus, he should step in as the starter right away.

With more stability at quarterback, perhaps Josh Vann can boost his NFL draft stock with a solid final season. He should be Rattler’s top target, and a reach 1,000 yards isn’t out of the question.

Vann will get his first chance to impress NFL draft scouts when the Gamecocks kick off their 2022 season against Georgia State on Sept. 3.