Melvin Ingram voted No. 5 of 30 best Gamecocks during the SEC Era
Former Gamecock football defensive lineman Melvin Ingram was named to 107.5 the Game’s 30 for 30 list to commemorate the 30 years South Carolina has been in the SEC, checking in at number five. He follows former Gamecock cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was named number six.
Ingram was a terror on the defensive line for Steve Spurrier. He was a multi-tool performer, playing inside and outside along with dropping back into coverage.
Ingram was a four-star linebacker hailing from Richmond Senior high school in Rockingham, North Carolina. He was a big get for the Head Ball Coach, who was entering his third season at South Carolina.
When Ingram arrived to Columbia, he made an immediate impact. In 2007, as a freshman he played in every game and tallied 15 tackles and a sack as a linebacker.
In 2008, Ingram broke his foot in an off-the-field incident which caused offseason surgery just before the Garnet and Black spring game. He went on to miss the entire 2008 season and the Gamecocks went 7-6.
Ingram returned in 2009 and made a big impact on defense. He made 18 tackles, 3.5 of those for a loss, and had 1.5 sacks, setting himself up for a breakout year in 2010.
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In 2010, as a defensive lineman, Ingram launched himself into the NFL draft conversation. He led the team with 9 sacks which was 3rd-best in the SEC and tied a long-standing Gamecock record at that time. Ingram also had 28 total tackles, 11 of which were for a loss. Additionally, he helped Spurrier and the Gamecocks get to the SEC championship game against Auburn.
Ingram chose to stay at South Carolina for his last season in 2011, which was in his best one yet. He tallied 31 solo tackles, 15 for a loss, and also broke his own team single-season sack record with 10. His senior season highlights are a joy to watch.
Ingram’s draft stock was at an all time high following his senior year at South Carolina. The Chargers made Ingram the 11th first round pick in Gamecock history. Just 8 picks earlier, the Buffalo Bills selected teammate Stephon Gilmore, making him the 10th.
Ingram went on to make a career for himself in the NFL. In his rookie season he was tied for the 2nd-most quarterback pressures on the team. He later went on to make 3 Pro Bowl appearances in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The NFL also named Ingram to its top 100 players list in 2018 and 2019. Ingram recently signed a one year deal with the Miami Dolphins for the 2022 season.
