Trio of Gamecocks make decisions about their futures
A trio of Gamecocks seniors with eligibility left made announcements today about their future plans.
Zacch Pickens told reporters at Monday’s ring ceremony he was declaring for the NFL draft and while both Ahmarean Brown and Marcellas Dial told GamecockCentral they’ll return to South Carolina for one more season.
Pickens will not play in the Gamecocks’ bowl game while Brown and Dial said they would.
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Pickens’s departure to the NFL was almost a foregone conclusion after he accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The only lingering question was if he would play in the Gator Bowl against Notre Dame.
He won’t, putting an end to his Gamecocks career. In four seasons (43 games), Pickens had 131 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He batted down four passes and had four fumble recoveries.
Pickens opted to return this season to not only get his degree–he’ll graduate Monday afternoon–but also improve his draft stock and prove he can put together consecutive solid seasons.
He did, picking up 42 tackles, a career-high, with four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He had three passes defended as well, also the most of his career. His final game was a 31-30 win over Clemson right down the road from where he grew up.
“I’m going to rub this in their face every chance I get,” he said.
With Brown and Dial, both could have chosen to leave but opted to come back to do what Pickens did and improve professional prospects.
“Just thinking about my future. I have another opportunity to show what I can do and I don’t want that opportunity to go to waste,” Brown said. “Whether that’s school or NFL scouts or teams to show them that I’m everything they want and need. I can use this year to improve myself in every phase of the game, on and off the field as a better person.”
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Brown served as one of the Gamecocks’ rotational receivers this year and backup punt returner. The Georgia Tech transfer had four rushes for 48 attempts this season and 19 catches for 166 yards. He also had 43 punt return yards and scored on a blocked punt.
For Dial, he was one of a three-headed stalwart at corner alongside Cam Smith and Darius Rush. Those two got a lot of shine but Dial finished with 41 tackles, one tackle for loss and team-highs in both interceptions (3) and passes defended (11).
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He had his best game against Clemson where he picked off a pass and was stingy in coverage en route to earning SEC Player of the Week honors.
“Yes sir, I’m going to come back and play one more year,” Dial said. “Just because I know my potential. One more year I can basically solidify my name and give myself a chance to go higher up in the draft.”
With Smith already off to the professional ranks and Rush potentially following, Dial could be the Gamecocks’ top corner next season.
Really, being more aggressive at the point of attack with tackling,” Dial said on what he wants to improve. “I would say staying in the film room more. I know I’m good at it but just becoming more comfortable.”
All three will graduate Monday afternoon.
