Gamecock Greats: Ranking South Carolina’s All-Time Best Return Specialists
With spring practice wrapped up and the countdown to kickoff underway, South Carolina fans are inching closer to seeing their beloved Gamecocks back on the field. To help fill the offseason void, GamecockCentral has been rolling out a “Top 10 by Position” series — and now it’s time to shine the spotlight on the special teams return legends.
After honoring the best at running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, quarterback, and all across the defense, the latest focus turns to the greatest return men in Gamecock football history — a group packed with electricity, game-changing plays, and unforgettable moments.
Contributors Chris Clark, Wes Mitchell, and Kevin Miller each put together personal Top 10 lists, while fans on The Insiders Forum joined the voting frenzy as well. Though names like Tyler Hellams, Captain Munnerlyn, and Josh Vann received mention, the final list came down to those who consistently turned the tide on special teams.
Who’s No. 1? Ace Sanders Steals the Show
Chris Clark ranked Ace Sanders at the top and didn’t hold back:
“In an era of unprecedented talent and performance at South Carolina, Ace Sanders might have been the most can’t-leave-your-seat player on the team when he was back deep. His punt return exploits are legendary.”
Kevin Miller agreed, praising Sanders’ elusive ability:
“Ace Sanders was a joystick with legs… he made fans believe that any return could be a score.”
Wes Mitchell’s Pick? Deebo Samuel
Mitchell gave the top spot to Deebo Samuel, citing his rare kickoff-return dominance:
“Deebo had four career kickoff returns for touchdowns… he changed the game every time he touched the ball.”
The Final Forum Fan Vote (Top 10):
- Ace Sanders (58 votes)
- Deebo Samuel (53)
- Dickie Harris (39)
- Pharoh Cooper (34)
- Sterling Sharpe (31)
- Xavier Legette (22)
- Chris Culliver (17)
- Robert Brooks (16)
- Rashad Fenton (11)
- Boo Williams (9)
Spotlight on the Gamecock Greats
- Ace Sanders: Set the program’s punt return yardage record and won SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2012. Three career punt return touchdowns and countless near-misses made him must-watch.
- Deebo Samuel: Explosive kickoff returner with four TDs, the most in school history. The only Gamecock with return touchdowns in three separate seasons.
- Dickie Harris: A standout from the past, Harris had four punt return TDs, still the school record. Known for his versatility, he even played some offense.
- Sterling Sharpe: Hall of Fame receiver who also delivered in the return game. His legendary return vs. Duke is still talked about today.
- Boo Williams: A dual-threat RB and returner who had one of the best special teams seasons ever in 1996, averaging nearly 30 yards per return.
- King Dixon: A 1950s standout known for a 98-yard return against Texas, helping the Gamecocks score a major upset.
- Robert Brooks: Key figure in the Sparky Woods era, Brooks made an early impact with a game-winning return vs. Virginia Tech and later excelled in the NFL.
- Bobby Bryant: An All-ACC star who contributed as both a defensive back and returner. Still one of the best in punt return average.
- Rashad Fenton: Scored the first USC kickoff return TD in nearly a decade in 2015. Lost opportunities to Deebo, but made a mark on defense too.
- Chris Culliver: Holds the school record for most kick return yardage. A consistent presence over four seasons, though he never found the end zone.
- Pharoh Cooper: Did a little of everything at Carolina. While his punt return numbers weren’t eye-popping, he earned All-Pro honors as a returner in the NFL.
- Bryan Edwards: Took over punt return duties late in his career and flourished, averaging 18 yards per return his senior season.
- Xavier Legette: Known for one of the most iconic returns in program history — a 100-yard TD vs. Texas A&M in 2022, all with one shoe. He now returns kicks for the Panthers.
- Raynard Brown: Helped lead USC to its first 10-win season with a 99-yard return TD vs. Florida State in the 1984 “Black Magic” campaign.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 season looms, special teams could once again be a game-changer for South Carolina. With legacy names like Legette continuing the tradition in the NFL and stars of the past setting the standard, Gamecock Nation has plenty of reasons to celebrate the third phase of the game.
