COLUMBIA, S.C. — The final day of the NFL Draft was quite busy with three former Gamecocks chosen on Saturday.
Cornerback Darius Rush was taken by the Indianapolis Colts with the fourth pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was the 138th player taken overall.
Rush came to Carolina as a wide receiver from C.E. Murray High School in Greeleyville near Kingstree. He was converted to cornerback where he flourished. In 43 career games for the Gamecocks, he made 21 starts.He recorded three career interceptions and broke up 15 passes. He collected 78 tackles, including 38 as a senior in 2022.
Offensive guard Jovaughn Gwyn was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round with the 225th overall selection.
A four-year starter and a two-time team captain, the Charlotte product settled in a right guard and started 47 games, tying for fourth on the school’s all-time list, while tying for second in school history with 47 consecutive starts.
As a senior, Gwyn was named to the Coaches’ Second-Team All-SEC squad and was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, an award that honors academics, community service, and on-field performance. He was also a member of the 2023 NFF Hampshire honor Society which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.
The fifth and final South Carolina player taken in the NFL Draft was wide receiver Jalen Brooks who was taken in the seventh round with the 244th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys.
Originally at Division II Wingate from the South Atlantic Conference, Brooks played his final three seasons at Carolina. The Harrisburg, North Carolina product had 58 catches for 785 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 24 games at USC which included 22 starts.
This past season, Brooks recorded 33 receptions for 504 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a score during the 2022 season.
