ESPN's Joe Schad broke the news that two Gamecocks are ending their collegiate careers and entering the 2012 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and defensive back Stephon Gilmore will turn professional. Both players played a critical role in the Gamecocks 30-13 Capital One Bowl win over Nebraska. Jeffery was named the game's MVP despite being ejected in the third quarter for scuffling with a Huskers player. He had a 51 yard TD catch on a hail mary pass to end the first half. Gilmore ran back a blocked extra point to score the Gamecocks first two points of the game and had a key interception in the second quarter to set up Jeffery's TD.
Jeffery had 49 catches for 762 yards and 8 TD's in his junior season. He had 88 catches for 1517 yards and 9 scores. Gilmore had 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. Jeffery is expected to be a first round pick with Gilmore projected to be taken in the first two rounds.
