South Carolina football will kick off the 2025 season in two days. Here's a look back at No. 2, Sterling Sharpe.
South Carolina football will take the field for the first time in the 2025 season on August 31st when the Gamecocks take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. That means kickoff is just two days away.
No. 2 is synonymous with one name in the Palmetto State. Sterling Sharpe is one of the best players in South Carolina football history, and he had his number retired retired before his career even ended.
Sharpe, a Georgia native, had just one catch as a true freshman in 1983. Then, he missed the 1984 “Black Magic” season with an injury. In 1985, he was a solid player who posted just over 500 yards of offense.
However, in his fourth year on campus, No. 2 became “The Man.” With over 1100 yards receiving (plus another 104 rushing), Sharpe was an easy choice as an All-American. The explosion marked the first 1000-yard year for any Gamecock pass-catcher. It remains one of just six such seasons to ever happen in garnet and black.
In 1987, Sharpe’s numbers were merely great instead of record-setting, as he logged better than 900 yards from scrimmage. However, some of the “dip” came because the 1987 “Black Death” defense scored more than their fair share of touchdowns. That year, South Carolina also won six games by at least three scores, limiting the late-game reps for the starters.
Sharpe finished his career with the Gamecocks as the owner of virtually every receiving record imaginable. Even today, he is fifth in career receptions, fourth in receiving yardage, eighth in touchdowns, and third in 100-yard performances. Had he not spent part of his career splitting his time between wing back and receiver, those numbers likely would be even better.
Though best known for his ability as a receiver, Sharpe was a game-breaking return man, too. He is one of just a few Gamecocks ever to take back a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns.
Get USC Gamecocks app notifications
Following his South Carolina career, the Green Bay Packers selected Sharpe with the seventh pick of the 1988 NFL Draft. The former Gamecock was one of the best two or three receivers in the sport until a neck injury ended his career prematurely.
In just seven seasons, Sharpe became one of three NFL wide receivers ever to post 575 catches, 8000 yards, and 65 receiving touchdowns in his first seven years, along with Larry Fitzgerald and Marvin Harrison. He also led the NFL in receptions three times, touchdowns twice, and yardage once. He pulled off the “receiving triple crown” in 1992, when he led the League in all three categories.
Sharpe was the first player ever to post two 100-catch seasons; at the time, both of those years marked all-time single-season receptions records. Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams during his time in the NFL.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Sharpe this summer. He is the first Gamecock to earn enshrinement into the Hall. He is also a member of the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame.
Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!
Category: General Sports
