It’s been a crazy week for the South Carolina Gamecocks after coach Will Muschamp was fired after a 2-5 start to the season, and that went from bad to worse in Columbia. Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu, their two main defenders, have chosen to stay out of the rest of the season and will prepare for the NFL Draft.
Horn, a six-foot-two-pound junior from Alpharetta, Georgia, has two interceptions this season and 101 tackles over three years with the Gamecocks. He is player number 48 and cornerback in fifth place in the CBS Sports 2021 ranking.
“The opportunity to play football at the SEC was a childhood dream that the University of South Carolina helped to make come true.” Horn wrote on Twitter. “I am forever grateful for that. During those three years, there were ups and downs, but USC helped me create many bonds and memories that I will cherish and cherish for a lifetime. I am honored and words cannot express how blessed I am to have played by this university. Thanks to all REAL fans for supporting me, even when times were tough. “
Mukuamu is a 6-4, 205-pound man from Bossier City, Louisiana. He has two interceptions this season and seven during his three-year career. He was voted for the second team of the All-SEC team of the 2019 postseason, and is ranked No. 64 overall and No. 9 in the latest CBS Sports ranking.
“From the moment I arrived at the University of South Carolina, I received overwhelming support and love from individuals and team members who were dedicated and committed to my personal growth and development,” He wrote. “Thank you for all the memories you’ve helped create over the past three years, whether in the field, in the classroom or in the community.”
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo took over from Muschamp as interim head coach for the Gamecocks. The former Colorado State coach will face Missouri on Saturday in his first game at the head of the program.