Countdown to kickoff: 44 days
GamecockCentral.com's countdown to kickoff features player profiles, videos, facts and more to get you ready for the start of the Will Muschamp era.
Current No. 44: Freshman LB T.J. Brunson
Former Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast linebacker T.J. Brunson will always hold the distinction of being the first recruit that Will Muschamp went to see following his press conference to be named South Carolina's coach.
Fast forward to now and the former three-star prospect is about to start his first season playing for Muschamp. While there's certainly depth at the linebacker position, Brunson is off to a good start in the weight room and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get on the field as a true freshman in Columbia.
Brunson was ranked the No. 56 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 7 prospect in the state of South Carolina's 2016 class. Brunson collected Shrine Bowl Defensive MVP honors and had 100 tackles each of his last three seasons at RNE.
**SUBSCRIBERS: Football and fishing: Brunson gets his catch**
Former No. 44: Linebacker Kenneth Harney
Former South Carolina linebacker Kenneth Harney wore the No. 44 for South Carolina from 1998 to 2001. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder collected 272 tackles, 6 sacks and 31.5 tackles for loss during his career, which took place mostly under Lou Holtz.
Harney was a major part of South Carolina's turnaround as the Gamecocks went 1-21 in his first two seasons, but finished 17-7, including two Outback Bowl wins, during his final two seasons.
Did you know: Former South Carolina wide receiver Sidney Rice was drafted No. 44 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings
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