NFL
Where did Deebo Samuel play football in college? University stats, record and draft pick
Few NFL players are as dynamic as San Francisco 49ers’ wide receiver Deebo Samuel. His unique role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense has transformed the game.
But how did Samuel transition from a three-star recruit to a standout player on football’s grandest stage? To understand his journey, we must trace his steps back to his roots in Inman, South Carolina.
Debo, born Taishin Raekwon Samuel, grew up in Inman. Despite facing adversity in high school, he channeled his energy into football after his brother’s incarceration. Despite receiving little recognition, he committed to the University of South Carolina, determined to prove himself.
College career and NFL Draft pick
Injuries testing his resolve marred Samuel’s college career. After redshirting his freshman year in 2014, his debut in 2015 was hampered by a hamstring injury. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, including a breakout performance against the top-ranked Clemson Tigers, injuries continued to plague him. In 2016, another hamstring injury sidelined him, and in 2017, he fractured his fibula, ending his season prematurely.
Despite these setbacks, Samuel’s talent shone through. His perseverance paid off in 2018, as he finally enjoyed an entirely healthy season. He racked up 882 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, displaying his playmaking ability. During his tenure at the University of South Carolina, Deebo Samuel left an indelible mark both on the field and in the record books. In the 30 games where Samuel recorded statistics, the Gamecocks held a balanced 15-15 record. As a senior, Samuel’s presence on the field contributed to a 7-5 record over 12 games.
This performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in the 2019 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected him with the 36th overall pick.
Records Set by Deebo Samuel during College
Several impressive records and rankings highlight Deebo Samuel’s college career:
- Career Kick Returns for a Touchdown: Samuel holds the top spot in South Carolina history with four touchdowns.
- Career Kick Return Average: He boasts a record average of 29.0 yards per return, the highest in the school’s history.
- Single-Game Receptions: Tied for the most receptions in a game with 14, achieved against South Florida in 2016.
- Consecutive 100-Yard Receiving Games: Samuel is tied for first with three consecutive 100-yard receiving games in 2018.
- Single-Game Receiving Yards: Samuel ranks second and ninth for his 210 yards at Clemson (2018) and 190 yards against South Florida (2016), respectively.
- Season Receiving Touchdowns: His 11 touchdowns in 2018 tie him for second place in school history.
- Career Touchdowns: Samuel is tied for fourth with 28 touchdowns.
- Longest Reception: His 89-yard catch against Florida in 2018 ranks as the seventh-longest in school history.
- Career All-Purpose Yards: With 3,457 yards, Samuel is eighth in school history.
- Career Receptions: His 148 receptions place him ninth in South Carolina history.
- Single-Season Receiving Yards: Samuel’s 882 yards in 2018 rank tenth.
- Single-Season Receptions: His 62 receptions in 2018 also tie him for tenth place.
- Career Receiving Touchdowns: With 16 touchdowns, he is tied for tenth in school history.
- Career Receiving Yards: Samuel’s 2,076 yards put him eleventh in school history.
- NCAA Career Kick Return Average: Samuel’s 29.02 yards per return is the 17th best in NCAA history (minimum 1.2 returns per game, 30 returns in career).
Awards and Honors
Samuel’s outstanding college career earned him several prestigious accolades:
- 2018 First-Team All-American
- 2018 First-Team All-SEC
Deebo Samuel’s college achievements laid a strong foundation for his professional career, establishing him as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in South Carolina history.