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With the signing of 6'4 209-pound wide receiver Terry Googer, South Carolina has added some much needed size to it's notably diminutive receiving corps. The three-star prospect out of Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academcy committed to USC in August over offers from 21 other FBS programs, including Clemson, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Miami.
Googer will step into an offense coming off its most prolific season in school history. Collectively, Steve Spurrier's offense threw for 3,330 yards with five different receivers catching over 275 yards. Of those five receivers in 2013, only one (Shaq Roland) stood over 5'9. Googer was recruited to Carolina by Lorenzo Ward and Steve Spurrier Jr and was coached by former Gamecock offensive line coach John Hunt.
Though he is projected to play wide receiver when he arrives on campus, Googer was a dual-threat quarterback during his impressive Woodward Academy career. Though playing quarterback slowed his development as a receiver, Googer is a big-bodied prospect with great length. Much like Gamecock great Alshon Jeffery, the Carolina staff hopes that Googer will serve as a red zone target and create mismatches against shorter defensive backs in goal line situations or out of the slot.
Though the Gamecocks have size at the tight end position, taller receivers on the perimeter allow an offense to be more versatile. Nine of the top ten receivers return; however, Bruce Ellington's 49 catches for 775 yards will leave a massive void. With the emergence of players like Pharoh Cooper and Shaq Roland down the stretch of last season, it may be tough for Googer to see meaningful playing time in 2014. In all likelihood, he will redshirt this season.
