South Carolina Gamecocks football 2014 roster preview: Connor McLaurin

Connor McLaurin
RS senior
6'0'' / 240 lbs
Raleigh, N.C.

Recruitment:
McLaurin was an unrated DL/LB prospect out of high school. He turned down a scholarship offer from Fayetteville State, attended a local community college in Raleigh his freshman year, and walked onto the football team as a linebacker after transferring to USC.

College Career:
After starting his career at Carolina as a walk-on linebacker, McLaurin was moved to fullback in 2011. He served as a backup at the position that year and also contributed on special teams. He continued in the same role in 2012. He was awarded a scholarship for the 2013 season, and with Qua Gilchrist graduated, he started several games at fullback. He caught his first pass against Clemson on this nice catch-and-run:

Although this remains his only reception, McLaurin frequently contributed to the offense with his strong blocking skills, which for instance were on display during Shon Carson's 58-yard run against Florida.

2014 Outlook:
McLaurin is currently slated to be the team's starting fullback in 2014, and while Carolina has some incoming freshmen who may make a push for playing time at the position, McLaurin's strong record as a blocker is sure to earn him plenty of playing time.

Trivia:
McLaurin was involved in this weird play: