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Name: Chad Terrell
Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6’2" / 205 lbs.
Hometown: Dallas, Ga.
Rating: 247, ESPN: Three star. Rivals: Four star
With a body and size similar to that of Bryan Edwards, Gamecock fans can get excited about what Terrell can bring to the table. Edwards was a standout at North Paulding High School, where he was the primary offensive option for a 7-4 team competing in one of the toughest classifications in the county: Georgia’s 7A. Terrell was recruited heavily by Oregon and Mark Helfrich’s staff, even taking a visit back in September. However Terrell officially committed to USC in November, possibly when he saw Helfrich would be out the door. Terrell also had offers from Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Pitt.
Strengths: From the film, it’s clear Terrell had no problem using his size to body up defenders to make big leaping catches. His hands are big, soft and he attacks to get to the ball in the air. He has the ability to make catches in traffic between up to three defenders at a time. Terrell’s instinctive ability is to turn his head and find the ball before a defender can break and react to the throw might be his best trait.
Weaknesses: Despite his gaudy numbers (64 catches, 1236 yards, 17 touchdowns, 19.3 yards per catch) the film exposes the lack of break away speed from Terrell. He has a hard time separating himself from defenders or breaking away from safeties in the third level. Every so often Terrell had a tendency to round off his routes and breaks, which also contributes to his separation troubles against coverage. His lack of speed and route running will limit him to the outside receiving spots.
Overall: While speed and route running are concerns, Terrell should add solid depth to the receiving unit this upcoming season. There’s a solid chance Terrell gets a redshirt for the season, considering South Carolina only graduated one receiver from last season’s roster in Medrick Belton, who by the way didn’t catch a single pass. It could be two even three years before we see Terrell get playing time, but he certainly has the tools to be a promising No. 1 receiver.