COLUMBIA — Carlton Heard has a new number, having traded his No. 83 for a No. 17. After playing last season primarily on special teams, he’s on a brink of having a new role at South Carolina as well.
The senior has the inside track to be the starter at the Gamecocks’ third wide receiver position, according to head coach Steve Spurrier. If USC were to open tomorrow, its three wideouts would be All-SEC candidate Pharoh Cooper, redshirt freshman Deebo Samuel, and Heard — best known for blocking the punt against Florida which fueled the Gamecocks’ overtime victory in Gainesville last season.