The final pick of the NFL draft, ending the 15-hour, 15-minute extravaganza, was South Carolina placekicker Ryan Succop, a Hickory High alum.
Selected 256th overall by Kansas City, the 22-year-old Succop was a three-year regular kicker for the Gamecocks. Being picked last carries the distinction of getting called “Mr. Irrelevant.”
“I don't really mind it. I don't plan on being irrelevant,” Succop said. “I've been very blessed and I plan on making an impact right away. I've been blessed with the ability to do it and I'm looking forward to doing it.”
What's the best part of being the last man drafted?
“The best part of it is having an opportunity to play in the NFL. Whether it's the middle pick or the last pick, I'm just happy to have the opportunity.”
The seventh South Carolina player chosen this year – all in the final five rounds – Succop made 20 field goals in 30 attempts last season, scoring 90 points. His longest kick was a 54-yarder as the Gamecocks went 7-6.
Succop actually was more accurate as a sophomore and junior, going a combined 29-for-37 on field goals.
The 6-foot-3, 221-pound Succop also punted two seasons for the Gamecocks, averaging 42 yards. He did not punt as a senior.
-- Observer News Services
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mr. Irrelevant? Hickory High grad ready to kick off label
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5 comments:
Gamecocks have been irrelevant for years.
I remember Ryan as a soccer player at Hickory High. A very good young man with a very powerful leg.
Very powerful is an understatement. I seen him at Hickory High playing soccer to and the kid absolutely drilled a shot that hit the cross bar of the soccer goal and lifted it a foot off the ground. It was absolutly amazing. Kid will help someone out and from everything I have heard he is a great kid too.
He will not made the team.They already former UNC kicker Connor Barth.
Yeah, Reid. God knows Succop has no chance to top Barth's FANTASTIC 66% mark from over 29 yards.
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