In 1980, the South Carolina Gamecocks returned with plenty of talent, which was headlined by senior running back and Heisman candidate
George Rogers. His 1,781 yards was the best in the nation and earned him a spot as a finalist for the
Heisman Trophy.[1] The
Downtown Athletic Club in
New York City named Rogers as the winner of the 1980 Heisman Trophy. Rogers beat out an impressive group of players, including Pittsburgh defensive lineman
Hugh Green and Georgia running back
Herschel Walker.[1] Rogers also earned spots on eight All-America teams, all First Team honors.[2]
Rogers had his number "38" retired during halftime ceremonies at South Carolina's final 1980 home game. He was the first
University of South Carolina player to have his jersey retired while still active at the school.
Rogers left the Gamecock football program as its most successful running back, and many of his records remain after all these years. His 5,204 yards is still the highest career total by any Gamecock running back, and his 31 rushing touchdowns is tied with
Harold Green for second place behind
Marcus Lattimore. He is second on the all-time points scored list with 202. He also gained more than 100 yards in each of his final 22 college games.
^2011 South Carolina Football Media Guide(PDF). Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina Athletics Media Relations Department. 2011. p. 133. Archived from
the original(PDF) on September 9, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2012.
^"1981 NFL Draft". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from
the original on December 21, 2007. Retrieved June 23, 2012.