South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst, Skai Moore named to preseason All-SEC first team|USC Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

The SEC released its preseason coaches all-conference team this afternoon and four Gamecocks made the grade.

Junior tight end Hayden Hurst and senior linebacker Skai Moore were placed on the first team, while junior offensive lineman Zack Bailey and junior wide receiver Deebo Samuel were third-team selections. Hurst is on the list after a strong 2016 season that saw him make 48 catches for 616 yards and a touchdown while starting every game. Samuel, who has the distinction of appearing twice (both as a receiver and an all-purpose player), battled injuries last year but made 59 catches for 783 yards and a touchdown while rushing for six more scores in ten games. Moore was a first-team pick despite missing all of 2016 due to injury.

With such a young roster, it’s not surprising only a handful of veteran Gamecocks stood out to the coaches, so it’s hard to argue there are any snubs here. USC might have a candidate or two who could make a push for league honors by the end of the season, but only time will tell.