Gamecock Hoopster To Play Football..

South Carolina basketball player Bruce Ellington to play football

PUBLISHED 1 hour and 51 minutes ago

Dave Curtis Sporting News

South Carolina’s Bruce Ellington, the leading scorer and starting point guard on the basketball team this winter, plans to play football for the Gamecocks in the fall, coach Steve Spurrier told reporters after his team’s practice Thursday afternoon.

The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier first reported the news earlier Thursday, citing sources in the football program.



Bruce Ellington can’t participate in spring football practice because he signed his basketball letter of intent during the early signing period. (AP Photo)


Buzz about a potential move for Ellington, a star option quarterback for a state champion in high school, began around the holidays, according to the newspaper. He broached the subject with hoops coach Darrin Horn, and eventually with members of the football staff.
“He definitely can help us,” Spurrier said. Asked how, Spurrier said, “We’re get into all of that later. We think somewhere on offense is where he should play.”

Ellington can’t participate in spring practice because he signed his basketball letter of intent during the early signing period. NCAA rules stipulate that a player must complete a full academic year before changing sport.

The future of Ellington’s basketball career remains uncertain, and Spurrier made no mention of the player participating in both sports. His scholarship now will count against the 85 allotted for football, Spurrier said.