ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State resumed preseason practice Monday morning and head coach Buddy Pough was there to make sure his team is still bringing it to every workout. Pough was still smiling after his weekend trip to Canton, Ohio for the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. That’s where he saw his former S.C. State teammate, Donnie Shell, take his place among those who are considered the greatest in NFL history.
But while Pough still in Canton, reports came out which said former S.C. State linebacker Darius Leonard and the Colts had agreed to a five-year, $99.25 million dollar contract extension, making him the NFL’s highest paid inside linebacker.
That means the two biggest NFL stories this weekend had an S.C. State angle with Shell and Leonard who are two of the biggest stars in the history of the program. Leonard remains the program’s career leader in tackles and Shell won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
So, when Pough and his staff go on the road recruiting, they will have more ammunition at their disposal. All they have to do is mention the former hard-hitting defensive back or the athletic linebacker who won a pair of MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards.