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South Carolina Football: 3 biggest surprises from 2019 season

By Celeste Sabin

COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 28: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 30: Ryan Hilinski #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Hilinski

Ryan Hilinski, a true freshman quarterback, started the 2019 season as the backup quarterback to seasoned veteran quarterback Jake Bentley but found himself in the starter position after the first game of the year.

Bentley injured his foot during or after the first game of the season and at first was ruled out for at least six weeks, then later it was announced he wouldn’t return to the field for the rest of the season. This put the 18-year-old from Orange, Calif., in the spotlight and Hilinski ended his first season with 236-of-406 completed passes for 2,357 yards, 11 touchdowns and just five interceptions with a rating of 113.4.

During his first game which was the home opener, the Gamecocks broke several records including one for most points scored in the first half, and the offensive line broke a school record with 775 total yards and 493 rushing yards. Hilinski not only proved to be quite the asset to the Gamecocks, but his family and their foundation, Hilinski’s Hope, which brings awareness to mental health wellness have also been embraced by the Gamecocks’ community.

To read more about Hilinski’s journey to become a Gamecocks football player click here.