Byron McKnight

Fifth-year senior defensive end who is listed as the backup to All-SEC performer Devin Taylor entering the fall… gives the Gamecocks an experienced reserve along the defensive line, having appeared in 36 games over the last three seasons.

2010: Junior who played in 13 games in a backup role… credited with a pair of pass breakups and a quarterback hurry… scored his first career touchdown against Arkansas, recovering a fumble caused on a sack by Stephon Gilmore and returning it one yard for the score… had one tackle in season-opener vs. Southern Miss… named the Most Improved Defensive Lineman during the spring.

2009: Sophomore who was listed on the second team at defensive end behind Cliff Matthews… saw limited time appearing in 10 games… moved to the offensive side of the ball at tight end in the spring after playing defensive end in his first two seasons in Columbia, but returned to the D-line in the fall… recorded his lone tackle of the season against Ole Miss.

2008: Worked his way into a spot on the second team at defensive end and regular work in the rotation as a redshirt freshman… played in all 13 games… recorded seven tackles, including five solo stops… credited with 4.0 tackles for loss among his seven stops, including a pair of sacks… also had two quarterback hurries… recorded a 10-yard sack in the season-opening win over NC State in his first collegiate game… had 2.0 tackles for loss against Wofford… added a sack against Clemson.

2007: Redshirted during his true freshman campaign.

HIGH SCHOOL: Defensive end who was a high school teammate of current Gamecock Travian Robertson at Scotland County in Laurinburg, N.C… graduated in 2007… team reached the playoffs for three-straight seasons… regarded as a two-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com… also played basketball and competed in track & field.

PERSONAL: Byron McKnight graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice.