Home Sweet Home: Just Hours Ago, Weslye Saunders Makes Triumphant Return to South Carolina as Director of Player Development, Bringing NFL Experience and Leadership to His Alma Mater

In a move that has energized the South Carolina Gamecocks community, former standout tight end Weslye Saunders has returned to his alma mater as the Director of Player Development. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Saunders’ journey, transitioning from a key player to a pivotal leadership role within the team.

Saunders’ collegiate career at South Carolina from 2007 to 2009 was marked by exceptional performances. He appeared in 36 games, recording 60 receptions for 718 yards and six touchdowns. His size and athleticism made him a formidable presence on the field, and he was considered one of the top tight end prospects during his time with the Gamecocks. However, his senior season in 2010 was cut short due to a dismissal from the team following an NCAA investigation into improper benefits. Saunders later acknowledged his mistakes, expressing remorse for his actions and the impact they had on his team and career .

Despite the setback, Saunders pursued a professional career in the NFL. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2011, where he played for two seasons before joining the Indianapolis Colts. Over his NFL tenure, Saunders recorded 10 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. He also had brief stints with the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football in 2019 .

In his new role at South Carolina, Saunders is poised to leverage his experiences to mentor and develop current student-athletes. The Director of Player Development position focuses on guiding players in their personal growth, academic pursuits, and preparation for life beyond football. Saunders’ firsthand experience as both a college and professional athlete, coupled with the lessons learned from his past challenges, positions him uniquely to provide invaluable insights and support to the Gamecocks.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer expressed enthusiasm about Saunders’ return, stating, “Weslye’s journey exemplifies the values we aim to instill in our program. His experiences, both triumphs and trials, will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our players.” Saunders’ appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the program’s foundation and ensure sustained success in the coming seasons.