Manatee's Ace Sanders little big man for South Carolina

Ace Sanders primed for big season

At 5-8, Ace Sanders is one of the smallest receivers in the SEC, but he has become a big part of South Carolina's offense.

Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier thought so much of Sanders that he took the former Manatee High standout with him to the SEC media day festivities and allowed him to give his assessment on the team's passing game.

“The coaches handed the reins over to me,” Sanders said at the SEC media day. “I look over the group to make sure they know where they’re going. I have to make sure they’re on the same level as me.”

The junior is the top returning threat from the Gamecocks passing game and is the only returnee with 20 or more receptions. His presence will be even more important this season with All SEC receiver Alshon Jeffery now in the NFL.

A lot of people at South Carolina, incuding quite a few of his teammates are predicitng a break through season for Sanders based on his speed, elusiveness, soft hands and intelligence. Sanders runs a 4.3 second 40-yard dash.

Sanders has added 20 pounds, mostly pure muscle and appears primed for big things this season also with his kick return skills.

"Ace has developed into a real top-flight receiver. He’s going to have a good year," Spurrier predicted.”

Last season Sanders was the  second on the Gamecock with 29 receptions for 383 yards (13.2 avg) and caught two TD passes. He was South Carolina's primary punt returner with 16 returns for 149 yards (9.3 avg) and one TD.