Captain Munnerlyn, CB

Regarded as one of the Southeastern Conference's rising stars at cornerback, Munnerlyn had a forgetful final season in a Gamecocks uniform that resulted in a benching and eventual dressing down by the coaching staff after he and several other underclassmen did not perform to their expected level of play.

Coming back from a 2007 left foot fracture, the multi-talented athlete manned the right cornerback position and also performed on special teams. He was benched for the 2009 Mississippi game after he missed a team meeting/weight training session. He batted a toe sprain later in the year, but was also taken to task by the staff.

Head coach Steve Spurrier questioned the effort level of several of the Gamecocks' NFL Draft prospects in the loss at Clemson. Spurrier benched junior tight end Jared Cook for the second half, saying the Gamecocks' leading receiver did not appear to be into the game. The staff also cited strong safety Emanuel Cook and Munnerlyn.

"A few guys aren't playing quite like they did early in the year. I think that was obvious," Spurrier said. "It's disappointing. Football season's a long time. Teams either get better or worse. I thought we were getting better after the Arkansas game, and then it seems like we've taken a down turn since then."

At Murphy High School, Munnerlyn was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team. The three-time All-Region selection participated in the Junior All-Star Game and Pigskin Classic in Hawaii, and was also a track participant at the Junior Olympics. As a senior, he led the football team to a 10-2 record and a Class 6A Regional runner-up finish. He also competed in track, clocking a career-best 10.53 in the 100-meter and 22.43 in the 200-meter dashes.

Munnerlyn enrolled at South Carolina in 2006, turning down scholarship offers from Kansas State and West Virginia. He started five games at right cornerback, including the final four contests as a true freshman. He recorded 36 tackles (27 solos), as he picked off two passes and deflected five others. The 170-pounder also averaged 23.2 yards on 12 kickoff returns. He sat out the Wofford clash after he was hospitalized for several days with a right forearm infection.

In 2007, Munnerlyn was named All-Southeastern Conference first-team by the league's coaches. He started 10 games, missing the season finale vs. Clemson while appearing in just one series vs. Florida after suffering a broken bone in his left foot vs. Arkansas. His presence in the secondary helped the Gamecocks improve their 43rd-ranked pass defense from 2006 to a fourth place finish (168.75 ypg) in 2007.

As a sophomore, Munnerlyn ranked seventh on the team with 47 tackles (40 solos), including two stops for loss. He caused and recovered a fumble, broke up four passes and picked off three others. He finished seventh in the SEC with a 9.17-yard average on 18 punt returns and gained 258 yards (21.5 avg) on 12 kickoff returns.

Munnerlyn sat out 2008 spring drills to continue his left foot rehabilitation. He started 12 times at right cornerback, again ranking seventh on the squad with 44 tackles (29 solos). He registered two sacks and caused one fumble. He returned one of two fumble recoveries 38 yards for a score and deflected five passes. He averaged 6.6 yards on 18 punt returns and 24.2 yards on nine kickoff returns, including an 84-yarder that was the longest return by a Gamecock since 1997.

Positives: Short, but has a legitimate NFL body. … Rare straight-line speed and agility. … Loose hips to turn and run with receivers. … Good explosiveness out of his cuts. … Closes quickly and gets his hands on passes. … Soft hands for the interception and can high-point passes. … Good body control to contort in space and make the athletic catch. … Good returner with experience fielding both punts and kicks. … Plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. … Not afraid to mix it up with the big boys and is willing in run support. … Reliable open-field tackler who flashes surprising explosiveness as a hitter. … Has forced three fumbles.

Negatives: Might be too short to play outside. … Inconsistent. … Relies on his natural ability and can be beaten with double-moves. … Experienced in zone coverage, but his playmaking skills might make him a better fit in man. … Has struggled a bit with durability, missing time in at least one game each of his three years. … Missed time as a junior with flu-like symptoms, as a sophomore with a broken foot, and as a freshman due to an infection in his right arm.

Munnerlyn started 27 of 36 games at South Carolina, recording 127 tackles (96 solos) with two sacks for minus 14 yards and five stops for losses totaling 26 yards … Caused a pair of fumbles and recovered three others, including one that he returned 38 yards for a score … Also recovered a blocked field goal for a touchdown vs. Kentucky in 2008, the same game that he returned a kickoff 84 yards, the team's longest runback in that category since Boo Williams scored on a 90-yard return vs. Florida in 1997 … Deflected 15 passes and picked off five others for 39 yards in returns (7.8 avg) … Gained 283 yards on 37 punt returns (7.65 avg) and 754 yards on 33 kickoff returns (22.85 avg).

A member of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, Munnerlyn was the team's starting cornerback in 12 contests on the right side … Played as a reserve, but did not start vs. Mississippi, as a disciplinary measure after he was cited for missing a team weight room meeting/session … Ranked seventh on the team with 44 tackles (29 solos) that included two sacks for minus 14 yards and three stops for losses of 19 yards … Part of a strong secondary that led the SEC and ranked second in the nation, allowing only 159.23 yards per game … Ranked ninth in the conference with 18 punt returns for 118 yards (6.6 avg) and gained 218 yards on nine kickoff returns (24.2 avg) … Returned a blocked field goal for a score vs. Kentucky and also recovered two fumbles, returning one 38 yards for a touchdown … Caused one fumble and deflected five passes … Missed 2008 spring drills while recovering from his late 2007 left foot fracture.

North Carolina State … Munnerlyn recorded four solo tackles, recovered one fumble, broke up two passes, and returned three punts for 34 yards in the Gamecocks' first game of the 2008 season, a 34-0 shutout win over N.C. State … "It felt good to go out and get a shutout in our first win. Coach Johnson is a good coach. He believes all of us should go out and get to the ball. He says that, if all eleven get to the ball, good things will happen. We felt like we had to go out and get turnovers and set up the offense with good field position," said Munnerlyn of the Gamecocks' approach to the game … Midway through the first quarter, on 3rd-&-4 from the N.C. State 26-yard line, Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson completed a 12-yard pass to tight end Anthony Hill, who picked up the first down before being tackled by Munnerlyn … At the 2:37 mark in the opening quarter, South Carolina's Jordin Lindsey forced N.C. State tailback Andre Brown to cough up the ball, which was recovered by Munnerlyn at the Wolfpack's 46 … Early in the third quarter, on 3rd-&-5 from the N.C. State 25-yard line, Wolfpack quarterback Daniel Evans completed a 10-yard pass to wide receiver T.J. Graham, who picked up the first down before being tackled by Munnerlyn … Midway through the third quarter, on 3rd-&-4 from the N.C. State 31-yard line, Munnerlyn broke up a pass from Evans to receiver Jay Smith, forcing the Wolfpack to send out the punting unit on fourth down … Three plays before the end of the third quarter, Evans had his pass to T.J. Graham batted away by Munnerlyn … At the 9:46 mark in the fourth quarter, Munnerlyn allowed Wolfpack wide receiver Owen Spencer to haul in a 19-yard pass from Evans, giving N.C. State a first down at their own 39.

Vanderbilt … Munnerlyn had a relatively quiet game, making one solo tackle, breaking up one pass, and returning one punt for 2 yards in South Carolina's SEC opener, a 24-17 loss to Vanderbilt in Nashville … During Vandy's first offensive series of the game, on 3rd-&-3 from midfield, Munnerlyn broke up a pass from quarterback Chris Nickson to tight end Brandon Barden, forcing Vandy to punt on fourth down … Early in the fourth quarter, on 3rd-&-7 from the South Carolina 47-yard line, Munnerlyn was flagged for a 10-yard defensive-holding penalty, giving Vandy a first down at the Gamecocks' 34. Three plays later, on 3rd-&-3 from the South Carolina 27-yard line, Munnerlyn was penalized once again, this time for pass interference while trying to break up Chris Nickson's pass to wide receiver Jamie Graham, moving the ball to the Gamecocks' 21.

Georgia … Following his uneventful performance last weekend, Munnerlyn made his presence felt vs. Georgia, posting six solo tackles, including two sacks, forcing a fumble, and returning two punts for 12 yards in South Carolina's 14-7 loss to the Bulldogs … "I thought we were getting this one. We were driving down, but just came up short," said Munnerlyn after the game … Midway through the second quarter, Munnerlyn charged hard on a corner blitz, sacking Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and forcing the ball loose, which was eventually recovered by the Bulldogs at midfield … Midway through the third quarter, on 3rd-&-7 from the South Carolina 41-yard line, Stafford completed a 7-yard pass to wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who picked up the first down before being brought down by the South Carolina cornerback. Two plays later, Stafford broke off a 30-yard run to the Gamecocks' 4-yard line, where the signal-caller was finally stopped by Munnerlyn … In the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Munnerlyn recorded his second sack of the game, tackling Stafford for an 8-yard loss at the Georgia 10-yard line.

Wofford … Munnerlyn recorded just two solo tackles in South Carolina's 23-13 win over FCS-opponent Wofford,

Alabama-Birmingham … The South Carolina cornerback recorded one tackle and returned three punts for 40 yards in the Gamecocks' 26-13 win over UAB … "Defensively, I think we played a good game. We were able to come up with a few turnovers. I feel like we played okay," said Munnerlyn of his team's performance … At the 12:13 mark in the first quarter, Munnerlyn was tackled for a 3-yard loss while returning a punt … With 8:56 left in the second quarter, Munnerlyn made amends for his earlier poor punt return by bringing one back 35 yards to set up the USC offense at the UAB 8-yard line, which led to quarterback Stephen Garcia's 5-yard touchdown run and a 17-3 South Carolina lead … Early in the third quarter, on 3rd-&-5 from the UAB 13-yard line, Munnerlyn limited Blazer running back Rashaud Slaughter to 2 yards on a pass reception from quarterback Joe Webb, brining out the UAB punting unit on fourth down.

Mississippi … Munnerlyn made five tackles (2 solos) and returned one punt for no gain in South Carolina's 31-24 victory over Ole Miss in Oxford … On the second-to-last play of the third quarter, Ole Miss tailback Brandon Bolden rushed for 14 yards to midfield, where he was finally tackled by the South Carolina cornerback … With a few minutes remaining in the game, Munnerlyn tackled Ole Miss wide receiver Shay Hodge for no gain at the USC 28-yard line after a pass reception from quarterback Jevan Snead.

Kentucky … Munnerlyn had a game-changing performance vs. Kentucky, returning a blocked field goal 81 yards for a touchdown and returning a kickoff 84 yards to set up another touchdown, as well as recording two solo tackles, two pass break-ups, and retuning four punts for -1 yard, as the Gamecocks defeated the Wildcats, 24-17 … The 84-yard kickoff return was the longest of Munnerlyn's career … At the 11:24 mark in the first quarter, Munnerlyn was stripped of the ball by Kentucky's Mikhail Mabry after an 8-yard punt return but was able recover his own fumble at the USC 30-yard line … With 4:33 left in the first quarter, Munnerlyn fielded Tim Masthay's kickoff at the USC goal line and returned it 84 yards before being shoved out of bounds at the Kentucky 16-yard line, setting up quarterback Chris Smelley's 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kenny McKinley … Early in the second quarter, Munnerlyn scooped up Jordin Lindsey's block of Ryan Tydlacka's 21-yard field goal attempt and ran it back 81 yards for a touchdown, giving South Carolina a 14-7 lead … At the 11:28 mark in the second quarter, Munnerlyn fumbled for the second time during a punt return, this time losing control of the ball at the USC 38-yard line before it was eventually recovered by teammate Addison Williams at the 20 … With under two minutes remaining in the game, on 3rd-&-5 from the Kentucky 27-yard line, the South Carolina cornerback broke up a pass from Wildcat quarterback Mike Hartline to tight end Maurice Grinter, but Kentucky would pick up the first down when South Carolina was penalized 6 yards for a substitution infraction. On the next play, Munnerlyn got a hand on Hartline's pass to wide receiver Eric Adeyemi, causing an incompletion.

Louisiana State … Munnerlyn recorded six tackles (2 solos), one punt return for 18 yards, and two kickoff returns for 22 yards in South Carolina's 24-17 loss … At the 3:28 mark in the first quarter, Munnerlyn tackled LSU quarterback Andrew Hatch for no gain on a rushing attempt inside USC territory … Early in the fourth quarter, LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee completed a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Brandon LaFell with Munnerlyn in coverage but the play was nullified by an illegal-shift infraction by the Tigers … With 0:48 remaining in the game, Munnerlyn tackled LSU's Keiland Williams after a 1-yard rush to the USC 2-yard line.

Tennessee … The South Carolina cornerback contributed one solo tackle, one punt return for 4 yards, one kickoff return for 22 yards, and a 38-yard fumble return to the Gamecocks' decisive 27-6 win over Tennessee … Said Munnerlyn of becoming bowl eligible with the win, "We're going to go and work hard for a good bowl. Now we're going to go out on Monday and get ready for Arkansas next week. Nine-and-three sounds great. We had three tough losses, but nine-and-three would be great" … At the 10:38 mark in the second quarter, Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton completed a pass to tailback Lennon Creer, who was stripped of the ball by USC's Travian Robertson. Munnerlyn scooped up the fumble and raced 38 yards before being tackled by the Vols' Ramon Foster at the Tennessee 4, setting up USC quarterback Stephen Garcia's 4-yard touchdown toss to wide receiver Kenny McKinley on the next play … Midway through the third quarter, Munnerlyn was flagged for a 15-yard facemask penalty while tackling Tennessee tailback Arian Foster, moving the Vols' offense to the USC 35-yard line.

Arkansas … Munnerlyn made one solo tackle and returned two punts for 9 yards and two kickoffs for 38 yards in South Carolina's 34-21 victory over the Razorbacks … With 2:32 remaining in the first quarter, Munnerlyn fumbled while returning a punt but was fortunate to have teammate Jamire Williams recover the ball at the USC 24-yard line.

Florida … Munnerlyn recorded three tackles (2 solos) and returned three kickoffs for 52 yards in the Gamecocks' embarrassing 56-6 loss to the Gators … Early in the first quarter, on 3rd-&-7 from the Florida 29-yard line, Gator quarterback Tim Tebow completed an 11-yard pass to wide receiver Louis Murphy for a first down with Munnerlyn in coverage.

Clemson … Munnerlyn posted eight tackles (3 solos) in South Carolina's disappointing 31-14 loss to intrastate-rival Clemson … On Clemson's first drive of the game, quarterback Cullen Harper completed a 28-yard pass to tailback C.J. Spiller, who picked up a first down before being tackled by the South Carolina cornerback at the USC 32-yard line … With less than four minutes remaining in the opening quarter, on 3rd-&-6 from the Clemson 19-yard line, Harper completed an 8-yard pass to wide receiver Aaron Kelly for a first down with Munnerlyn in coverage. Later in the drive, Munnerlyn limited Clemson tailback James Davis to just 1 yard on a rushing attempt to the USC 43 … Early in the third quarter, on 3rd-&-4 from the USC 38-yard line, Munnerlyn allowed Aaron Kelly to haul in a 13-yard pass from Harper to convert the first down. Later in the drive, on 3rd-&-2 from the USC 6-yard line, Clemson tailback James Davis rushed for 5 yards and a first down before being tackled at the goal line by Munnerlyn and a teammate … With 2:47 left in the game, on 3rd-&-6 from the Clemson 11-yard line, Davis rushed for 8 yards and a first down before Munnerlyn and linebacker Eric Norwood tackled the tailback at the 19.

Iowa (Outback Bowl) … In Munnerlyn's last game as a Gamecock, the cornerback posted four tackles (3 solos), including one for loss, in South Carolina's 31-10 loss to Iowa in the Outback Bowl in Tampa … During Iowa's opening drive of the game, on 3rd-&-5 from the USC 47-yard line, Hawkeye quarterback Ricky Stanzi completed a 17-yard pass to tight end Brandon Myers, who picked up the first down before being tackled by Munnerlyn at the 30. On the next play, Munnerlyn tackled Iowa wide receiver Andy Brodell for a 5-yard loss to the USC 35-yard line on a rushing attempt … With less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter, Munnerlyn was flagged for a 15-yard personal foul, moving the Iowa offense to the USC 28-yard line.

All-Southeastern Conference first-team selection by the league's coaches and Rivals.com, adding second-team accolades from the Associated Press … Sophomore All-American first-team pick by College Football News … .Started the team's first ten games at right cornerback, but played just one series vs. Florida and missed the season finale vs. Clemson after he suffered a broken bone in his left foot in the Arkansas clash … Ranked seventh on the team with 47 tackles (40 solos), including two stops for losses of 7 yards, as he helped the team finish as the SEC's leader and fourth nationally in pass defense, allowing just 168.75 yards per game … Recovered and caused a fumble … Deflected four passes and intercepted three others for 38 yards in returns … Ranked seventh in the SEC with 18 punt returns for 165 yards (9.2 avg) … Also returned twelve kickoffs for 258 yards (21.5 avg) … Recipient of the squad's Special Teams Award.

Louisiana-Lafayette … Opened the season with four solo tackles, including two on third-down plays, as he added 58 yards on three kickoff returns.

Georgia … Broke up two Matthew Stafford passes inside the red zone, as he collected two solo tackles, 93 yards on four kickoff returns and 15 yards on two punt returns.

South Carolina State … Had his first interception for the season, caused a fumble, broke up a pass and made four tackles (3 solos).

Kentucky … Registered seven solo tackles and killed a fourth quarter drive when he picked off an Andre' Woodson pass and returned it 38 yards.

North Carolina … Followed with 36 yards on two punt returns and seven tackles (6 solos) … His 36-yard punt return set up a Gamecocks second quarter touchdown drive.

Tennessee … Intercepted an Erik Ainge pass and delivered a career-high eleven tackles (10 solos), twice taking down tailback Arian Foster behind the line of scrimmage.

Arkansas … Had five tackles (4 solos) before breaking a bone in his left foot.

Played in twelve games as a true freshman, sharing right cornerback duties with Carlos Thomas … Started five games, including the final four contests … Did not play vs. Wofford after being hospitalized for several days with an infection in his right forearm … Finished with 36 tackles (27 solos), five pass deflections and two interceptions for 11 yards in returns … Gained 278 yards on twelve kickoff returns (23.2 avg).

Made an assisted tackle in his career debut, vs. Mississippi State … In his first career start, Munnerlyn posted four solo tackles vs. Florida Atlantic … Added four more hits vs. Auburn and had three solo stops to go with 38 yards on two kickoff returns vs. Kentucky … Had his first career interception and returned three kickoffs for 62 yards vs. Vanderbilt … Was in on five hits (4 solos) vs. Tennessee and had his second interception for 2006, along with a pair of pass deflections and three tackles vs. Arkansas … Registered four tackles, broke up one pass and gained 64 yards on two kickoff returns vs. Clemson … Recorded five solo tackles and had two kickoff returns for 53 yards vs. Houston in the Liberty Bowl.

2006: Sat out the Wofford game (9/16) after he was hospitalized several days with a right forearm infection.

2007: Suffered a left foot fracture vs. Arkansas (11/03), seeing action for just one play the following week vs. Florida (11/10) and missed the season finale vs. Clemson (11/24).

2008: Suffered a sprained big toe in practice prior to the Clemson clash (11/29).

Campus: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash … 1.48 10-yard dash … 2.55 20-yard dash … 4.04 20-yard shuttle … 7.05 three-cone drill … 36.5-inch vertical jump.

Combine: 4.51 in the 40-yard dash … 1.58 10-yard dash … 2.59 20-yard dash … 4.20 20-yard shuttle … 7.15 three-cone drill … 37.5-inch vertical jump … 10'1" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times.

Attended Murphy (Mobile, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Ron Lee … Named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team … The three-time All-Region selection participated in the Junior All-Star Game and Pigskin Classic in Hawaii, and was also a track participant at the Junior Olympics … As a senior, he led the football team to a 10-2 record and a Class 6A Regional runner-up finish … Also competed in track, clocking a career-best 10.53 in the 100-meter and 22.43 in the 200-meter dashes.

Criminal Justice major … Born 4/10/88 … Resides in Mobile, Alabama.