Countdown to kickoff: 23 days

Also see: Gamecocks pick up another 2017 pitcher | Monday's Insider Report

GamecockCentral.com's countdown to kickoff features player profiles, videos, facts and more to get you ready for the start of the Will Muschamp era.

Current No. 23: Christian Owens

Owens enrolled last January before redshirting his freshman year. A four-star prospect coming out of Griffin High School (Ga.), he caught 23 passes for 600 yards and three touchdowns his senior season.

Owens is expected to add depth to an incredibly young receiving corps this season.

Former No. 23: Bruce Ellington

A former two-sport athlete at South Carolina, Ellington played basketball before transitioning completely to football to become a integral part of the Gamecocks' three straight 11-win seasons.

The point guard turned wide receiver caught for 1,586 in three seasons, including 775 in his senior season. He also served as primary kick returner, returning kicks for 977 yards in his career.

Ellington is still written in the Gamecock history books. He's 14th all-time in reception yards and ninth in receiving touchdowns. His claim to fame in Gamecock lore will be catching the game-winning touchdown in the Outback Bowl against Michigan, his touchdown catch in overtime against Missouri and touchdown pass in the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska.

Ellington was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round and is still in San Fransisco today.

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