South Carolina Gamecocks: Brandon Cisse's Unconventional Journey to the NFL Draft
Brandon Cisse's journey to the brink of the NFL Draft is anything but typical. While the narrative might echo the familiar tale of a local talent blossoming into a draft pick, Cisse's path is a unique odyssey marked by resilience and determination.
Unlike past Gamecock stars like Stephon Gilmore and Jaycee Horn, South Carolina didn't initially see Cisse as a standout prospect. Coming out of Lakwood High in Sumter, Cisse was overlooked by the Gamecocks' coaching staff due to his smaller stature.
Despite this, he never let go of his dream. “They didn’t think I was big enough,” Cisse reflected, his voice carrying the weight of a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at USC’s Pro Day.
That doubt fueled his journey.
Gamecocks defensive coordinator Clayton White acknowledges this past oversight. “He tries to get on us because we didn’t recruit him,” White admits, highlighting the chip Cisse still carries.
The story, however, is more nuanced. While Cisse never received an official offer from USC, he built a solid relationship with South Carolina DBs coach Torian Gray. Gray saw potential and tried to bring Cisse to a Gamecock camp, but by then, Cisse was committed to NC State, honoring that commitment with integrity.
Fast forward three years, and Cisse’s journey took a turn. After enrolling at NC State and transforming his physique through a rigorous college weight program, Cisse emerged as a key player.
As a true freshman, he contributed to the Wolfpack’s “dime” defense, eventually earning a starting cornerback role. But after the 2024 season, changes in NC State’s coaching staff led Cisse to enter the transfer portal.
This time, South Carolina was ready with open arms. “My dad went here.
This is something I’ve been around since I was a little kid,” Cisse shared. Returning to South Carolina felt like destiny fulfilled.
In 2025, Cisse shone in his lone season with the Gamecocks. Starting all 13 games, he showcased versatility by playing both cornerback and nickel. Despite tough outings against Alabama and Ole Miss, his tackling was a standout feature of South Carolina’s defense.
What sets Cisse apart in the eyes of NFL scouts isn’t just his physical prowess but his football intellect. Projected by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. to be a first-round pick, potentially landing with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cisse’s understanding of the game is exceptional. His older brother introduced him to defensive coverages at the tender age of three, nurturing a deep-rooted football acumen.
“He’s one of the few corners who can naturally discuss the roles of all 11 guys on defense and all 22 on the field,” White praises. Such comprehensive knowledge is rare at this level.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Cisse stands poised to hear his name called on the first night. And if not, history suggests he’ll use it as motivation, continuing to thrive with that ever-present chip on his shoulder.