Gamecock product Xavier Legette arrives in Charlotte to join Carolina Panthers

Carolina's newest Panther is anything but new to the Carolinas.

"It means a lot to me," South Carolina Wide Receiver Xavier Legette said after hearing his name called with the No. 32 pick in the NFL Draft's opening round by the Carolina Panthers. "It means they believe in me."

Xavier Legette: Mullins, South Carolina native and standout Gamecock Wide Receiver now adding first round draft pick by the Panthers to his Carolina themed resume.

"I was really trying to hold my tears in. I told my folks I wasn't going to cry trying to be a tough guy."

STANDUP: And after a late night of celebration, an early morning three hour trip to the Queen City...for more celebration as he brought the noise to Bank of America Stadium

"I woke up ready. I got a call that they were coming up pick me up at 9:30 in the morning and I said I'd be ready."

Legette the 16th all time first round draft pick for South Carolina and 10th since 2000.

But his climb up the draft boards in his last season with the Gamecocks...not something many people predicted.

"A year ago I wasn't on anyone's board, but I never let that get to me. I just knew I had an extra year. I knew it was a do or die season."

A rise he credits in big part to South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains' arrival to lift up both him and his former quarterback Spencer Rattler

"The best thing that happened for me and him was Coach Dowell Loggains."

Now he trades Columbia for Charlotte - but that Carolina pride?

That's not going anywhere.

"Knowing the background of my area, I'm very excited to show the younger folks they can accomplish their dream"

From Bank of America Stadium, Matt Vereen - WACH FOX Sports.