Melvin Ingram

Melvin Ingram (born April 26, 1989) is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of South Carolina, and earned All-American honors. He was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and was considered one of the top pass rusher prospects available.

Early years
Ingram was born in Hamlet, North Carolina. He attended Richmond Senior High School in Richmond County, North Carolina. As a senior linebacker he recorded 87 tackles and 2.5 quarterback sacks.

College career
Ingram attended the University of South Carolina, where he played for coach Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks football team from 2008 to 2011. He played linebacker for the Gamecocks before switching to defensive end. As a junior in 2010, he led the team with nine sacks.

In 2011, Ingram registered 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. He also scored three touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns came against Georgia in a 45-42 victory in Athens, including a 68 yard fake-punt for a touchdown. Ingram's strong senior campaign helped propel the Gamecocks defense to a final No. 4 national poll ranking, and he was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American.

2012 NFL Draft
Ingram was selected by the Chargers in the first round and 18th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft