Jalon Kilgore, defensive back for the South Carolina Gamecocks, is set for a successful second season.

The South Carolina Gamecocks have a fair amount of questions about the roster, like many other programs during the preseason before a brand new year. However, when you look at the Gamecocks’ secondary, there are some playmakers lurking there, and one of them is expected to see an upswing in year two.

Jalon Kilgore played a major role for South Carolina in his first year as a freshman. He was named to the first team All-American after playing in all 12 games and starting 11 of them. He finished the season with 76 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception. He rotated as both a safety and a nickelback while also being the team’s best punt returner. He is a true all-rounder for the Gamecocks and his second year could be a special one for him.

The Gamecocks will need Kilgore this year. They ranked 101st in pass defense last season, but they also have some key contributors back. Nick Emmanwori is a junior safety who returns and is one of the best defenders in the league. If Kilgore and Emmanwori play above the high level they have set in past seasons, the Gamecocks could be in top form in the 2024 season and have a much improved pass defense.

No matter what program it is, it’s hard to get on the field and stay in the rotation as a true freshman. No matter how many stars you produced out of high school or what your ranking was, playing as a true freshman isn’t very common. However, Kilgore has exceeded those expectations and will now be a player the Gamecocks can rely on in year two.

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