Big Blue View
Will Kilgore emerge as one of the top DBs in college football this year?
It’s always worth taking notice when a South Carolina defensive back starts to get recognized at the national level.
While the Gamecocks don’t quite have the “DBU” pedigree of LSU or Ohio State, they’ve put a number of talented defensive backs into the NFL in recent years. Their cornerbacks and safeties tend to be big, athletic, and highly physical, which make them sought-after prospects at the NFL level.
Jalen Kilgore could be the next in that line as he enter his junior season in 2025. Kilgore has played the nickel position over the last two years, but could see his role shift with cornerback O’Donnell Fortune, signed as an undrafted free agent by the Giants, and safety Nick Emmanwori both in the NFL.
It’s possible that Kilgore could emerge as a top cornerback or safety in the upcoming draft class. South Carolina as a whole could make some real noise in the SEC this year, so we should get familiar with Kilgore.
(Kilgore is the South Carolina DB wearing number 24)
Kilgore has a number of traits that could make him a sought after prospect when he declares.
He has prototypical size for a defensive back and is listed at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds. He certainly looks like a bigger safety on the field, he yet he also has the athleticism to play cornerback or in the slot.
The South Carolina defense took full advantage of those traits and watching Kilgore is like an every-down game of “Where’s Waldo”. He was constantly moved around the defensive formation and played the slot, cornerback, strong safety, and SPUR (South Carolina’s name for a Safety/Linebacker hybrid position).
Kilgore has good fluidity and speed for a bigger defensive back, with enough speed to run with receivers or close receiving windows from off coverage. He also shows awareness and discipline in coverage, rarely getting fooled by misdirection or getting caught up in schemed traffic. Likewise, he understands his role in the larger scheme and typically positions himself to leverage the ball back to help, allowing the defense as a whole to swarm.
Finally, he has some really impressive ball skills. Kilgore notched 5 interceptions and 5 passes defensed last year, quickly establishing himself as a player to test at the offense’s peril. He does a great job of playing with his eyes in the backfield, reading the quarterback and closing on the ball to quickly slam receiving windows shut. He arrives with authority and and is also a reliable tackler when he can’t disrupt the pass.
One of Kilgore’s strengths is his versatility to straddle the line between corner and safety. He has uncommon size for a cornerback and as well as very good fluidity for a safety.
But therein lies the (potential) rub for Kilgore. The inverse of those traits is that he appears to have some hip stiffness compared to more obvious “cornerback” prospects. He’s still...
