IT DONE HAPPENED: south Carolina gamecocks 2025 Summer Scouting – Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

IT DONE HAPPENED: South Carolina Gamecocks 2025 Summer Scouting – Jalon Kilgore, DB

As the summer heats up, so does the anticipation for the 2025 college football season. In Columbia, South Carolina, all eyes are on Jalon Kilgore, the Gamecocks’ standout defensive back. Entering his junior year, Kilgore is poised to elevate his game and solidify his status as one of the SEC’s premier defenders.

Rising Star in the Secondary

Jalon Kilgore’s journey to prominence began in Eatonton, Georgia, where he showcased his versatility as both a wide receiver and safety at Putnam County High School. His athletic prowess and football IQ caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to South Carolina.

In his freshman year (2023), Kilgore made an immediate impact, starting 11 of 12 games and recording 76 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and six pass breakups. His performance earned him First-Team Freshman All-America honors from ESPN.com and 247Sports, as well as a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team .

Building on his freshman success, Kilgore had an impressive sophomore season (2024), starting 11 of 13 games and leading the team with five interceptions, tying for the SEC lead and ranking fourth nationally. He also contributed 48 tackles, including three for loss, and broke up five passes

.Scouting Report: Strengths and Areas for Growth

Strengths:

• Versatility: Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 211 pounds, Kilgore possesses the size and agility to play both safety
• Ball Skills: His ability to track the ball and create turnovers is evident, with multiple interceptions and pass breakups in his first two seasons.
• Physicality: Kilgore is known for his aggressive playstyle, delivering impactful hits and excelling in run support.

Areas for Growth:

• Coverage Consistency: While Kilgore has shown flashes of brilliance, refining his coverage techniques and reducing instances of being beaten over the top will be crucial for his development.
• Outlook for 2025 Season

With the departure of key defensive backs, including O’Donnell Fortune and Nick Emmanwori, Kilgore is expected to take on a more prominent role in the Gamecocks’ secondary. His leadership and experience will be vital as South Carolina aims to compete at a high level in the SEC.

The Gamecocks’ defense, anchored by Kilgore, is poised to be a formidable unit in 2025. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, Jalon Kilgore could emerge as one of the top defensive backs in college football, making a significant impact on both the SEC and national stages.As the season approaches, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see how Kilgore’s game evolves. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, the future looks bright for this rising star in the Gamecocks’ secondary.