Jalon Kilgore continues impressive string of performances against Tennessee
There are few bright spots that can be taken away from South Carolina’s defensive performance against Tennessee.
The Gamecocks allowed 477 total yards of offense to the Volunteers, much of which came on big-yardage plays. Despite forcing two turnovers, they were unable to put much pressure on Joe Milton, picking up just one sack.
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Some players in South Carolina’s secondary, though, put up big numbers that night. Nick Emmanwori had his most productive game of the season with nine tackles, seven of which were solo. DQ Smith added 12 more tackles and a first-quarter interception that led to a Gamecocks touchdown.
Arguably the brightest spot for the Gamecocks, on offense or defense, was Jalon Kilgore, who made his fourth start of the season at defensive back. Kilgore led both teams with 15 tackles and would also pick off a Milton pass later in the game.
After the game, Shane Beamer said Kilgore has earned all the success he has experienced this season.
“He’s out there for a reason,” Beamer said. “He’s a fantastic young man. We talk all the time about everything off the field shows on the field.”
Kilgore burst onto the scene in a much similar fashion that Emmanwori did as a true freshman last year – by replacing a starter in the secondary, and eventually gaining a starting role in himself.
During the Gamecocks’ season opener against North Carolina, Emmanwori was injured on the first defensive series of the game. Kilgore came into the game as the “next man” up and took advantage of the opportunity, registering 12 total tackles.
Since then, he has started every game for South Carolina and currently leads the team with 42 tackles.
Like Beamer, DQ Smith was not shocked by how quickly Kilgore has adjusted to the college game.
“The way he practices and the way he came in the first day, he was about his game,” Smith said. “So just seeing him coming in and having this game, it wasn’t a surprise at all.”
Kilgore credited Smith and Emmanwori, who finished last year as a Freshman All-American, as mentors who have helped fine-tune his game.
“It’s a great feeling having him and also Nick just helping me keep my poise within the game,” Kilgore said. “At practices, they help me keep working harder each and every day, so they’re two great role models for me.”
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Throughout the season, Beamer has seen Kilgore excel not only on the gridiron but also in the classroom. And he is confident Kilgore will only continue improving.
“He’s a guy that’s an unbelievably great student. All A’s right now and doing a great job academically, and it shows on the field,” Beamer said. “I’m glad he’s on our team. He’s a really good football player that continues to get better each and every week.”
Kilgore also shares this confidence as his role on the Gamecocks’ defense continues to expand.
“I feel very confident with my game right now. Just keep following the rules and technique that our coaches are teaching us,” Beamer said. “I know I got my brothers behind me if I do mess up on a play. So I tell the team ‘Just keep playing with confidence, and it’ll work out.’”
