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Veteran safety set to return to South Carolina, signs Garnet Trust deal

wesby: Wes Mitchell01/04/25WesMitchellGC
South Carolina football junior defensive back DQ Smith. Photo by: Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral
South Carolina football defensive back DQ Smith. Photo by: Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral

Veteran rising senior safety and Columbia native DQ Smith will be back in the Garnet and Black for his final season of eligibility in 2025.

The Spring Valley High School graduate signed a new NIL deal with Garnet Trust, the official South Carolina collective announced on Saturday morning.

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The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Smith has been a three-year starter at South Carolina.

In 37 career games, including 34 starts, Smith has collected 164 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. Smith started all 12 games for Carolina this seasons with 37 tackles.

Retention has been a huge focus for the Gamecocks this offseason.

Garnet Trust announced on Christmas Eve that it signed a new deal with SEC Freshman of the Year quarterback LaNorris Sellers after previously inking an agreement with Stewart, the On3 National Freshman of the Year.

“Kudos to our fanbase, kudos to our administration, kudos to the Garnet Trust for all they’ve done to be able to help us and our guys out in so many ways,” Beamer said of South Carolina’s efforts in player retention last year. “This program is about relationships, honesty, and trust and having conversations with guys, and building relationships throughout the season. Guys have expressed to us that they want to be (here).”

“I think retaining our current roster is the most important thing,” added Darren Uscher, South Carolina football’s Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting, during a recent appearance on GC Live.

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