Judge Collier, Emory Floyd step up in big way for South Carolina following teammate’s suspension

Adopting a “next man up” mentality has been a central theme for this year’s South Carolina football team. Injuries have forced the Gamecocks to make changes to its lineup throughout the season. As a result, players lower on the depth chart to step up and contribute at nearly every position.

This past Saturday, two players – Judge Collier and Emory Floyd – were South Carolina’s “next men up” for another reason.

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Ahead of the Gamecocks’ matchup against Kentucky, starting defensive back O’Donnell Fortune was not listed on the team’s dress list. Head coach Shane Beamer confirmed post-game that Fortune had been suspended for “violation of athletic department policy.” Fortune was previously suspended for a similar reason for South Carolina’s game against Texas A&M, only playing in the second half.

The Gamecocks called upon Collier and Floyd to split snaps in his place, and both players stepped up in a big way. Their contributions to South Carolina’s win weren’t drastic. Collier registered three total tackles (including one solo), and Floyd added one more – just the second tackle of his college career.

But the two provided coverage that stunted Kentucky’s air attack in the game. And they were a part of a greater defensive effort that held the Wildcats to just 14 points.

Marcellas Dial, who has started alongside Fortune for much of the season, praised Collier and Floyd for their performances.

“Judge and Emory Floyd – them boys, they stepped up. For Emory, it was his first SEC game getting a lot of reps. He came in, stood his ground… and played very well, I think. He got a compliment from Coach Gray as well,” Dial said. “Him and Judge – they came in and they took this role that they had to, and they did very good.”

Defensive coordinator Clayton White said both Collier and Floyd’s transition into the defense was seamless, despite neither player having much experience.

“We didn’t have to change our defense, (and) we didn’t have to change our call,” White said.  “We didn’t have to say, ‘Lean to him,’ and ‘Lean towards him,’ ‘Let’s double team with him’ – we just played ball and gave those guys the most confidence to do their job.”

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The team’s trust and confidence in Collier and Floyd also helped with their performance, White said.

“When they’re out there, let them play. Just make sure that you believe in them from day one. That was the main thing,” White said. “Me, the coaching staff, we didn’t make a big deal about it. It wasn’t like a tryout. We said, ‘This is who’s starting. This is who’s coming in. And then the best person will play at the most.'”

Fortune should play an important role in South Carolina’s preparations for Clemson following his suspension. But Beamer said that Collier and Floyd could find their way onto the field at some point in the contest.

“Certainly, O’Donnell and Cell have been our starters all year and have been playing at a pretty high level for us here recently. And we also have confidence in Emory and Judge also based on how they played,” Beamer said. “We go into each and every game, and you hope you’re not out there for a ton of plays. But the fact that those two guys came in and did pretty good on Saturday night gives you confidence that you can put them in there if you need to spell Cell or O’Donnell a little bit.”

Collier and Floyd haven’t been the only young defensive backs who have contributed to South Carolina’s recent defensive success, though. Jalon Kilgore has started nearly every game this season as a true freshman, and Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith have also continued to produce after stellar debut campaigns in 2022.

Dial said it has been great to see how the Gamecocks’ young defensive backs have grown throughout the season.

“Whenever their number’s been called, they’re just stepping up to the plate and taking on new roles with open arms. They’re doing very good. They’re adjusting very well,” Dial said. “And the game plan’s not that complicated, so they’re learning from the people that’s in front of them.”

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