Cam Smith talks decision to return, growth heading into fourth season
Cam Smith spent the last few years at South Carolina telling and reminding himself he could play at a very high level.
He just wanted a chance to prove it.
The third-year cornerback got it last year in his first full season starting. He didn’t disappoint, turning into the Gamecocks’ top option on the outside.
“I realized I’m him,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. I’ve been saying that and been telling myself that. It’s just come to a realization that everyone else knows it now.”
Smith had a breakout season last year. He allowed just 15 receptions on 32 targets while also breaking up nine passes.
Quarterbacks had just a 36.5 passer rating when targeting him. He allowed just 12.3 yards per reception.
Because of a really solid season, Smith had the decision to stay for another full season as a starter or depart for professional pastures.
The South Carolina native opted to stay, wanting another full season to take his game to another level.
“Having one good season here at Carolina wasn’t enough. It was enough to put me on some radars but it wasn’t enough to get me to where I want to be or where I want to get drafted,” Smith said. “Coming back gives me the opportunity to showcase the talent I’ve showcased since I’ve been here.”
But now comes a critical point for Smith and his development. That’s building on what was a very good year.
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The spring is a big piece for him, entering his senior season at South Carolina. He hasn’t really skipped a beat.
“Cam is a good cornerback. Usually, your very talented players have some God-given things you can’t teach. He has good height, good speed. He’s got a very good and high football IQ. He loves to compete and practices hard,” defensive backs coach Torrian Gray said. “He legitimately wants to get better.”
The Gamecocks likely pencil in Smith as their starting corner this season. But he’s spending the spring working some at nickel.
David Spaulding is on the shelf after offseason surgery, causing South Carolina to be thin at the nickel spot. Smith is using it as a chance for him to learn that position and get a chance to experience another role on the team.
“He’s naturally wired to want to compete and want to get better. That’s the great thing about him. Again, he’s immensely talented with a high football IQ. Now him knowing corner and knowing nickel he wants to know what everybody’s doing on defense,” Gray said.
“Sometimes you have to be like, ‘Cam, just do your job.’ That’s not a bad thing. He’s really looking for him to elevate his game from a mental standpoint to match his physical abilities.”
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