South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith selected in NFL draft
Cam Smith came to South Carolina hoping to be a high-round draft pick. Today, he saw that dream become a reality.
The Gamecocks’ cornerback was drafted in the second round, No. 51 overall, by the Miami Dolphins.
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Smith was a Columbia native who chose to play at South Carolina and was one of the best players in the country coming to the Gamecocks.
He finished a four-star prospect and the No. 145 player in the On3 industry rankings. After growing pains early, Smith became one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC over the last two seasons.
Under the tutelage of Torrain Gray, Smith totaled 68 tackles and four interceptions over the last two seasons with 16 passes defended. He had a career year in 2021, notching career-highs in tackles (41), tackles for loss (3.5), interceptions (3) and passes defended.
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“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.”
Last season at South Carolina Smith allowed just 18 receptions on 38 targets according to Pro Football Focus. Smith allowed 211 total yards (11.7 yards per reception) with two touchdowns allowed.
Quarterbacks had just a 71.3 NFL passer rating when targeted this season. In 2021, Smith allowed 15 catches on 32 targets for 184 yards, one touchdown allowed and nine pass breakups.
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He allowed just a 36.5 quarterback rating when targeted. He chose to come back for his senior season where he helped improve his draft stock.
“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 about his decision then. “Coming back gives me the opportunity to showcase the talent I’ve showcased since I’ve been here.”
Smith becomes the eighth top-100 pick from South Carolina since 2014. He joins Jaycce Horn (No. 8), Javon Kinlaw (14), Bryan Edwards (81), Deebo Samuel (36), Hayden Hurst (25), AJ Cann (67) and Jadeveon Clowney (1).
Smith was a key piece of the Gamecoccks’ 8-4 regular season last year that ended with wins over Tennessee and Clemson.
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He was a massive piece of South Carolina’s upset over the Vols. Smith shut down another top-100 talent In Jaylin Hyatt and providing one of the best quotes postgame.
