South Carolina signee dominates in state championship win
South Carolina football signee Damarcus Leach is an Abbeville High School product. That means the 3-star defensive back knows a thing or two about winning games on the football field. In fact, on Thursday night, Leach and his Panthers squad won their second state championship in the past three seasons. This time, Abbeville defeated Cross by a score of 58-20.
During the game, Leach posted just under 200 yards of offense, scored two rushing touchdowns, threw for a score, successfully converted a 2-point attempt, and had an interception on defense (one that he returned for 81 yards, leading to another Abbeville touchdown). In short, the future Gamecock dominated in the state championship game.
It was yet another big-time performance for Leach. The 6’3″ safety has been really good all season for Abbeville following his springtime commitment to South Carolina. He officially signed with the Gamecocks last week.
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When he arrives in Columbia, Leach instantly will become one of the biggest players in Torrian Gray’s position group. Coach Gray likes secondary players with length, and Leach certainly brings that to the table. He’s also a hard hitter who doesn’t mind mixing it up in run support.
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Over the next two seasons, South Carolina will lose its two starting safeties (both Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith are juniors with just one more year of eligibility) and could lose their starting nickel who also is a talented safety (Jalon Kilgore would be an interesting NFL Draft prospect at safety after next season). That roster attrition could open up potential playing time for Leach and other young safeties and nickels.
Leach’s physicality and downhill aggression will make him a well-known name for the Gamecocks. However, it is his football IQ (stemming from his part-time high school quarterback role) that could lead him to a great career in garnet and black.
