Collier blossoms into key contributor for Gamecocks secondary
Compared to last season, South Carolina’s secondary is much improved through six games. Sophomore Judge Collier has something to do with that.
In 2023, the Gamecock defense gave up an average of 321.66 passing yards per game over their first six games. This year, South Carolina has yet to have an opponent collect 300 passing yards in one game against them.
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However, through six games in 2024, the Gamecocks’ opponents are averaging 189.5 passing yards per game, a stark difference. Jalon Kilgore and Nick Emmanwori have delivered crucial interceptions, combining for five picks.
But, it’s Judge Collier who leads the South Carolina defense with four passes defended. He had one in the season opener and three against Ole Miss. Last year, Collier didn’t record a single pass defended.
“Continue to further my game, you know? Taking those steps,” Collier said. “Becoming the best version of myself, going about it that way.”
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The 6’1” sophomore from Rock Hill was rated the 20th-highest recruit in South Carolina in the Class of 2023, per On3. He saw action in all 12 games last season, but he has seen his role increase in 2024.
His teammate in the secondary, OD Fortune, had high praise for Collier in Tuesday’s press conferences.
“Judge is growing every week,” Fortune said. “Every practice, every game, Judge is going to be a big-time player, man. I love Judge.”
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This secondary has seen five defensive backs get drafted in the past four NFL drafts. Collier could be the next homegrown talent out of the Palmetto State. He’ll have to wait at least another season to test the waters, though, since he’s a sophomore.
Collier is one of just three defensive backs (Kilgore, Fortune) with multiple tackles for loss this season. Similar to his passes defended statistic, he didn’t have a single tackle for loss last year.
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Defensive coordinator Clayton White briefly talked about Collier during the coordinator press conferences on Wednesday.
“Proud of how Judge is playing, had a great game against Ole Miss…all over the field making tackles, making PBUs,” White said. “I know he wants to get his pick but just keep fighting, keep playing.”
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Looking ahead on the schedule, South Carolina still has games remaining against plenty of quality receivers. Luther Burden III, Theo Wease Jr., and Antonio Williams will all be tough covers for the Gamecocks secondary.
However, Judge and the rest of the defensive backs don’t plan on treating those games any differently than the other matchups on the schedule.
“We gameplan all the same, you know. Coach Gray, Coach White, they break down the film and we go over it as a defense and as a unit, and we just go about it that way,” Collier said.
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Arguably one of the most improved contributors in the back part of the Gamecocks defense, Collier has made strides on the field in 2024.
