Jalon Kilgore makes return official

One of South Carolina’s most consistent performers for the last two seasons has locked in his return to the Gamecocks.

Rising junior safety Jalon Kilgore has signed a new Garnet Trust deal, South Carolina’s official collective announced on Monday evening.

While there were no indications that the two-year starter and former Freshman All-American was even considering leaving, the Garnet Trust announcement all but guarantees he’ll be back with Carolina in 2025.

South Carolina Transfer Portal Resources:

• Portal Headquarters (The latest news in one place!)
• Portal Target Watchlist
• Portal tracker (Commits and Exits)
• On3 National Portal Ticker 
• Get portal news notifications with the App
• Subscribe to GamecockCentral for $1 for 7 days!

A starter for each of the last two seasons, Kilgore has racked up 122 total tackles with five picks in 24 games played, including 21 starts.

A former four-star prospect, Kilgore signed with the Gamecocks in the 2023 class out of Putnam County High School in Eatonton, Ga.

“Kudos to our fanbase, kudos to our administration, kudos to the Garnet Trust for all they’ve done to be able to help us and our guys out in so many ways,” Beamer said of South Carolina’s efforts in player retention last year. “This program is about relationships, honesty, and trust and having conversations with guys, and building relationships throughout the season. Guys have expressed to us that they want to be (here).”

“I think retaining our current roster is the most important thing,” added Darren Uscher, South Carolina football’s Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting, during a recent appearance on GC Live.

Jalon Kilgore Bio

2023 (Freshman)

True freshman who was named a first-team Freshman All-American by ESPN.com and 247Sports and was a third-team selection by College Football News… named to the SEC All-Freshman team by the league’s 14 coaches… recognized as one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award… played in all 12 games, starting the final 11 contests… worked at both nickel and safety… was also the team’s top punt returner… second on the team with 76 tackles… tied for 16th overall in the SEC and tied for sixth among all freshmen in the FBS in tackles per game at 6.33… credited with 1.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, one interception and a forced fumble… returned nine punts for a 5.4-yard average with a long of 15 yards… posted multiple tackles in all 12 games… forced into duty early in the season opener against North Carolina when Nick Emmanwori left the game with an injury on the first series… responded with a dozen tackles against the Tar Heels… turned in a career high 15-tackle performance against Tennessee while also recording his first career interception against the Volunteers… followed that up with an 11-tackle effort against Florida… two of his six pass breakups came at Missouri… named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

HIGH SCHOOL

Graduated from Putnam County in Eatonton, Ga. in December, 2022… played on both sides of the ball for the War Eagles, working at wide receiver on offense and safety on defense… coached by Shaun Pope… named the Georgia Region 4-AA Athlete of the Year as a junior in 2021… caught 34 passes for 921 yards and 11 TDs… credited with 88 tackles, eight pass breakups and four forced fumbles… also competed in track & field and on the basketball hardwood… set personal bests of 11.62 in the 100, 51.71 in the 400 and 23-7 in the long jump… was the Georgia 2A long jump state champ as a sophomore… ranked as the 27th-best prospect in Georgia, the 26th-best safety in the country and No. 284 overall according to 247Sports Composite… rated the 25th-best player in the Peach State, the 20th-best safety in the country and No. 271 overall by On3 Composite… ESPN ranked him as the 48th-best player in the state and the No. 43 safety in the nation.

PERSONAL

Jalon G. Kilgore was born Jan. 27, 2005… is a public health major… older brother, Gerald, is also a member of the Gamecock football squad.

Discuss South Carolina football on The Insiders Forum!