Torrian Gray praises South Carolina’s next young crop of DBs

South Carolina is no stranger to watching former defensive backs move on to the NFL.

Over the past two seasons, Jaycee Horn and Carlins Platel have made the jump from Columbia to the NFL. Stephon Gilmore, Chris Lammons and Rashad Fenton are other defensive backs playing in the professional ranks. Cam Smith and Darius Rush are expected to join them in this year’s draft.

With Smith and Rush–two entrenched starters–off to professional pastures, the Gamecocks are now looking at a young group of defensive backs to take the next step this spring.

Torrian Gray, who has coached a number of NFL secondary players in his own right, sees potential in the next group of Gamecocks at the position.

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One young defensive back who burst on the scene this past season was Nick Emmanwori. A true freshman in 2022, Emmanwori quickly earned a starting role and finished with a team-high 85 tackles. He was named to Freshman All-America teams by three outlets – On3, ESPN.com and Pro Football Focus.

While Gray called Emmanwori “one of the best tackling guys in the country,” he said there are many areas of his game he could improve upon.

“I thought we tailed off at the end as far as being consistent with tackling and things,” Gray said. “We always tease him and challenge him, ‘Hey, we got to make plays on the ball, whether it be pass breakups or interceptions.’ (We’re working on) all the little detailed things that’s going to help him be more productive and not miss plays when we have opportunities.

Like Emmanwori, DQ Smith was a true freshman this past season and impressed in his time on the field. Over 13 games, Smith totaled 54 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown in last year’s Gator Bowl against Notre Dame.

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Gray said that even though Smith experienced some early growing pains last season, he has grown into the role.

“I’ll tell you what, he’s a pro in everything that he does, and it’s great to see him continue to be a pro and take the next step,” Gray said. “There’s a lot more detail to where we want to get in his game. He’s approaching it the right way to continue to get better and build upon last year, much like Nick.

O’Donnell Fortune is another emerging starter in the South Carolina secondary. Fortune was one of the breakout performers in the Gamecocks’ loss to the Fighting Irish, where he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown to keep the team in the game.

Gray also said he hopes Fortune maintains a positive mindset throughout the offseason and heading into the fall.

“Academically, he’s doing off the charts. Football-wise, he’s been great. Just all his things have been positive going in his life. So we’re watching him mature before our eyes,” Gray said. “We just hope we can keep O’Donnell in that realm because right now, he’s taking off and staying even-keeled.”

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After his Gator Bowl performance, Fortune is expected to play a major role in the secondary this season. Along with him, Gray said Smith, Emmanwori and Peyton Williams will be pieces to build around in the secondary.

“I feel good about those guys,” Gray said. “We got to bring up other guys along at the safety position, but those three give us a solid foundation.”

Among the players Gray hopes to develop at the position this upcoming year are Jalon Kilgore and Judge Collier. Kilgore came into spring practices as a four-star recruit with On3 ranking him No. 276 nationally and No. 26 in Georgia. Collier is a three-star recruit and ranked No. 1,181 nationally and No. 21 in South Carolina by On3.

Gray said he is excited to see the pair’s progress as the date of South Carolina’s spring game closer.

“You’re going to get what freshmen do – there’s a learning process to them. Coming in mid-year, they’re adjusting to school, (Collier) and Kilgore, and trying to learn this playbook,” Gray said. Judge brings length, and he can run, and Kilgore’s the same way, so it’s continuing to develop their skillset.”

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