South Carolina Gamecocks Defensive Back Darin Smalls seems ready to break out in his freshman season, after recovering from a knee injury, an now being cleared to play, “It’s like the Best feeling in the World.”
Cornerback Smalls who originally signed with the Gamecocks in February 2014 but did not enroll in school until January 2015… spent the fall of 2014 rehabbing his knee injury… played for legendary coach John McKissick at Summerville (S.C.) High School, graduating in 2014… the Green Wave went 11-3 and reached the state semifinals in his senior season… suffered a knee injury in his final campaign… logged 60 tackles and intercepted six passes as a sophomore, returning two for touchdowns… also competed in baseball and track… Rivals considered him a three-star prospect, the 11th-best player in the state and the 37th-best cornerback in the country… Scout rated him as a three-star prospect and the 53rd-best cornerback in the country… considered a three-star prospect, the 15th-best player in the state, and the 37th-best safety in the nation, according to 247Sports… ESPN considered him a three-star prospect, the 23rd-best safety in the nation and the 14th-best player in the state… ranked by PrepStar as a three-star prospect and an All-Atlantic Region pick… had more than a dozen major college offers.
Best thing about being at USC ?
DS: ” The best thing about USC would have to be the people in general. I’ve met a ton of nice people from my time being here so far and I just think they’re great people. “
Who is your inspiration ? Why ?
DS: ” Patrick Peterson *Pat because he can do it all. Whatever he wants to do on the field he’ll make it happen. He’s smart, fast, strong, and just has incredible athletic ability and I would love to be just like him one day and then hopefully be better than him. “
What is your biggest goal for 2015 ?
DS: ” My biggest goal of 2015 is to just have my knee fully healthy before September 3rd. I’m where I should be at this point with my knee and the only thing from here is to just keep improving. “
Smalls on his greatest accomplishment ” It would have to be my sophomore year of house school when I had a good game against our rival school and ended up with three interceptions and one for a hundred yard return. At the end of the game I was honored with the rivals MVP award. “
How would you describe your life at USC and being a part of Gamecock Football ?
DS: ” Being a part of Gamecock Football and USC is the Best, like no feeling in the world. It’s great being with my teammates and seeing our coaches and just acting like a family. “
As we got to talk Darin stated before a game, he’s very determined, ” I usually get to a space by myself and just talk to myself ..lol.. it keeps me calm and focused. ” And as for his free time, “Besides football, I like to listen to music and play video games with my friends.”
Smalls, shared his favorite quote: “When you believe in God, Anything is possible.” _Unknown
It was great to catch up with Darin, and looking forward to seeing this Gamecock ” breaking out ” this season.