South Carolina football: Stephon Gilmore continues defensive dominance

Former South Carolina football standout Stephon Gilmore continues his defensive dominance.

Stephon Gilmore is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His 2019 campaign was tops in the league, as he picked off an NFL-best six passes, returning two for scores. Gilmore also broke up a league-leading 20 passes for the second consecutive season.

Since his arrival in New England a few short seasons ago, the former first-round pick has been a staple on the back end of Bill Belichick’s dominant defenses. The Patriots have finished in the top ten in scoring defense each of the last three years, and Gilmore’s presence has been a huge factor. He was an all-conference performer in both 2018 and 2019.

Well, last Sunday, the cornerback picked up right where he left off, as he tallied five tackles and picked off yet another pass. This week’s victim was Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. It was one of three Fitzpatrick passes to be intercepted on the day.

Gilmore helped the Patriot defense hold Miami to less than 200 yards passing on the day. His primary foe, Dolphin wide receiver Devante Parker, caught just four passes for a total of 47 yards. Parker’s longest reception was 18 yards, and he was held out of the endzone after reaching paydirt nine times in 2019.

The performance is nothing new to Gamecock fans, who saw Gilmore dominate at the collegiate level for three seasons, before being picked tenth overall in the 2012 draft. The Rock Hill native was a starter the day he stepped foot on campus, and turned into an All-SEC performer in the South Carolina secondary.

Over his three-year stint in Columbia, Gilmore picked off eight passes, returning one for a score. He also played a little offense for head coach Steve Spurrier, completing two passes for 68 yards, and rushing for 37 yards in the wildcat package.

The versatile Gilmore will continue to be a menace for opposing quarterback in the NFL as he continues his reign as the NFL’s best defensive back. This week, he’ll battle Russell Wilson, whom he faced off against in college. Their only NCAA matchup saw the Carolina secondary, led by Gilmore, hold Wilson and NC State to just 74 passing yards and three points. He’ll hope to be as successful this Sunday night as the Seahawks and Patriots face off in primetime.

If he keeps up this consistent play all season long, the Defensive Player of the Year hardware could be coming back to New England in 2020.