South Carolina football: DJ Swearinger approves of Torrian Gray hire

A former South Carolina football star gives thoughts on the new DB hire.

Shane Beamer has hired former Florida defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to take over in the same role for the South Carolina football team next season. Gray brings with him over 20 years of coaching experience at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Shortly after the hire was made public, a former Gamecock star gave his thoughts on the new addition to the South Carolina staff.

Defensive back DJ Swearinger gave a glowing endorsement of Gray, who coached the secondary while Swearinger was playing for the Washington Football Team.

The endorsement should come as no surprise to the Gamecocks coaching staff, as Gray has been a top target for the defensive backs coach opening from the start. His experience includes time in the ACC, SEC, and NFL, and he’s helped players like Kam Chancellor, CJ Henderson, Kendall Fuller, Kyle Fuller, and Teez Tabor reach the professional ranks.

One of the more outspoken alum on social media, Swearinger has no problem speaking his mind when it comes to the Gamecock program. Earlier this year he criticized some of the defenders who opted out of the season’s final three games due to the firing of head coach Will Muschamp. He’s been loyal to the university and wants to see the program get back to the level of success that was seen during his Gamecock tenure.

Over a four-year career in Columbia, Swearinger tallied 244 tackles, six picks, and three touchdowns. He was a member of two 11-win teams, as well as the 2010 SEC Eastern division championship squad.

Swearinger is now in his eighth NFL season, where he’s recorded 424 tackles, 14 interceptions, and nine forced fumbles. He’s currently part of a New Orleans defense that leads the NFL in interceptions. Swearinger and the Saints will continue their playoff run next weekend when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.