South Carolina football: top performers of first six games
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football’s top performers
DEFENSE – Jaylan Foster
This is an easy one.
No one on the South Carolina roster has had more of an impact than Foster. He leads the defense in interceptions, tackles, and forced fumbles. His four picks are tied for first in the NCAA and he’s on pace to record more than 100 tackles from his safety position.
The improbable rise was not seen by many entering the year. Foster was once a walk-on after transferring to South Carolina from Gardner-Webb. He was forced into action last year following the departure of five Gamecock defensive backs midyear, making his first career start. Now, he’s become the heart and soul of the unit, blossoming into a leader on and off the field.
Foster’s presence has helped the South Carolina defense record an SEC-high 14 turnovers. The Gamecocks lead the league in interceptions, fumble recoveries, and defensive touchdowns, and Foster is a big reason why. He’s helped force nearly half of those directly with those four picks and two forced fumbles.
If Foster continues to play at his current level, All-America honors are not out of the question. It’s hard to name a player that’s had that type of impact on his team. He’ll certainly have his chances to prove he belongs in the second half of the season with the Gamecocks facing off against five SEC offenses, as well as arch rival Clemson.