South Carolina's defense is already turning heads in fall camp, and this time it was junior defensive back Gerald Kilgore making the big play. Kilgore pulled down an impressive leaping interception in practice, drawing cheers from his fellow teammates and from his brother, Jalon Kilgore.
On loop all day 🤙 pic.twitter.com/Dl9ctVYJvL
— South Carolina Football (@GamecockFB) August 17, 2025
Gerald Kilgore is now entering his fourth year of college football and his second season with the Gamecock. He was recently presented with Harold White GPA award for the defense at the Garnet & Black Spring Game.
Kilgore's Path to Columbia
Kilgore was a three-sport athlete at Putnam County High School in Georgia. He began his career at Tennessee Tech, where he made an impact as a sophomore before transferring to South Carolina in 2024. Last season, Kilgore appeared in all 13 games, primarily on special teams, finishing with seven tackles and one stop in seven different matches.
Making a Statement in 2025
As he heads into his second year in garnet and black, Kilgore is pushing for a larger role on the field. His interception during camp showed off his athleticism and instincts as he tracked the ball, leapt, and twisted mid-air to make the catch while covering freshman receiver Brian Rowe Jr.
The Gamecocks are less than two weeks away from kicking off the 2025 season, opening in Atlanta against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Aflac Kickoff Game. Kilgore's highlight lay is a reminder of the depth and playmaking ability within the Gamecocks' secondary as they prepare for a high-stakes season opener.