South Carolina football defensive backs coach Torrian Gray has three really good safeties who serve as "starters" for his Gamecock secondary. Though USC plays just two safeties at a time, the nickel position allows for Nick Emmanwori, DQ Smith, and Jalon Kilgore to play together in the Gamecock defensive backfield.
However, with Emmanwori likely headed to the NFL after this season, Smith with just one more year of eligibility in 2025, and Kilgore likely going pro after 2025, as well, recruiting the position is a major emphasis for the program right now.
4-star safety Damarcus Leach is already part of the 2025 South Carolina football recruiting class, and Jaquel Holman and Chris Hatfield could wind up at the position if their initial plans at linebacker and cornerback, respectively, are changed.
Even so, the Gamecocks are involved with several other safeties in the '25 cycle. One of the biggest names Carolina is recruiting is consensus 4-star JaDon Blair from North Carolina.
Blair, whose official top schools list has ten programs on it (South Carolina Gamecocks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Michigan Wolverines, Florida State Seminoles, Maryland Terrapins, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Louisville Cardinals, Virginia Tech Hokies, Miami Hurricanes, and Penn State Nittany Lions), has taken official visits to seven schools. He has real interest in the Gamecocks, but Notre Dame has seemed to be the top player in his recruitment for some time.
On Monday evening, Blair posted on Twitter/X, seemingly revealing that he is ready to make his commitment decision. He appears to have set an announcement date for this Friday, July 5th.
July 5…⏳
— JaDon Blair (@Jadon_Blair2025) July 1, 2024
As a player, Blair is an easy 4-star who is viewed as a top-100 national prospect by On3. His measurables (6'4" and 190 pounds with a 4.5s 40-yard dash) make it easy to see why, but he is good on the field, too.
Blair has solid instincts when the ball is in the air, and his length and athleticism make him a threat to get to just about any ball thrown on his half of the field. He also is a good player in run support, too, and he doesn't mind play with a physicality that many other high school defensive backs don't have as part of their game.
You can watch some of his film here.