Putnam County’s Jalon Kilgore has made his college decision.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound safety committed to the University of South Carolina on Wednesday.
According to the 247Sports Composite, Kilgore is ranked the No. 442 overall player and the No. 43 safety.
He chose the Gamecocks over Clemson, Michigan, Oklahoma and Tennessee Tech.
“South Carolina was one of the first schools to offer me,” Kilgore said. “They were also one of the earliest schools to put their faith in me and my talents. They just didn’t fall off (in recruiting). South Carolina stuck with me through the whole process from January to now.”
Kilgore and his family traveled to Columbia, S.C., this past weekend for an official visit, which sealed the deal for him. He left South Carolina’s campus with a great feeling. His relationship with the coaching staff and their support of him made his decision easier.
He highlighted that he loved the recruiting pitch that the USC staff gave him over the weekend.
“They just gave me so much positive energy whenever I would visit,” Kilgore said. “They told me what an asset (to the program) I would be if I ended up going there.”
The War Eagles’ safety was offered by USC on Jan. 10 and remained in contact with defensive coaches Torrian Gray and Derrick Moore, who played a significant role in his recruitment. Kilgore also developed a strong bond with head coach Shane Beamer.
“Coach Beamer told me had a plan for me,” Kilgore said. “I was seeing that plan throughout the whole season. I was even seeing that plan throughout the recruitment process. Even talking with coach D-Mo (Derrick Moore) and coach (Torrian) Gray, they are proud of me. I also prayed about it (the decision) with my parents.”
Kilgore’s recruitment ramped up earlier this year following his stellar junior season at PCHS. He helped lead the War Eagles to a region title and Elite Eight berth in GHSA’s Class AA. Kilgore played both safety and wide receiver for PCHS in 2021.
Defensively, he racked up 88 total tackles, eight pass breakups and forced four fumbles. He also hauled in 34 passes for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball. Those numbers earned him the Region 4-AA Athlete of the Year honor.
“I prayed before the recruitment process started and after (the visit) ended,” Kilgore said. “I put my faith in both coach Beamer and coach Gray. I believe we can have a really big impact in the SEC.”
Kilgore is entering his senior season at Putnam County, where he hopes to lead the War Eagles to repeat as region champions, and also to help them capture a state title.
PCHS head coach Shaun Pope said that Kilgore is the ‘ultimate leader’ on the field.
“First of all, he’s a phenomenal young man, his character exceeds his playing ability on the field,” Pope said. “Obviously, his playing ability – you can see that on film, with everybody that’s on him and the offers that he has, the way he’s being recruited.”
Pope added, “Obviously, he’s a phenomenal player, but he’s a better young man, his character in the classroom. On the field, he can do several different things. He plays on both sides of the ball for us and on just about every special team. He’s a return guy. He’s got really good hands. He’s got several offers as a receiver as well, so he’s a very talented young man. His character and work ethic far exceeds his ability on the field. That’s why he’s having the success he’s had. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Kilgore plans to enroll early at USC following his senior season at Putnam County.