Former War Eagle Jalon Kilgore went in the fifth round of last week’s NFL Draft to the Bills. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Jalon Kilgore has been named a finalist for 2025 Blanchard Rogers award.

South Carolina defensive back and former Putnam County standout Jalon Kilgore recently declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. CONTRIBUTED

Former Putnam County football star and current University of South Carolina safety Jalon Kilgore has recently received a high NFL Draft grade from ESPN’s Jordan Reid. COURTESY OF USC ATHLETICS

South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore is primed for a stellar sophomore season. Kilgore is a graduate of Putnam County High School.(CONTRIBUTED)

Former Putnam County football player Gerald Kilgore is transferring from Tennessee Tech to play alongside his brother, Jalon, next season at South Carolina. CONTRIBUTED

Kilgore is tied for the team’s most tackles with 18 through two games. COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA ATHLETICS

Kilgore is expected to make a big impact for the Gamecocks as a freshman in 2023. CONTRIBUTED

L-R: Kaleb Crawford, Zacoree Wallace, Tyson Waller, Rashod Daniel and Bryson Brown learned a lot thanks to Putnam County defensive backs coach Kedric Manning (far right) during the football camp at the University of Oklahoma last weekend. LANCE MCCURLEY /Staff

Kilgore signs his letter of intent in front of friends, family and peers. BRENDAN KOERNER/Staff