Two Gamecock Freshmen Named To All-American Lists

South Carolina's football program saw freshmen Trovon Baugh and Jalon Kilgore step up this past season, leading to some prestigious honors.

Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks were relatively young this season, playing several freshmen throughout the year. Due to either a lack of depth or injuries piling up, primarily on the offensive line, South Carolina had to plug and play guys continuously all season long. With that, a couple of freshmen were asked to step up and rise to the occasion, especially guard Trovon Baugh and safety Jalon Kilgore.

Baugh, who didn't join the team until the summer of 2023, was asked to grow up rather quickly and got thrown into the fire starting eight games this season. Not only did he play, but he played well enough that he was named to Pro Football Focus' Freshman All-American team on Monday, grading out as one of the better offensive linemen this past season.

Gamecock o-lineman Trovon Baugh on the sidelines during Vanderbilt game (12th Nov., 2023) / Fisher Brewer

Jalon Kilgore was another young athlete who quickly entered the starting lineup and, for his efforts this season, was placed on two Freshman All-American lists, one by ESPN and the other by 247sports. Kilgore started in 11 of the Gamecocks' 12 games this season and played in each contest, not only as a safety but also some at nickel corner. What was so impressive about Kilgore, not only being asked to cross-train as a freshman but also to perform at a high level, was the fact he did. He was second on the team with total tackles and provided consistency in the secondary.

Shane Beamer's season may not have gone the way he nor the fans would have preferred this past season; however, if there is a bright side, many young players got a chance to grow early. While you'd like to get guys like Baugh and Kilgore in at the right time and ease them into the role of starter, especially in the SEC, they both did an excellent job and were able to perform well despite how green they were. Players like these young men provide another good recruiting pitch for this program as they continue to try and move forward. 

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