Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks Week 9: Defensive Players to Watch

The South Carolina Gamecocks feature an impressive secondary, and the Aggies could have their hands full on Saturday at Kyle Field.

The Texas A&M (4-3, 2-2 SEC) football team is mired in a two-game losing streak after a loss to Alabama at Kyle Field and then losing to the Vols in Knoxville before last week's bye. Next up for the Aggies is the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-5, 1-4 SEC), who come to Kyle Field on Saturday.

Shane Beamer brought with him renewed hope and energy when he arrived at South Carolina in 2021. But an overall record of 17-16 and a conference tally of just 8-13 is no doubt wearing thin.

While positive change doesn't happen overnight, it's now two and a half seasons in. And just like the Aggies, the Gamecocks are dealing with some struggles.

Jalen Kilgore / USA Today

The Gamecocks have had one of the best secondaries in the SEC the past couple of seasons, but not for the reason you might think. Because South Carolina's run defense has been so horrible, teams have rarely had to pass against them. But when they did, the Gamecocks were ready. USC had 12 interceptions in the past two seasons, and just 12 teams had more. This season, they've posted six.

Let's look at three players the Aggies offense might be concerned about on Saturday.

DB Jalon Kilgore

The freshman is in his first season collegiately, and he's turning heads early. Kilgore leads the team in total tackles with 61, including 36 solo, along with four passes defended and one interception.

DT T.J. Sanders

The sophomore is improving on a good freshman season last year. Sanders leads the team in sacks with 4.5 and is seventh on the team in tackles with 25 total, 14 solo.

LB Stone Blanton

Blanton is in his second season with the Gamecocks, and the sophomore is becoming a leader on defense. Blanton is fifth on the team with 39 total tackles, 22 solo, one pass defended, one sack, and one forced fumble.