Gerald Kilgore Credits Brother Jalon for Helping Him Master South Carolina’s Defense
Freshman defensive back Gerald Kilgore is quickly finding his footing in Columbia — and he says much of that is thanks to his older brother, Jalon Kilgore, who’s already an established playmaker in the South Carolina secondary.
Since the day he committed to the Gamecocks, Gerald has been diving deep into the playbook, guided by the same sibling who once showed him how to backpedal and read routes in their backyard. In a recent interview, the younger Kilgore revealed that his transition to college football has been made much smoother because of Jalon’s constant mentorship.
“I’ve been in the playbook with my brother since the day I committed,” Gerald said. “Jalon really helped me understand the system before I even got here. He’d quiz me on coverages, different checks, and how Coach [Clayton] White wants us to communicate on the field.”
That early preparation is paying off. Coaches and teammates have praised Gerald’s ability to grasp South Carolina’s defensive schemes quickly, noting his confidence and awareness during practices. The bond between the Kilgore brothers, already strong off the field, is now giving the Gamecocks an on-field advantage.
“Having Jalon here makes it easier,” Gerald continued. “He’s been through everything — the meetings, the calls, the reads. So he tells me what to expect before I even see it for myself. I try to pick his brain every chance I get.”
For Jalon, the mentorship role comes naturally. The sophomore safety has embraced helping his younger brother adjust, saying he’s proud to see Gerald’s growth and commitment. The two often stay late after practice, going over film together and breaking down how to fit into the defense’s structure.
The Gamecocks’ secondary, one of the youngest units in the SEC, is benefiting from the Kilgores’ shared dedication. As South Carolina continues to develop depth and consistency on defense, the brothers’ chemistry could prove to be one of the team’s quiet strengths.
Gerald summed it up best: “We push each other every day. I’m learning from him now, but soon we’ll both be out there making plays together. That’s the goal.”
With that kind of drive — and brotherly bond — South Carolina fans may soon see the Kilgore duo anchoring the Gamecock defense for seasons to come.
