Kilgore Named to ESPN.com’s Freshman All-America Team

University of South Carolina defensive back Jalon Kilgore has been named to the Freshman All-America team as selected by ESPN.com, it was announced today.

Kilgore, a 6-1, 204-pound true freshman from Eatonton, Ga., played in all 12 contests in the Gamecock secondary, starting the final 11 at either nickel or safety. He finished second on the team with 76 tackles, tying for 16th in the SEC and tied for sixth among all freshmen in the FBS in tackles per game at 6.33. He had 1.5 tackles for loss, forced one fumble, broke up six passes and had one interception.

Here’s what the national media outlet said about Kilgore:

“Kilgore has a very physical style of play, and in coverage, was really effective on contested downfield throws. He has a linebacker mentality. For a young player, he is very instinctive, posting 76 total tackles, breaking up six passes and causing two turnovers (one fumble, one pick).”

Recognized as one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, Kilgore was also named a 247Sports True Freshman All-American, a third-team Freshman All-American by College Football News and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team by the league’s 14 coaches.