One of the transfer targets for USC was already very familiar with the program before taking a one-day official visit Saturday. SAF Gerald Gilgore (6-0 202) of Tennessee Tech is the brother of current Gamecock safety Jalon Kilgore, so he had been inside the USC program before through his brother’s recruitment. Saturday however, Shane Beamer and secondary coach Torrian Gray put their focus on the older brother as he seeks a new home.
“I knew a lot of the main things just from being with Jalon on his visits, but as my own experience, it was real good,” Kilgore said. “Just being around coach Beamer and being around coach Gray, having a conversation with the coaches and everything, getting a feel for everything that’s going on with the program as far as for me if I decide to make that decision to go and be a part of that family. I know that will be a great choice for me from what I saw over the entire visit. Got a chance to be around some of the guys on the team and got a feel for the program. It was real nice.”
Kilgore went to Tennessee Tech as a quarterback in 2022 and redshirted this season. He was moved to the secondary last spring. Last season he was in on 37 tackles, and he broke up five passes. He said Gray has a plan for him in the secondary should he choose the Gamecocks.
“Coming in and definitely being a role guy,” Kilgore said. “They definitely like my talent, how I play and my physicality. They know I’m new to the defensive side, but they are definitely willing to take a chance on my talents considering how big I am and the strength I bring to the table. Having the same build as my brother, they would love to have another deal like that on the field as well along with the rest of the secondary.”
Once a quarterback, however, always a quarterback.
“Most definitely. That hasn’t gone anywhere,” Kilgore said with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t think they would need me. They’ve got LaNorris back there. I feel like he’s definitely going to take care of that this upcoming season.”
Kilgore is not quite ready to make a decision on his next move, but he should have clarity on things by next weekend.
“I’m feeling good about them,” Kilgore said. “Real strong. My family really enjoyed them. We’ve had one go-around ourselves just being with Jalon and everything. Jalon loves it up there. It’s nothing but good things. It’s just about putting it all in God’s hands and seeing what’s best for me. I’ve got two visits left this upcoming week and we’re just going to see how it goes from there.”
Kilgore will take an official visit to FAU the middle of this coming week, and then he plans to go to West Virginia for an official visit this coming weekend.