South Carolina safety DQ Smith did not have any eligibility remaining with the Gamecocks under the current rules, having played four full seasons in four years, so his next football option would be the NFL Draft. On Thursday night, Smith announced that he will be taking that next step in his career.
The former Spring Valley High quarterback had an outstanding career with the Gamecocks. He started 11 games as a true freshman teaming with Nick Emmanworri to give the Gamecocks one of the top safety combinations in the SEC over the nest three seasons. He started in 45 of 48 games and totaled 228 tackles, five interceptions and 16 pass deflections for his career.