SAF 15
Jalon Kilgore
South Carolina
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 210 lbs
Class: Junior
Report by:
Connor Rogers
Measurables
Physical
Height
6'1"
Weight
210 lbs
Arm Length
32 7/8 in
Hand Size
9 3/8 in
Speed & Agility
40-Time
4.4 s
10-Yard-Split
1.56 s
Explosiveness
Vertical
37 in
Broad Jump
10'10"
Traits
defense
Plaster
Trait Prototype: Brian Branch
Summary
Strengths
Three year starter in three years at South Carolina, named permanent team captain for 2025 season
Great combination of size, length and burst
Hauled in 7 interceptions and broke up 15 passes over the last two seasons
Uses his length and strength in press coverage to disrupt pass catchers working off the line of scrimmage
Arm length is a constant weapon in contested scenarios
Opens up and gets vertical with ease in coverage, possesses long speed
Will play his entire rookie season as a 21 year old
Weaknesses
Hip tightness and mediocre lateral agility shows up in man coverage out of the slot
Stuck on perimeter blockers in the run and screen game too often
Hasn't developed the brawler mindset needed for a box safety yet despite having the physical build
Few instances of watching teammates rally to the ball
Final Report
Kilgore played the majority of his snaps handling slot duties for South Carolina's defense. He is a big nickel defender that has the size and speed to matchup with tight ends or any jumbo sized pass catcher. Kilgore can really open up and get down the field against vertical routes. His length is a weapon in contested scenarios both over the top and underneath (the box score ball production speaks for itself). I thought he looked tight in coverage against Missouri's Kevin Coleman and Texas A&M's KC Concepcion, lacking the lateral agility to match their quickness from the slot. Considering his size, he could turn up his physicality and intensity when defending the run and the screen game. Due to his frame and length, his tackling is adequate but he gets stuck on perimeter blockers more than you would expect. Kilgore is a young prospect that should get on the field early as a third safety, while continuing to develop as a full time strong safety.