Kilgore attended Putnam County High School in Eatonton, Georgia, where he excelled on both sides of the ball. As a junior, he was named the Georgia Region 4-AA Athlete of the Year, recording 34 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense, and 88 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four forced fumbles on defense. His athletic prowess extended beyond the football field; he was also a standout in track and field, winning the Georgia 2A long jump state championship as a sophomore with a personal best of 23 feet, 7 inches. (Wikipedia, University of South Carolina Athletics)
Rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN and a four-star by 247Sports, Kilgore committed to South Carolina over offers from several prominent programs, including Clemson, Oklahoma, and Michigan
Kilgore made an immediate impact in his freshman year, playing in all 12 games and starting the final 11. He showcased his versatility by contributing at both nickel and safety positions and also served as the team’s primary punt returner. He finished the season second on the team with 76 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, one interception, and a forced fumble. His performance earned him first-team Freshman All-American honors from ESPN.com and 247Sports, as well as a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Sophomore Season (2024)
In his sophomore campaign, Kilgore continued to be a defensive stalwart for the Gamecocks. He recorded 48 total tackles, 31 of which were solo, and led the team with five interceptions, returning them for a total of 68 yards. He also added five pass deflections and three tackles for loss. His performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors for the 2024 season. (Wikipedia)
Personal Life
Jalon Kilgore is the younger brother of Gerald Kilgore, who is also a defensive back for South Carolina. The Kilgore brothers have shared the field, contributing to the Gamecocks’ secondary and bringing a familial chemistry to the team’s defense. (Wikipedia)
As he enters his junior year, Jalon Kilgore is poised to continue his ascent in college football, with his sights set on further accolades and a potential future in the NFL.
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