Veteran safety , a rising senior from Columbia, will return to South Carolina for his final season of eligibility in 2025. The Spring Valley High School alumnus signed a new NIL deal with Garnet Trust, the official South Carolina collective, as announced on Saturday morning.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Smith has been a consistent starter for three years at South Carolina, having played in 37 career games, with 34 of them as a starter. He has accumulated 164 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. This season, he started all 12 games, recording 37 tackles.
Retention has been a significant priority for the Gamecocks this offseason. Garnet Trust shared on Christmas Eve that it signed a new deal with quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the SEC Freshman of the Year, after previously securing an agreement with Stewart, the On3 National Freshman of the Year.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer praised the efforts of the fanbase, administration, and Garnet Trust in supporting player retention. “This program is about relationships, honesty, and trust, and having conversations with guys, and building relationships throughout the season,” Beamer stated. “Guys have expressed to us that they want to be here.”
Darren Uscher, the Director of Player Personnel and Recruiting, also emphasized the importance of retaining the current roster, calling it a top priority for the team.
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