ESPN picks one Gamecock as ‘Instant-impact freshman’

South Carolina had already picked up some preseason buzz when it made ESPN writer Mark Schlabach’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.

And that ended up meaning a chance to highlight one Gamecocks newcomer.

ESPN pegged freshman Gamecocks cornerback Jaycee Horn as USC’s “Instant-impact freshman.” The site named one for each of the teams on Schlabach’s list.

“With three starting seniors gone from the secondary, there's plenty of room for freshman defensive backs to play quickly -- something that's a common occurrence under Will Muschamp,” Sam Khan Jr. wrote. “Horn, the 18th-ranked cornerback in the nation, figures to be in the mix to get on the field early. He's got NFL bloodlines too; his father is former New Orleans Saints receiver Joe Horn.”

USC loses corner Jamarcus King and safeties D.J. Smith and Chris Lammons. They return nickel Jamyest Williams and corner Rashad Fenton.

At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Horn was a four-star recruit. As a senior, he had 44 tackles, 38 solo, and led the Raiders with five interceptions and 12 pass breakups.

This story was originally published January 30, 2018 at 1:39 PM with the headline "ESPN picks one Gamecock as ‘Instant-impact freshman’."