Muschamp: Four-star true freshman in South Carolina’s top group of defensive backs

The exact phrasing of what South Carolina considers a starter in the secondary is a little tricky.

USC might only start four defensive backs some days. But the Gamecocks will play a lot with five, sometimes full games.

If one considers that top five in some sense “starters,” USC could have a true freshman starting in the secondary for the second consecutive season.

In an interview with the Jamie Bradford Show on Charleston Sports Radio, Muschamp said Jaycee Horn will be with the team’s top nickel group. Last season, USC played four-star freshman Jamyest Williams at nickel from Game 1.

“Jaycee’s had a really good camp. He’s a guy that’s certainly going to be one of our best five,” Muschamp said. “You talk in terms of the nickel grouping going out there, he’s going to be on the field. He’s progressed well, and he’s really mature.”

There’s a slight caveat, he won’t actually be playing the nickel position. Assistant coach Kyle Krantz, who works with nickels, said Horn has not been working in the slot.

Instead, he’ll likely be at one of the outside spots, across from Rashad Fenton, with Keisean Nixon likely being the one working at nickel. USC moved Nixon there in the offseason, hoping to get a more stout defender at the position.

“He’s heavy-handed in coverage,” Muschamp said. ”He ‘does a really good job in press coverage, especially on the line of scrimmage he continues to improve, and we need Keisean to play well for us this year.”

Nixon can also play outside, and Muschamp said he’s been working out there.

During August camp, USC moved presumptive starting corner Nick Harvey, a Texas A&M grad transfer, to safety. He’s splitting work there with Jamyest Williams alongside Steven Montac. Harvey can play any spot in the secondary.

This story was originally published August 22, 2018 at 4:10 PM.