It’s official: South Carolina’s Cam Smith leaving early for 2023 NFL Draft

Jeremiah Holloway
·1 min read
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South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced via Twitter on Friday.

He signed with a pair of agents during late November, Phil Kornblut and Sports Talk Media Network reported Friday.

The report — citing “a source in the world of football agents and with knowledge within the” NFL Players Association — said Smith signed with two agents in the Loyalty Above All agency. Signing with an agent disqualifies him from further college football eligibility — including USC’s bowl game.

Smith said in November that USC’s Nov. 19 game against Tennessee would “more than likely” serve as his last in Williams-Brice Stadium. Kornblut’s report indicated that Smith signed with the agency Nov. 26 — the same day South Carolina defeated Clemson 31-30.

Smith is widely considered one of the best defensive backs in college football and is projected as a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent time at the corner and nickel positions during his USC tenure.

He totaled 91 tackles, 18 pass deflections and six interceptions through 33 games at South Carolina.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer will address the media again at 5 p.m. Sunday after the Gamecocks learn their bowl destination.