South Carolina DB Cam Smith has ‘likely’ made decision on NFL Draft, Gamecocks future

South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith is likely headed to the NFL after the 2022 season.

Smith told reporters on Tuesday that Saturday’s contest against Tennessee will “more than likely” be his final game at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The Westwood High School product is considered one of the top defensive backs eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rated Smith as the No. 19 player overall and No. 2 cornerback in this year’s draft class.

“Smith’s ball skills stand out on tape,” Kiper wrote on Nov. 3. “He flips his hips in coverage, tracks the ball in the air and has the instincts to find it and make a play. ... Smith also has excellent arm length, which helps his ability to create deflections. He has a good feel in coverage and makes things look easy.”

Smith has 19 tackles, six pass breakups and an interception this season.

He was not included on the initial list of Gamecocks to be honored during Saturday’s Senior Day festivities.

“Coming in as a freshman, all the older dudes tell you it goes by fast,” Smith said Tuesday. “But you don’t really think about it because you go day to day, you’re thinking about the next workout. But to see it come full-circle, that I’m coming to the end of my career here — it’s crazy. I‘ve made so many friends, so many brothers through the whole process.”

South Carolina’s Senior Day list, which could change before Saturday, includes these 20 players: Nate Adkins, Matt Bailey, Christian Beal-Smith, Jalen Brooks, Wyatt Campbell, Eric Douglas, Sherrod Greene, Jovaughn Gwyn, Brad Johnson, Dakereon Joyner, Hank Manos, Zacch Pickens, Devonni Reed, Darius Rush, Rick Sandidge, Austin Stogner, Chad Terrell, Josh Vann, M.J. Webb and Dylan Wonnum.

Of those are eight are “super seniors” — or those who came back for a bonus year of eligibility granted by the NCAA from the COVID pandemic — including Brooks, Douglas, Greene, Johnson, Terrell, Vann, Webb and Wonnum.

For the 12 being honored who aren’t super seniors, walking doesn’t guarantee they’ll be leaving the program. And not walking doesn’t mean someone is definitely returning for the 2023 season.

Next USC game

Who: South Carolina vs. Tennessee

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia

TV: ESPN