Jalewis Solomon is a four-star freshman who has high expectations for his debut season as a South Carolina Gamecock. The defensive back from Schley County High School in Ellaville, Georgia, entered at USC in June as one of just a few signees who did not participate in spring practice. That does not hinder his ambition to play and flourish as a true freshman.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was a highly effective high school receiver, with 3,400 career yards and 34 touchdowns, but he will start his college career as a defensive back, most likely at nickel. Solomon made headlines during his recruitment, initially committing to Auburn but switching to Shane Beamer and South Carolina in October. His brother, Zykeivous Walker, plays defensive line for Auburn.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder was a highly effective high school receiver, with 3,400 career yards and 34 touchdowns, but he will start his college career as a defensive back, most likely at nickel. Solomon made headlines during his recruitment, initially committing to Auburn but switching to Shane Beamer and South Carolina in October. His brother, Zykeivous Walker, plays defensive line for Auburn.
JS: “He was basically telling me, South Carolina, it’s different from every place. They love you. They love what’s best for you. He felt like South Carolina was the best fit for me.” TS: Tell me about your summer. How has it gone? What’s been funny, what’s been challenging? JS: “The workouts were challenging for sure. I got here and, the first week, I think I only missed on one thing. And I felt like I took that one thing and I told myself I won’t ever do that again. So after that first week, I was fine. It was somewhat smooth and good. I learned a lot from the players and coaches, the strength staff.”
TS: Do you miss playing wide receiver? Do you think you will miss it? JS: “I definitely miss it. I really miss it. We do database groups virtually every day. We have to look out for one other since we both need to improve. So being a receiver and doing what I do makes me miss it. “I really miss it.” TS: Do you believe that someone who was a great receiver provides you an advantage as a defensive back?
TS: Do you miss playing wide receiver? Do you think you will miss it? JS: “I definitely miss it. I really miss it. We do database groups virtually every day. We have to look out for one other since we both need to improve. So being a receiver and doing what I do makes me miss it. “I really miss it.” TS: Do you believe that someone who was a great receiver provides you an advantage as a defensive back?
JS: “Yes, for sure. I feel like I know the entire route tree, so if any receiver wants to run at me, I feel like I know what’s coming before they do.” TS: Do you anticipate to play cornerback, nickel, or both?
JS: “They want me to start out as a cent. They still say I’ll play cornerback in the future. But they want me at the nickel slot to begin with. They claim the nickel slot is the hardest, so they envision me starting at nickel as a rookie and learning everything there. And they claim it will be simple for me to learn corner if I already know nickel. They want me to be a flexible and defensive man.”
TS: What are your playing time aspirations as a freshman? JS: “Yes, sir, I absolutely want to start as a true freshman. I’d like to try for freshman All-American. I just want to keep my ceilings high.” TS: What’s the best advice or amusing moment you’ve received from position coach Torrian Gray
JS: “He cussed you out because you didn’t know a coverage or play. He ensures that all of the DBs understand what they are doing at all times. That’s one of the things I admire about Coach Gray: he holds all of his defensive backs accountable, knows what they’re doing at all times, and is constantly learning new things.
