South Carolina star cornerback Jaycee Horn announced his decision to opt out for the rest of the season late last night, citing his desire to go ahead and start preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Horn is the current team leader with two interceptions and six pass breakups this season. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper has him listed as the sixth-best cornerback available, and Horn is widely seen as a first-round draft pick.
While this is a blow to the Gamecocks’ already struggling defense, it’s not a surprising move for multiple reasons.