Muschamp: Nixon, Chalmers make us better
South Carolina added immediate help to its secondary Wednesday when three-star junior college defensive backs Keisean Nixon and Kaleb Chalmers inked with the Gamecocks.
On Thursday, during a press conference to discuss the start of bowl practice, Will Muschamp officially announced the signings.
"Yesterday was the junior college signing day and Keisean Nixon from Arizona Western, a defensive back that we're really excited about him being a part of our program, and Kaleb Chalmers from Northwest Mississippi signed as well," Muschamp said. "Those two guys will make our football team better moving forward."
Both prospects will arrive in Columbia in time for the spring semester in order to go through spring practice with the football team. Muschamp says there's a chance that they could practice with the team for some of the bowl practices in Columbia.
Both signees are expected to contribute right away for the Gamecocks next season.
"Athletically, from a speed standpoint, but run extremely well," Muschamp said. "Both have really good ball skills down the field as far as judging and playing the ball. Both can finish plays down the field. So I just think from a speed standpoint [and] both have shown to be solid tacklers on tape. The physicality of the game, I think in all areas they make us better."
Chalmers is a former Greenwood standout who signed with Clemson out of high school but went to Northwest Mississippi after being dismissed by Dabo Swinney. Chalmers has three to play three.
Nixon is originally from Salesian High in Compton, Calif. He has three to play two.
ALSO SEE: The Insider Report - More background on DB Kaleb Chalmers | South Carolina provides walk-on opportunity for former GT running back | Inside the commitment of JUCO DB Keisean Nixon | Top JUCO DL trims list to three
OFFICIAL BIOS FROM USC:
Spent the 2016 season at Northwest Mississippi C.C. in Senatobia… helped the Rangers to a 9-3 season and a No. 6 final ranking in the NJCAA… coached by Benjy Parker… earned a spot on the All-MACJC first team as a cornerback… recorded 30 tackles with one sack, one interception and 13 pass breakups... spent his true freshman season at Clemson where he was redshirted… played his high school ball for head coach Dan Pippin at Greenwood (S.C) High School, leading the Eagles to the state playoffs as a senior after logging a pair of state titles... was a three-time all-state selection... also earned all-district and all-region accolades… earned a spot on the Shrine Bowl squad following his senior season… had 80 tackles, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups as a junior... had 45 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore… will have three years to play three at South Carolina.
Junior college transfer who spent the past two seasons at Arizona Western College in Yuma… played cornerback and was used as a kick returner by head coach Tom Minnick… the Matadors finished the 2016 season with an 11-1 record and ranked third in the final NJCAA rankings, with their only loss coming in the national championship game to Garden City (Kan.)… recorded 30 tackles with six interceptions, returning two for scores, and five pass breakups in 2016… averaged 42.0 yards on nine kickoff returns, with two touchdowns… was named the NJCAA Special Teams Player of the Week after logging 316 return yards, including back-to-back kickoff returns for touchdowns, against Mesa… collected 36 tackles with four five interceptions and four pass breakups as a freshman in 2015… rated a four-star prospect by ESPN… considered a four-star prospect, the fifth-best cornerback and the 23rd-best junior college player overall by Scout… a three-star talent who is ranked at the nation’s No. 47 overall junior college prospect and the No. 5 JUCO cornerback in the 247Sports Composite… will have three years to play two at South Carolina.
