DQ Smith joined the Gamecocks program in December as a quarterback for Spring Valley High School in Columbia. Now, Smith is preparing to line up as a defensive back.

That’s a bit of an awkward transition from the outside looking in, but defensive coordinator Clayton White knows Smith has the ability to thrive in his newfound position.

“I was a high school quarterback as well, so I watched his tape and he moves around very well,” White said Wednesday. “I saw an athletic quarterback that can go play another position so when you see him in person, you see his body structure, you just hope that he’s tough enough to tackle because he’s definitely athletic enough.”

The 6-foot-1, 208 pound defensive back threw for over 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2021, also rushing for 14 touchdowns on the season.

Smith has a long way to go as a defensive back in the SEC, White and South Carolina just have to hope his athleticism will speak for itself.