One of the most trusted cornerbacks in college football during his career in South Carolina, Jaycee Horn is climbing on many draft boards as a first-rate defender, leading to the NFL’s 2021 Draft. Horn has spent the off-season training for what is expected to be a first-round selection in a few weeks, especially after his recent speed times have become public.
According to Matt Miller, recruiting analyst at ESPN, Horn recently was clocked at 4.39 on the 40-yard dash. That would put Horn close to the fastest players in the NFL Combine if the annual event had taken place this season.
Ian Cummings of the Pro Football Network writes: “The genetics of the NFL caliber tends to be passed on. Jaycee Horn was a beneficiary in this case. His father not only played NFL football, but he played for over a decade, and has won Pro Bowl recognition four times as a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. Horn brings the same athletic flair, but on the other side of the ball. “
Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy recently explained on ESPN’s NFL Mock Draft 2.0 Special why he really thinks Horn is a better prospect than Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II and Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley, two corners projected in front of him on the most mocks.
“For me, Jaycee Horn from South Carolina, another bigger and longer guy, is better than both,” said Nagy. “The reason I like Jaycee so much is, first, when you talk about the press man and the outsider, Jaycee probably does both better than the other two – in terms of versatility and how you can use it I love the confidence, the style and the aggressiveness with which he plays.
“This is what really sets you apart from the other two. Both Surtain and Farley are great, but I will take Horn if I’m trying to be a DB room.”
Horn excelled as a junior for Gamecocks as South Carolina’s most talented defensive player. During an early season win over Auburn, Horn was fought against Seth Williams, capturing two interceptions while defending one of the SEC’s top targets.
“If there is a better corner out there, I want to see it,” said former Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp after the game. “The guy is an exceptional football player. He had two interceptions today and caused another on an inclined pass. … The guy is elite. He is an elite player, playing at an extremely high level. For some reason, today were your first two choices. I have difficulty explaining this. He didn’t have many targets. We knew there would be some balls and opportunities for Jaycee (today). “
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