The Final Cockdown: #15 Jimmy Legree

Jimmy Legree
Redshirt Senior
6'0", 187 lbs.
Beaufort, SC

Recruitment:
3 stars, #67 cornerback in the 2009 class
Other offers: Clemson, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest

College Career:
Jimmy Legree is one of four scholarship seniors on the roster, the reason why the 2014 recruiting class is so limited in size. Legree began his career with a redshirt in 2010, and has seen his role steadily escalate since. In 2010 he appeared in 11 games and logged four tackles. In 2011 he actually won the starting free safety position out of camp, but relinquished the role after two games and eventually returned to cornerback. Last season was something of a breakout year for the then-junior: Legree racked up 44 tackles, six pass breakups and three interceptions, including a pick-six against ECU and one against LSU he returned 70 yards to set up a score:

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Both of the above interceptions were the result of impressive displays of route-jumping, which afforded Legree the momentum to create lengthy returns. And because why not, here's his the third interception, where he hauled in an armpunt against Michigan:

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At the end of the ECU clip, Tommy Suggs mentions, "One of the things this staff has been able to do over the years is find those three stars that turn into...great players." Sidney Rice, Melvin Ingram, Justice Cunningham, and Dylan Thompson all agree.

2013 Outlook:
If Legree continues to follow his current trajectory, 2013 will be a big season, which would be of high importance for a player who probably isn't square on the radar of NFL scouts. He looks to start at field cornerback, opposite Victor Hampton, creating a formidable and experienced tandem. They'll have plenty of opportunities to ballhawk against pass-happy schedule bookends UNC and Clemson, not to mention Georgia's multi-pronged attack. Despite his tenure and credentials, Legree could be facing some competition for the starting cornerback role. Sophomore Ahmad Christian has recently come on strong and there's been some chatter that he could overtake the senior. This could be little more than a motivational tactic by the coaches to push Legree; either way, expect to see plenty of Jimmy this season.

Trivia:
Jimmy Legree only refers to himself in the third person. This isn't true, but I wish it was, because paired with his silky interview flow, it would make him perhaps the smoothest player in Carolina football history. Imagine the press conferences! "Jimmy Legree anticipated the pass, and Jimmy Legree was able to get in front of the receiver and haul in the interception. Now excuse Jimmy Legree, he needs to go soak in his hot tub while a pair of dazzling trainers feed him grapes to the strains of Jodeci's 'Forever My Lady'."

Possible Todd Ellis play-by-play call:
"Aaron Murray takes the snap, he'll drop back to throw, let's one go over the middle and PICKED OFF! It's Jimmy Legree, the senior, making the interception and he'll get around the crowds and streak into the endzone for a pick six! Oh my! Aaron may be a senior, but he just learned the hard way not to go over 'The Middle', because when you LET HIM EAT, the response is simple: JIMMY EAT WORLD."