And I do think you hit the nail on the head, Jason." part of that may be an affectation to help his "aw-shucks" personality/evade the law." That is why Victor doesn't believe his southern corn pone conversation at all. Told Stefano do not underestimate him, he is not the hillbilly he portends to be.
By the way, folks, our Wayne here who is the wizard behind the scenes.....one of the smartest men you will ever meet, and yep....has that bit of accent that could fool you. LOL But he IS from the south.