South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Offensive Line

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Matulis

Mike Matulis is another key player that could make or break the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2015. Matulis was a 3-star rated offensive tackle in the class of 2011 according to the 247Sports Composite. He was ranked the number 49 offensive tackle in the class. He had offers from Florida State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and many others, but ultimately chose to take his talents to South Carolina.

Matulis seemed destined to redshirt his freshman season after seeing limited action early in the season. A back injury to starter Kyle Nunn would throw a wrench in those plans and Matulis became the starter at left tackle. By the end of his freshman campaign, Matulis looked like a season veteran. He was moved to right tackle and started at that position for four games. He was named a First-Team Freshman All-American by Sporting News following the season.

What seemed like a career destined for stardom, turned sour the following season as Matulis injured his shoulder. He redshirted in 2013 to continue to rehab the injury. Matulis returned in 2014 and moved to right guard. He suffered a knee injury midway through fall camp and missed the first half of the season. He did play against Furman and Tennessee and then underwent surgery which sidelined him the rest of the season.

In all, Matulis has had surgeries on both shoulders and his knee. Gamecock fans should see him as a warrior, and he will bring valuable depth on the line in 2015.

Next: Alan Knott