100 days from South Carolina Football: 10 players who must make a jump in 2023
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football Needs Jakai Moore to Anchor the Offensive Line
Starting left tackle Jaylen Nichols went down early in the Garnet and Black Spring Game with an apparent knee injury, and Carolina fans could tell immediately that it wasn’t good news. Exact details never surfaced regarding Nichols’ injury, but the big man is expected to miss “most” of the season according to Shane Beamer, meaning that a new starting left tackle will play this fall. The man in line for the job is Jakai Moore, who has experience inside at guard and outside at tackle in his career.
Even before Nichols’ injury, Moore was part of Beamer’s “top-6” up front along with Nichols, Yale transfer Nick Gargulio, Vershon Lee, Trae Jones, and Tyshawn Wannamaker. Now, the athletic offensive line is set to be the anchor that protects Spencer Rattler’s blindside, and the Gamecocks’ offensive success (or lack thereof) will be largely dependent upon Moore’s ability to handle the job well. He has shown an ability to run block in the past, and if he can keep Rattler upright, as well, new Gamecock offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley will be very satisfied with his work.