South Carolina Football: 10 observations from fall practice so far

South Carolina Football Fall Camp Observations:
The starting offensive line group could be changing.

For most of the summer since Jaylen Nichols’ injury in the Garnet and Black Spring Game, the starting offensive line was expected to be, in some combination, Jakai Moore, Nick Gargiulo, Vershon Lee, Trai Jones, and Tyshawn Wannamaker. However, a newcomer could be moving into position to snag one of those spots.

Western Illinois transfer Sidney Fugar has been spotted at practice working with the first-team at right tackle, while expected starter Tyshawn Wannamaker has been with the second group. Wannamaker has gotten some run with the first-team, but Fugar has played more snaps with the starting unit.

This is far from a completed battle, though, as Wannamaker brings a fair amount of experience at the position, having started multiple games in both 2021 and 2022 for the injured Dylan Wonnum. Wannamaker has also played some guard, so even if Fugar takes the tackle job, Wannamaker could have opportunities to play across the board up front.

For those unfamiliar with some of the newcomers, Fugar is a massive human being who looks even bigger than his listed size. Listed at 6’5″ and 330 pounds, he looks like an SEC right tackle. His length and size make him a more prototypical pass protector than Wannamaker, but it is unclear if that has anything to do with the shakeup on the O-line.

Late last week, Beamer also said that there is no set starting-five up front at this point of camp. Could freshman Markee Anderson, one of the most talked about linemen of the offseason, be making a push at one of the spots? He has repped at both guard and tackle, and the belief is that he could also play center.

So far, the only big battle seems to be at right tackle, but Coach Beamer’s comments have fans wondering if more changes could be incoming.