South Carolina Football: Gamecocks ranked in top-10 in recruiting “trenches”

South Carolina football has depth problems on the offensive and defensive lines. However, Gamecock fans will be glad to know that is not a reality that should last long in Columbia.

Shane Beamer’s South Carolina football program has recruited extremely well on the offensive and defensive lines in the last two recruiting cycles.

In 2023, the Gamecocks signed 4-star offensive tackle Tree Babalade who is now starting at left tackle. They also brought in 4-star interior linemen Trovon Baugh (who could be starting this weekend), and Markee Anderson (who was considered the best of the group out of high school but is missing the season with injury). On the d-line, the Gamecocks secured commitments from 4-star EDGE Desmond Umeozulu and 4-star tackle Xzavier McLeod.

In the ’24 cycle, recruiting has gotten even better in the trenches. The Gamecocks have pledges from 5-star Dylan Stewart (EDGE), 5-star Josiah Thompson (offensive tackle), 4-star Kam Pringle (offensive tackle), and 4-star Wendell Gregory (EDGE). Those commitments rank the Gamecocks in the top-10 nationally in offensive line/defensive line recruiting.

Those numbers are based on On3’s recruiting rankings, but the Gamecocks also have Rivals 4-star interior offensive lineman Blake Franks in the boat as well. 4-star tight end commitment Michael Smith is a willing blocker who will help Carolina up front, too. 4-star linebacker commitment Fred “JayR” Johnson could have a future as an EDGE player, too.

The other teams in the top-10 with USC are perennial powerhouse Georgia and historical programs Notre Dame, Texas, Oregon, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Penn State, Michigan, and Florida.

In short, the South Carolina football coaching staff has done an excellent job at addressing the issues up front for their Gamecock squad. Some of the youngsters are already contributing in a big-time way, and next year’s newcomers will have a chance to do the same.