South Carolina Football: 100 days from kickoff, which Gamecocks must step up in 2024?

South Carolina Football Players and Coaches Who Must Step Up in 2024:
Offensive Tackle Starters

The South Carolina offensive line was one of the worst in the country in 2023. Pathetic rushing output and a lot of allowed sacks marked the Gamecock blockers all year. Injuries were part of the problem, but poor play was a theme for the unit, as well.

This year, the overall play is expected to be better, but the offensive line will have to be much better for the results to improve much for an offense that ranked 77th in the country in points per game.

With veterans like Vershon Lee, Kamaar Bell, and Torricelli Simpkins expected to battle with sophomore Tro Baugh for the three interior positions, the tackle spots are a little more up for grabs.

Tree Babalade started much of last year at left tackle, and Jakai Moore has played every spot in his career but center. 5-star true freshman Josiah Thompson and redshirt sophomore Cason Henry are heavily involved in the tackle battles along with several other players. USC also is still checking out the transfer portal for potential options in the trenches.

Whoever wins these position battles leading up to the season opener must step up for the Gamecock offense. With redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers under center, the offensive line's impact will be felt majorly. If given enough time, Sellers will tear apart defenses with his arm or his legs. If forced to improvise on every play, the inexperienced youngster will be forced to operate in difficult situations like Spencer Rattler was last season.