With 78 days until kickoff, a look at South Carolina football's number 78, Tro Baugh

The 2024 South Carolina football season begins in 78 days when the Gamecocks take on the Old Dominion Monarchs inside the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium on August 31st. (Gametime has been set for 4:15 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and streamed on the ESPN app).

#78 could play a significant role in USC's success this season. The man wearing that jersey number is sophomore offensive lineman Trovon Baugh. Tro Baugh took over starting duties at right guard just before the mid-way point of the 2023 season, and he is one of the favorites to earn a starting spot this fall, as well.

Baugh was an SEC All-Freshman performer in his first year in garnet and black and even was selected as a Freshman All-American by PFF, but as is true for any freshman, there were some growing pains last year. With a good summer, Baugh could become more consistent. With his considerable talent, the big fella could become a major reason for improvement for the Gamecock offense.

With run game coordinator Shawn Elliott (he is also the new tight ends coach) coming in to assist offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, a revamped offensive scheme should result in a better rushing attack from the Gamecocks in 2024. Baugh is a strong player with a powerful lower half, so there is a lot of reason for optimism that his skillset will aid in the run blocking efforts up front.

Baugh was a 4-star prospect according to the recruiting rankings when he came out of Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. He is one of the members of the "Great Wall of Columbia," the name given to the last several South Carolina football recruiting classes on the offensive line thanks to their high ratings in the recruiting world.

Last year's efforts on the offensive line were a big reason for the Gamecocks' poor record as injuries and poor play doomed the offense despite excellent seasons from quarterback Spencer Rattler and wide receiver Xavier Legette. If Carolina is to have more success moving the football in year four of the Shane Beamer era, Baugh and the Great Wall must play well.