Spencer Rattler evaluates how South Carolina's offensive line has gelled

South Carolina‘s offensive line was shaken up through departures and the transfer portal entering 2023, and quarterback Spencer Rattler is still getting used to his new protection.

As fall camp wraps up, Rattler revealed how the group’s work ethic has driven them this offseason. They’ve developed some chemistry along the way as well.

“The new guys have done a great job with the group. They’ve gelled with the group at a good pace so far Throughout the summer they put a lot of great work in and that didn’t go unnoticed,” Rattler said. “We noticed it every day and so far in fall camp, they’re doing a great job.”

Earlier this offseason, South Carolina added Nick Gargiulo and Sidney Fugar to their offensive line unit. Both are expected to compete for minutes coming in with starting experience at Yale and Western Illinois, respectively.

Markee Anderson and Oluwatosin “Tree” Babalade are the true freshmen expected to help fluff out the depth chart in their first season on campus. As the 2023 class’ top OL recruits, they’ll be a major player down the road for the Gamecocks.

Elsewhere on the offensive line, the Gamecocks return Jaylen Nichols and Jakai Moore from last year’s starting lineup. However, Nichols ended up injuring his knee during the annual Garnet and Black Spring Game in April, which required surgery. OL coach Lonnie Teasley doesn’t expect him back anytime soon.

Overall, this group will be looking to improve mightily on their numbers from last year. Ranked No. 106 in the nation in rushing yards per contest in 2022 with 118.8, more will be asked from this new — and hopefully improved — group this season.

Expectations are high for South Carolina and head coach Shane Beamer in his third season leading the program. The 2022 team won eight games — including wins over top-10 teams in Clemson and Tennessee — and finished the season ranked in the top 25. Battles like that will be won in the trenches, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Carolina’s OL to stake their claim in 2023.

South Carolina kicks off the new year with a border battle with neighboring rival North Carolina at home on Sept. 2. After a give-me game against Furman in Week 2, they have an opportunity to make some noise early as they travel to Georgia in Week 3. That matchup will be very telling of where this offensive line stacks up with one of the best defensive fronts in college football.