South Carolina holds off Maryland to land 4-star OT Oluwatosin Babalade

Oluwatosin Babalade was originally set to commit a week ago. Last Friday, he announced that he was pushing his commitment back. There was no new date at that time, and he did not make a true statement, but it came down to him needing more time.

Heading into last week, the No. 167 prospect in the On300 was leaning towards leaving his home state of Maryland to join Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks. As his decision date approached, he just didn’t feel he was 100% with his decision.

Mike Locksley and his staff in College Park made a late push and it caused Babalade to hesitate and hold off on his commitment. Eventually, after talking it over with those close to him, and digging deep, the four-star offensive tackle out of DeMatha Catholic stayed with his original feeling and committed to the Gamecocks.

“It was a tough decision,” Babalade told On3. “I wanted to make sure, so I just wanted to take more time. Maryland is a great school and it is close to home, but I want to get away, play in the SEC, and play at South Carolina.

“It was like me staying at home vs. me leaving and getting away. I want to get away, see something new, and I also love the coaching staff. My feeling at South Carolina was different and I just enjoy being around the people there.”

Babalade’s first visit to Columbia was for the South Carolina spring game. He got a look at the fan base. The players welcomed him. The coaching staff made him feel like a priority. That is where it all started.

“On that first visit, it really opened my eyes. I left thinking this could be it for me. After that visit, I started talking to coach Beamer and coach Greg Atkins a lot. We built a strong connection and that really meant a lot to me.

“Some schools were on and off recruiting me, but South Carolina was very consistent. They were checking on me every day since the time they offered. That ended up meaning a lot and helping me with my decision.”

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman is happy to have his commitment behind him. It was a grind for the No. 3 prospect in Maryland. Babalade grew up in the D.C. area, he knows all about the part of the country he is from, but now is excited about his future in south as a Gamecock.

“It is just a different feeling for me down at South Carolina,” Babalade said. “Columbia is calm, chill, and relaxing to me. It is different than the DMV where I live. I love the people up here and Maryland is a great school with great coaches, but I am excited about being somewhere different.

“I want to try a new path, be in that great environment at South Carolina, and compete in the SEC, the best league in college football.”