Lonnie Teasley breaks down tackle competitions
South Carolina has a lot of turnover this season, but none more so than on the offensive line.
The Gamecocks are replacing four starters up front from last season, including both starting tackles that started the games against Tennessee and Clemson.
Which means Lonnie Teasley–in his first full season as the Gamecocks’ starting offensive line coach–will have a few different position fights on his hands.
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“We’re going to battle for those tackle spots. We’re going to play. What I’m looking for in terms of separating them, can they be consistent? Are you going to play to how we play? How we play is big for us, so are you going to play the way we want you to play?” he said.
“Are you a guy who can build on information, not beat yourself, not get penalties. Then are you building on your technique? Am I seeing the same mistakes? If I see that mistake, we fix it and we rep it then I don’t see it anymore. Are you that guy? That’s usually what I’m looking for.”
Teasley indicated here are three players battling it out at each of the two spots at the moment. Jakai Moore seems like one of the likeliest candidates to play left tackle, having done it before in his career.
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Moore settled in at left guard last year at the end of the season–he’s still getting reps there–but could bounce outside with injuries and less options at tackle.
“Jakai has length and size. That’s always good. That’s good for interior players, and that’s good for outside guys. He’s got really good feet. He grew up playing basketball,” Teasley said.
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“He has good enough feet to set that edge and be on an island. When he goes inside it’s easy for him almost. Inside, he has to adjust to the power game but outside he has enough of the speed and balance and ability to cover out there to do it.”
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Tyshawn Wannamaker has also started games at tackle and Teasley said Charlotte transfer Jaxon Hughes and Western Illinois transfer Sidney Fugar will compete at tackle.
Freshman Oluwatosin Babalade will play tackle along with Cason Henry.
Henry is an interesting prospect, someone the staff was high on last year but has spent most of the offseason banged up.
If he’s healthy, there’s a chance he can play a good bit in 2023.
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“Cason can be a huge factor for us. When he’s healthy, he’s a very physical player. He loves to play physically and loves to finish,” Teasley said. “He loves to compete on the edge. But he brings ruggedness to the room with his style of play.”
South Carolina began preseason camp Friday.
