New Gamecocks OL commitment breaks down decision

Western Illinois transfer portal offensive lineman Sidney Fugar announced a commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks football program Sunday as he wrapped up an official visit to the school.

Fugar has three years of eligibility left making him an important target for a Carolina offense that will replace several offensive linemen from its 2022 roster.

“I made the decision and I felt at home. It just felt like home as soon as I got there,” Fugar told GamecockCentral.com. “I connect really well with Coach Teasley and the head coach. They brought me in and told me I have a chance to start. The family environment, showing me aound, the hospitality, the mindset and the work ethic, I just fell in love with all of that.”

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Fugar also took an official visit to Cincinnati prior to making his decision and held offers from East Carolina, Hawaii, Memphis, and Troy.

As for the timing of his choice, Fugar did not see a need to prolong the process any longer after making the trip to Columbia.

“I just decided, why not? I didn’t need anywhere else to show me anything else. Playing for one of the best conferences in America is going to help me.”

A 6-foot-5, 332-pounder, Fugar has played two seasons at the FCS program, which plays in the Missouri Valley Conference. He attended high school in Waldorf, Maryland at St. Thomas More School.

Recently promoted offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley has actually been familiar with Fugar for some time.

“Me and Coach Teasley go back from my days at prep school. He was at North Carolina Central and was recruiting me,” Fugar explained. “Over the years, he saw my body transition and was very impressed with that. He came across my film one day and was shocked that it was me. He hit me up instantly, so I took the opprtunity and we rekindled. It’s been that kind of father and son bond.”

Fugar was one of five official visitors from the transfer portal on South Carolina’s campus this week including Utah RB Micah Bernard, Florida DB Tre’Vez Johnson, Ole Miss LB Jaron Willis and Newberry RB Mario Anderson.

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Fugar broke down where the USC staff envisions him playing and what he will bring to the field.

“They definitely want me at left tackle, for sure,” he said. “My dominance on the field, my presence, my pass protection, my run blocking, I just play a violent game for a whole 60 minutes.”

South Carolina Gamecocks transfer portal additions

RB Mario Anderson (Newberry)

Years of eligibility left: 2

On3 consensus ratings (HS): Not ranked

2022 stats: 10 games, 211 attempts, 1,560 yards, 19 touchdowns, 7.4 yards per attempt

TE Nick Elksnis (Florida)

Years of eligibility left: 3

On3 consensus ratings (HS): Four-star, No. 390 nationally

2022 stats: Did not record an offensive stat in 2022

OL Nick Gargiulo (Yale)

Position: Interior offensive line

Years of eligibility left: 1

On3 consensus ratings: Not ranked

2022 stats: 636 snaps, 72.5 overall PFF grade, 74.3 pass block, 70.9 run block grade, three pressures allowed

TE Trey Knox (Arkansas)

Years of eligibility left: 1

On3 consensus ratings (HS): Four-star, No. 232 nationally

2022 stats: 26 catches, 296 yards, 5 touchdowns

TE Joshua Simon (Western Kentucky)

Years of eligibility left: 2

On3 consensus ratings (HS): Three-star, No. 2,356 nationally

2022 stats: 20 catches, 273 yards, 6 touchdowns

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