It's decision day for Oluwatosin Babalade
On the day that South Carolina holds its first football practice of preseason camp, the Gamecocks could get big news on the recruiting trail as well.
Hyattsville (Md.) Dematha Catholic class of 2023 On3Consensus four-star offensive tackle Oluwatosin Babalade is set to reveal his college decision at 2 p.m. on Friday.
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The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder has highly considered schools like South Carolina, Maryland, Ohio State, North Carolina and Rutgers among his many offers but is reportedly down to the Gamecocks and Terrapins.
The On3 Consensus — a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies — ranks Babalade as the No. 272 overall propect in the country and the No. 20 offensive tackle and No. 7 prospect in Maryland for the 2023 class.
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Babalade, who took official visits to South Carolina, Maryland, Ohio State, North Carolina and Rutgers, was last in Columbia one week ago for the Gamecocks’ end-of-summer recruiting cookout event.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, which utilizes machine learning to forecast college decisions, has South Carolina as the resounding favorite, giving the Gamecocks an 89.5 percent chance to land Babalade.
The priority South Carolina football target is being recruited by offensive line coach Greg Adkins.
If Babalade chooses the Gamecocks, he would be the 17th commitment to the 2023 class which is currently ranked No. 22 in the country in the On3 Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings.
Stick with Gamecock Central for complete coverage of Babalade’s commitment.
H.S. Scouting Summary
Big-framed offensive lineman with the brute strength to overpower defensive linemen. Has college-ready size, measuring at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wing-span prior to his senior season. Moves well at his size, both on Friday nights and in the camp setting. Turned in a solid 4.85 second short shuttle. Works at left tackle for a top high school program in DeMatha. Has significant upper body strength and pop in his hands. Stones opposing pass rusher at the point of attack.
Can sling defensive linemen to the ground with relative ease. Faces top competition, including many future Power Five pass rushers on a weekly basis. Had a dominant showing at Under Armour’s Baltimore camp. Could play multiple spots on the offensive line at the next level. Still developing from a technique perspective. Has room to improve as a run blocker and in sustaining blocks. Also has a tendency to play high at times.
