'Big Tree' joins Gamecocks' class
He’s got one of the best nicknames and one of the best personalities — and is one of the best offensive linemen — in the 2023 class, and now he’s officially a South Carolina football commitment.
Hyattsville (Md.) Dematha Catholic class of 2023 On3Consensus four-star offensive tackle Oluwatosin Babalade — affectionately known as “Big Tree” — committed to the Gamecocks on Instagram on Friday.
The 6-foot-5, 308-pounder chooses South Carolina over Maryland, Ohio State, North Carolina, Rutgers, N.C. State and Michigan, which made up the top seven he released in June.
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The commitment of Babalade is a major win for the Gamecocks in what was a complete team effort including offensive line coach Greg Adkins and assistants Lonnie Teasley and Sam Serbay — and really the entire committed class as prospects like Dante Reno, Grayson Pup Howard and others urged him to join them in Columbia.
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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On3’s analysts are even higher on Babalade, ranking him as the No. 167 prospect in the class and No. 15 offensive tackle.
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.
With the pledge of the Blue Chip prospect, the Gamecocks now have 17 commitments on their 2023 commit list, including nine four-star prospects.
Babalade is the fifth offensive line commitment in the Gamecocks’ class and the third who is ranked a four-star prospect.
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.
