Offensive line emerging as strength of the Gamecock offense
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Even though the Gamecocks did not wear pads for the first two practices of preseason camps (per NCAA rules), the South Carolina offensive line continued to justify Will Muschamp’s optimism about the Shawn Elliott-led unit.
Questions abound at all of the offensive skill positions – quarterback, running back (moreso after Muschamp’s comments about David Williams on Wednesday) and wide receiver – but the Gamecock offensive line looks primed for a solid season with enough size, strength and experience (34 career starts) to compete against talented SEC defensive lines.
“We have some good players up there,” Muschamp said of the O-Line Wednesday following Practice No. 2. “We have some toughness up there, we have guys that go compete in practice the right way and embrace competition and embrace playing our way. I like their competitive edge. They are a physical bunch. It’s a credit to Shawn and what he has done.”
Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper wants eight reliable offensive linemen ready to go for the opening game Sept. 1 at Vanderbilt – three guards, three tackles and two centers.
“We’re in pretty good shape there,” Roper said. “We have some experienced guys and guys that know what they’re doing as they settle into their roles. If we can find three tackles, three guards and two centers, we’ll have some depth. We’ll still working through that. We have a lot of practices before we go play. There is a lot of competition left. Saying that, we have some experience and we’re trying to shore up some things. But we have stability there.”
Right now, six of the eight offensive linemen Roper seeks for the first game appear to be Mason Zandi, Alan Knott, Cory Helms, Zack Bailey, D.J. Park and Donell Stanley.
“A lot of people on the team say we’re the best group on the field,” Stanley said. “We’re more committed to what we’re doing. We come to work every hard and Coach Elliott pushes us hard. I think we could be the best offensive line in the SEC. Hopefully, we’ll get there.”
Sophomore Christian Pellage remains suspended after being charged with DUI in July shortly before the start of SEC Football Media Days.
Stanley, a Shrine Bowler and finalist for the South Carolina Mr. Football Award in 2013, aims to crack the starting lineup at guard after playing mostly on special teams in 2015. Entering his third year in the program, the 6-foot-4, 325-pound Stanley, a former four-star prospect, eyes taking a major step forward this season.
“I’m working on getting my feet faster and hands stronger,” Stanley said. “Typical stuff you need to play offensive line. I feel a whole lot better. I have an opportunity to play. I’m trying to get on the field a lot more this year. It’s been two years. I’m tired of watching. I’m here to play now.”
Stanley has taken snaps with the first-team offensive line at right guard along with sharing snaps at center with Zac Bailey and Cory Helms. That trio should become USC’s top three guards with Knott, USC’s most experienced offensive lineman, snapping the football.
“It’s pretty tiring, but I’m getting a lot of reps,” Stanley said. “That’s the important thing. Coach Elliott wants us all to be dynamic and play multiple positions.”
Bailey has lined up at left guard, his preferred position.
“It’s a challenge every single day,” Bailey said. “We’re all fighting to become better and keep our spots no matter what. Right now, we’re trying to see who fits the best. We’re having a blast out there and getting after it.”
Barring anything unforeseen, Zandi will be the starter at left tackle after starting the first 10 games in 2015 at right tackle before a high ankle sprain ended his season prematurely. Zandi is second to Knott (17 career starts) on the offensive line in career starts with 11.
“As a group, we’re really aesthetically pleasing right now,” Zandi said of the Gamecock offensive line. “We’re coming together. We’re still fine tuning some things. Seeing we’re only two days into it, we have some good continuity among the top five.”
D.J. Park is listed as the No. 1 right tackle ahead of Blake Camper on the preseason depth chart, and Zandi has watched the Dillon product make significant strides over the past year.
“He is a totally different football player,” Zandi said. “Tremendous development. His light came on and he really invested into the weight room and nutrition and the program. It’s paying dividends right now.”
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