One of South Carolina’s top offensive players is switching positions

There was some fanfare when Zack Bailey, arguably South Carolina’s top lineman, moved from his natural guard position out to tackle following the 2016 football season.

A big step to the next new season begins Wednesday with spring practice, and Bailey is on the move again.

Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp announced Bailey will be back at guard for his final year in Garnet and Black. The senior from Summerville has started 26 games the past three seasons at three different spots. Muschamp also announced guard Donell Stanley moving to center, but Sadarius Hutcherson will stay at guard.

Bailey (6-foot-6, 309 pounds) filled in at center as a freshman, and then started his sophomore year at guard. He was the right tackle last season, though he missed four games and five starts.

Tackle Blake Camper would likely be the first option to replace Bailey on the outside. Camper (6-foot-8, 311) has four career starts in three seasons.

This story was originally published February 27, 2018 at 1:02 PM with the headline "One of South Carolina’s top offensive players is switching positions."