How South Carolina’s newest crop of linemen impressed Will Muschamp

In football, linemen are often the slowest to come along. They work in tight quarters, and the gaps in physical maturity are most apparent, even before considering the shock of a big guy facing players his size every rep.

The South Carolina football team brought in a large batch of players up front in its most recent recruiting class. Most have been on campus since spring, a few came later. Will Muschamp and his staff have had their chance to work hands-on with the whole group.

His early impressions:

▪ On Dylan Wonnum: “Has got really good athleticism. Exactly what we felt in the recruiting process. Really moves well. I’m very pleased with where he is right now.”

▪ On Jordan Rhodes: “Was redshirted last year, but I think has made tremendous strides. Plays extremely hard. A guy that we think has got a really good future as well.”

▪ On Hank Manos: “Has done a really nice job at the center position.”

▪ On Jovaughn Gwyn: “A guy that has power and athleticism. He’s just got to learn more of what to do. That’s the issue. It’s not the athleticism, it’s not the power, it’s not the punch. Those are things you all see with what he’s able to bring to what we’re doing.”

▪ On Wyatt Campbell: “Been slowed a little bit with a knee. He’s missed some practice. We’ve got to get him back out there. It’s nothing long term. But we’re got to get him back on the field.”

▪ On Kingsley Enagbare: “Continues to play well.”

▪ On Rick Sandidge: “Has some some really nice things. Can really anchor and hold the point. Is an explosive guy and needs just to learn what we’re doing.”

▪ On Jabari Ellis: “I would say the same thing (as Sandidge). Been cleared about three days ago and has shown some things, showed some flashes to me of running and playing with some effort and some toughness, which was exciting.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2018 at 5:25 PM.