South Carolina practice report: How has the Gamecocks’ O-line looked?
On Tuesday, South Carolina was back on the practice field for its 10th of 15 practices this spring.
The media was able to observe the first 30 minutes, which ended with the Gamecocks’ offensive line battling the defensive line in run-blocking drills.
It should be known that the linemen weren’t wearing full pads, and there was no ball being snapped and no running back trying to dart through a hole.
This was a drill about physicality. What side could move the other? And, well, the Gamecocks’ O-line was getting the better of their D-line.
On one rep, freshman OL Zyon Guiles — playing at left tackle — was lined up against freshman edge Julian Walker and got a better jump off the ball, knocking the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Walker back.
After the play, edge coach Deion Barnes pulled Walker aside, demonstrating how he should grab the top of the O-lineman’s jersey and twist to get around them.
For an offensive line that’s given up 40 or more sacks in each of the last three seasons, no single drill should be trigger any predictions about how the OL will fare in 2026. But the group certainly looked more physical and explosive than they did last season.
Here are some other notes from Tuesday’s practice:
- Running backs Sam Dixon (Ohio State transfer) and Jabree Coleman (Penn State transfer) were both wearing blue, non-contact jerseys.
- Early in practice, the offensive coaches set up a drill where quarterbacks, running backs and pass catchers would run forward and dive like they were trying to notch a first down. There was a pad for them to land on and, above the pad, coaches stood with cushioned sticks, trying to poke the balls out.
- Dozens of players and coaches from Brookland-Cayce High School were in attendance watching practice. That included BC offensive coordinator G.A. Magnus, who served as a Gamecock assistant from 2009-15.
This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 11:01 AM.
