Freshman O-lineman eyes early impact with Gamecocks. ‘We can be those guys’
Zyon Guiles is ready to get his college football career going at South Carolina and reconnect with the Gamecocks’ new offensive line coach.
Guiles has a history with the Gamecocks’ new offensive line coach, Randy Clements, who was introduced in his new role on Dec. 11. Clements recruited Guiles, who played at Carvers Bay High School, when Clements was with the Tar Heels from 2022-2024.
Clements spent last year with new USC offensive coordinator Kendal Briles when the two were at Texas Christian.
“When he was at UNC, he recruited me there, so it won’t be our first time meeting each other,” Guiles said earlier this month during Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas practice. “It will be good to be coached by him. He is a great coach and knows a lot. I am ready to get up there and see what he is all about.
“I got to see him in practice, and he stayed on the offensive line. When I watched them go through the chutes (drills), he made sure everything was to a T. He made sure everyone was staying low and doing what they needed to do to be successful.”
Where Zyon Guiles ranks
UNC was one of Guiles’ many Power 4 offers, but he eventually picked the Gamecocks during a ceremony at his school on March 25. He signed with USC on Dec. 3 and will enroll in early January.
Rivals/On3 and 247Sports composite rank Guiles, a finalist for SC’s Mr. Football, as a four-star prospect. Rivals/On3 also ranks him as the top interior lineman in the country for the Class of 2026. Guiles will likely play tackle at South Carolina, the same position he played in high school.
Guiles, 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, is one of three offensive linemen the Gamecocks signed during the early period and a big position of need for the Gamecocks, who struggled up front last season. Top-40 national recruit Darius Gray and South Pointe lineman Anthony Baxter are the Gamecocks’ other two high school signees.
“We’ve recruited well there, and those are three big-time guys,” USC head coach Shane Beamer said Dec. 3 of the high school linemen recruiting class. “... Went and watched Zyon play with coach (Shawn) Elliott during our second off week over at Carvers Bay. Another one just, mom and dad are awesome.
“Just somebody that, when you meet with certain people, you’re like, OK, this guy’s not just a great player, but he’s about the right stuff. He’s a future team captain type guy, and that’s how I feel about those linemen. He’s immensely talented.”
The Gamecocks’ three high school signees
If the three freshmen can contribute during their first season, it definitely would be a plus. South Carolina already has lost six offensive linemen, who have announced they will hit the transfer portal when it opens Jan. 2.
Recently, USC has had freshmen come in and start on the offensive line. Josiah Thompson has started every game in his first two seasons at tackle. Shed Sarratt started nine games this year for the Gamecocks.
Guiles hopes the freshman offensive line group can do the same.
“When you turn on the tape, we are nasty on the field,” Guiles said. “Hopefully, when we get it up there it can translate. We got a lot of learning and stuff to do and getting stronger. But definitely in the next couple of years, we can be those guys up front.”
This story was originally published December 31, 2025 at 7:00 AM.
