Below is a breakdown of the unit, I think we have at least 6 or 7 for this season if healthy that can help us get better.
Jakai Moore (Rs. Jr.) 6'6" 315lbs Nokesville, Va. ( Class of 2019) Returning Experience: 18 games/11 starts
As a freshman, Moore split reps at tackle with Wonnum and Nichols, starting 2 games. Then in 2020, he took the starting left tackle job after rotating back and forth from right to left with Wonnum and Turnetine. He eventually secured the job making 6 starts on the year.
Then this past summer, he suffered from Turf Toe and missed most of fall camp. He was able to practice that last week and got a few snaps against EIU, however, had to come out and would miss the ECU game. After missing the ECU game, he would go on to start the next 3 until he re-aggravated his foot. He would be limited the rest of the year only getting reps here and there before shutting it down at the end of the season.
IMO, Moore is the best offensive line prospect from an experience and talent standpoint. I also think he has the best shot of getting drafted out of the older group.
He's also ready to get to the next level, and I believe with a full season he will leave. His plan was to try and leave after this season but the injury prevented that. So, I do look forward to him pushing and making a big leap this year. He's very talented and a really good basketball player. You can see that movement ability on the field with flexibility and foot speed. I have him as our starting left tackle.
Jaylen Nichols (Sr.) 6'5" 325lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2019) Returning Experience: 17 games/ 11 starts
As a freshman, Nichols split reps at right tackle playing in 5 games and making 4 starts. However, he twisted his ankle that season and had to miss the end of the year. Then in 2020, he saw limited time, mostly 2 games in mop-up duty.
This past season, Nichols switched positions to guard and started the first 4 games. However, in the 4th game he got hurt and pretty much missed the next 4 games, only getting a few snaps in one them. He did return against Florida and Missouri, in a backup role, before moving back out to tackle and starting the final 3 games.
Nichols is a big boy that moves well for his size. He reminds me of Cory Robinson in a way, stiff in the lower body but plays hard and masks some of his weaknesses with it. He also looked uncomfortable at guard, you could see his play elevated once got back outside. And I think that is his best position right now. I think he and Moore would be a really good tandem outside. But, if you needed him inside he could do. I think with time he could definitely improve his game inside, but I think he'd be better at right guard.
I believe he needs to be one of our starters. He's got the size and strength along with experience. I also think he's better than the others at right tackle.
Dylan Wonnum (Rs. Sr.) 6'5" 310lbs Tucker, Ga. (Class of 2018) Returning Experience: 32 games/ 30 starts
As a freshman, Wonnum saw action in 9 games making 7 starts, all at right tackle. That year he earned SEC Freshman All America by 247sports. The next season, he played in and started 7 games. He suffered an injury that year which limited him during the middle of the season. He did return to finish the year, starting the final game against Clemson. He also switched to left tackle that night as well
He would stay at left tackle to start the following season; however, after the 3rd game he would move back to right and start the final 7 there. And then of course this year, he started the first 6 games at right tackle before suffering a season-ending injury against Tennessee.
Wonnum returns and brings a bunch of experiences with him. He also looked to have improved from his 2020 campaign before going down with that injury. And so now, with the other bodies and experience we have returning it's hard to say if he will start. I do think that right tackle is the best spot for him.
Eric Douglas (6th Year) 6'4" 315lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2017) Returning Experience: 32 games/ 24 starts
Douglas was a member of the 2017 class and was a starting left tackle in high school. He also was a Shrine Bowler before coming to South Carolina. In the first two seasons, Douglas did not see any snaps except for what he got playing on the kickoff return team as a redshirt freshman. It wasnt until his redshirt sophomore year (2019) that he cracked the starting lineup, starting the season opener against UNC. He made his start at right guard that day, it would end up being his only start of the year. He did play in 9 more games that season just not start.
Then, in 2020 he moved to center and took the starting job. He started every game that year and did so again this past season. He enters this year with 23 consecutive starts, and this is beneficial for us.
I like Douglas, he's picked up the position pretty well and he's sound fundamentally. Now, he has to be more consistent in some areas, and he's got to get stronger. He's got the ideal body and frame for the position, but I'm worried he's hit his ceiling in the strength department.
With limited strength, that means he has to be quicker and nearly flawless with his technique if he wants to be successful. So for me, this will be what I'm looking for. I also need to see more awareness, after the snap. He's good before it. He's really smart, he knows how to recognize what he sees, high IQ mixed with experience does that for you, but after the snap is a different story. He tends to rush things but if strength and awareness improve this kid could be an All-SEC type player.
Jovaughn Gwyn (Rs. Sr.) 6'3" 300lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2018) Returning Experience: 36 games/ 34 starts
As a freshman, he went in early (in the first game) but didn't last long after suffering a foot injury which forced him to miss the rest of the year. Then the next season, he played in 12 games, starting 11 (all at right guard) after taking the starting job in week one. That following season, he would continue to start every game at guard and did so again this past season. Therefore, coming into this year Gywn brings with him 34 consecutive starts which should pay dividends.
IMO, Gwyn has hit his ceiling. He's strong and can pack a punch, but his lack of length and height gets him in trouble. He also does not do well in space (pulling), so I'm curious if center wouldn't be his best position. I'm also still in that boat of wanting to see him play defensive tackle, probably could have been a pretty darn good one there IMO. But staying at guard, I'm looking to see him improve his fundamentals. He isn't consistent enough and it pops with his lack of length. His improper steps and hand placement are really noticeable because he doesn't have the reach to keep bigger D linemen off of him.
The offense wants to create space, defenses wants to eat it up, so inconsistent mechanics with a lack of length can really cause some bad things to happen, especially in a league dominated by the Nation's best defensive linemen.
Vershon Lee (Rs. So.) 6'3" 310lbs Woodbridge, Va. (Class of 2020) Returning Experience: 16/10
As a true freshman, Lee saw action in 3 games and made 1 start, all at right tackle. This past season, he moved inside to guard seeing action in 13 games and starting the final 9.
Lee is a kid I think has a bright future. Being undersized as a true freshman, he held up well in those circumstances. And then making the move to guard this year and being able to handle it as well as he did in such a short time speaks highly of his ability. And it's left guard, so he has to handle the defense's best pass rushers.
He's got a good frame, natural strength, and really good length with long arms. He's a little on the short side but it doesn't seem to hinder him. You can also see he really takes to the coaching. He is technical, consistent for a young guy learning a second position in 2 years.
I'm looking forward to another year with him in the weight room and a second year in the system. I think this guy has a high ceiling and offers the best position flexibility of anyone in that room. Hard to not see him as the starter this year.
Tyshawn Wannamaker (Rs. So.) 6'4" 320lbs St. Matthews, S.C. (Class of 2020) Returning Experience: 14 games/ 7 starts
As a freshman his only game was against Vanderbilt as a guard. This past season, however, he moved to right tackle. He ended up starting the final 7 games.
I was high on this kid out of high school. And one of the things was his frame. He came out of high school looking like one of those husky guards you find playing at Georgia. Just naturally big, well over 300 pounds but not fat. Just naturally thick and carried the weight well. He's about 6'4" with great length and his weight is evenly distributed throughout his body. Often times on bigger kids like that you see a lot of the weight in the midsection through the butt and hips. Wannamaker however looked like he had already been in a college weight room coming out of high school, just naturally more mature (physically). And he's mobile, pretty flexible, bends well in the hips, with quick feet. He's got those long arms as well and has that nastiness about him you want in an O-linemen.
Now he had his moments outside and you could see he could hang with about anyone at this level. However, he was out there swimming. His mechanics were all over the place, inconsistent but was saved by his movement and size. And moving forward, I think guard is his best spot. I'd love to see him at the right guard with that size and movement ability. Let this guy pull and climb clearing a path for the running backs. Lee and Wannamaker probably have the highest ceilings at guard, definitely needs to be starting for us.
Behind those 7 is worrisome for me.
We have Hank Manos 6'4" 310lbs who has been limited by injuries and is running out of time. I believe the injures have limited his growth (strength-wise), and I'm not sure of his motivation moving forward.
Trai Jones 6'3" 305lbs (Rs. So) is very athletic for a big man. He has good size, probably limited to center as far as the best chance of playing at this level. IMO, I'd love to see him on that defensive line. With that size and speed, he reminds me of Devonta Wyatt. I think he'd make a really good defensive tackle.
After them you don't have much else. Mark Fox doesn't have SEC size and strength in my opinion. I think he could be a good support guy, a career backup, but I don't know about SEC starter. I like Jordan Davis from Fairburn Georgia. He's a 6'5" 315lbs kid that moves well. I think he needs to develop but he's got a chance to have that SEC size and strength. And you also have JonDarius Morgan 6'3" 325lbs from Alabama. Maybe he can develop with Jordan and provide some quality depth for us.
Of course, I left out the 3 freshmen on purpose. IMO, Henry and Brubaker have the highest ceiling. Henry has that natural size and strength with that competitive attitude that says he's an SEC lineman. He needs some good coaching from a technique standpoint but once he gets that I don't see much holding him back. He's already close to 6'6" and over 300 pounds. This is a good starting point for building you an SEC lineman. He reminds me a little of Zach Bailey, and I think right tackle or any of the guard spots would be a good place for him.
Brubaker has that SEC athleticism you find in linemen. He's got a great frame with a lot of length. He's around 6'5" large wingspan and naturally heavy. He's around 300lbs and could be a nasty left tackle with added strength and mass. And I like his frame because he's lanky but heavy so he can carry a good amount of weight and it does not affect his movement skills. Plus he's a competitor, give him a year or two and he could be really good.
I'm not as high on Grayson Mains. He's a smaller frame 6'4" guy. But, maybe he can turn out to be another Hutcherson type. Hutch grew considerably and turned out to be a monster. I'm not saying Mains will repeat that but just saying it's possible. IMO, I just don't think he's a high ceiling player.
I believe the 2023 class will have at least 4 offensive linemen in it. I believe we are going to use that class to try and flip the room. And hopefully, Lee, Wannamaker, Henry, Brubaker, and a few others can carry the load in 2023 until that class can get their feet under them.
Jakai Moore (Rs. Jr.) 6'6" 315lbs Nokesville, Va. ( Class of 2019) Returning Experience: 18 games/11 starts
As a freshman, Moore split reps at tackle with Wonnum and Nichols, starting 2 games. Then in 2020, he took the starting left tackle job after rotating back and forth from right to left with Wonnum and Turnetine. He eventually secured the job making 6 starts on the year.
Then this past summer, he suffered from Turf Toe and missed most of fall camp. He was able to practice that last week and got a few snaps against EIU, however, had to come out and would miss the ECU game. After missing the ECU game, he would go on to start the next 3 until he re-aggravated his foot. He would be limited the rest of the year only getting reps here and there before shutting it down at the end of the season.
IMO, Moore is the best offensive line prospect from an experience and talent standpoint. I also think he has the best shot of getting drafted out of the older group.
He's also ready to get to the next level, and I believe with a full season he will leave. His plan was to try and leave after this season but the injury prevented that. So, I do look forward to him pushing and making a big leap this year. He's very talented and a really good basketball player. You can see that movement ability on the field with flexibility and foot speed. I have him as our starting left tackle.
Jaylen Nichols (Sr.) 6'5" 325lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2019) Returning Experience: 17 games/ 11 starts
As a freshman, Nichols split reps at right tackle playing in 5 games and making 4 starts. However, he twisted his ankle that season and had to miss the end of the year. Then in 2020, he saw limited time, mostly 2 games in mop-up duty.
This past season, Nichols switched positions to guard and started the first 4 games. However, in the 4th game he got hurt and pretty much missed the next 4 games, only getting a few snaps in one them. He did return against Florida and Missouri, in a backup role, before moving back out to tackle and starting the final 3 games.
Nichols is a big boy that moves well for his size. He reminds me of Cory Robinson in a way, stiff in the lower body but plays hard and masks some of his weaknesses with it. He also looked uncomfortable at guard, you could see his play elevated once got back outside. And I think that is his best position right now. I think he and Moore would be a really good tandem outside. But, if you needed him inside he could do. I think with time he could definitely improve his game inside, but I think he'd be better at right guard.
I believe he needs to be one of our starters. He's got the size and strength along with experience. I also think he's better than the others at right tackle.
Dylan Wonnum (Rs. Sr.) 6'5" 310lbs Tucker, Ga. (Class of 2018) Returning Experience: 32 games/ 30 starts
As a freshman, Wonnum saw action in 9 games making 7 starts, all at right tackle. That year he earned SEC Freshman All America by 247sports. The next season, he played in and started 7 games. He suffered an injury that year which limited him during the middle of the season. He did return to finish the year, starting the final game against Clemson. He also switched to left tackle that night as well
He would stay at left tackle to start the following season; however, after the 3rd game he would move back to right and start the final 7 there. And then of course this year, he started the first 6 games at right tackle before suffering a season-ending injury against Tennessee.
Wonnum returns and brings a bunch of experiences with him. He also looked to have improved from his 2020 campaign before going down with that injury. And so now, with the other bodies and experience we have returning it's hard to say if he will start. I do think that right tackle is the best spot for him.
Eric Douglas (6th Year) 6'4" 315lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2017) Returning Experience: 32 games/ 24 starts
Douglas was a member of the 2017 class and was a starting left tackle in high school. He also was a Shrine Bowler before coming to South Carolina. In the first two seasons, Douglas did not see any snaps except for what he got playing on the kickoff return team as a redshirt freshman. It wasnt until his redshirt sophomore year (2019) that he cracked the starting lineup, starting the season opener against UNC. He made his start at right guard that day, it would end up being his only start of the year. He did play in 9 more games that season just not start.
Then, in 2020 he moved to center and took the starting job. He started every game that year and did so again this past season. He enters this year with 23 consecutive starts, and this is beneficial for us.
I like Douglas, he's picked up the position pretty well and he's sound fundamentally. Now, he has to be more consistent in some areas, and he's got to get stronger. He's got the ideal body and frame for the position, but I'm worried he's hit his ceiling in the strength department.
With limited strength, that means he has to be quicker and nearly flawless with his technique if he wants to be successful. So for me, this will be what I'm looking for. I also need to see more awareness, after the snap. He's good before it. He's really smart, he knows how to recognize what he sees, high IQ mixed with experience does that for you, but after the snap is a different story. He tends to rush things but if strength and awareness improve this kid could be an All-SEC type player.
Jovaughn Gwyn (Rs. Sr.) 6'3" 300lbs Charlotte, N.C. (Class of 2018) Returning Experience: 36 games/ 34 starts
As a freshman, he went in early (in the first game) but didn't last long after suffering a foot injury which forced him to miss the rest of the year. Then the next season, he played in 12 games, starting 11 (all at right guard) after taking the starting job in week one. That following season, he would continue to start every game at guard and did so again this past season. Therefore, coming into this year Gywn brings with him 34 consecutive starts which should pay dividends.
IMO, Gwyn has hit his ceiling. He's strong and can pack a punch, but his lack of length and height gets him in trouble. He also does not do well in space (pulling), so I'm curious if center wouldn't be his best position. I'm also still in that boat of wanting to see him play defensive tackle, probably could have been a pretty darn good one there IMO. But staying at guard, I'm looking to see him improve his fundamentals. He isn't consistent enough and it pops with his lack of length. His improper steps and hand placement are really noticeable because he doesn't have the reach to keep bigger D linemen off of him.
The offense wants to create space, defenses wants to eat it up, so inconsistent mechanics with a lack of length can really cause some bad things to happen, especially in a league dominated by the Nation's best defensive linemen.
Vershon Lee (Rs. So.) 6'3" 310lbs Woodbridge, Va. (Class of 2020) Returning Experience: 16/10
As a true freshman, Lee saw action in 3 games and made 1 start, all at right tackle. This past season, he moved inside to guard seeing action in 13 games and starting the final 9.
Lee is a kid I think has a bright future. Being undersized as a true freshman, he held up well in those circumstances. And then making the move to guard this year and being able to handle it as well as he did in such a short time speaks highly of his ability. And it's left guard, so he has to handle the defense's best pass rushers.
He's got a good frame, natural strength, and really good length with long arms. He's a little on the short side but it doesn't seem to hinder him. You can also see he really takes to the coaching. He is technical, consistent for a young guy learning a second position in 2 years.
I'm looking forward to another year with him in the weight room and a second year in the system. I think this guy has a high ceiling and offers the best position flexibility of anyone in that room. Hard to not see him as the starter this year.
Tyshawn Wannamaker (Rs. So.) 6'4" 320lbs St. Matthews, S.C. (Class of 2020) Returning Experience: 14 games/ 7 starts
As a freshman his only game was against Vanderbilt as a guard. This past season, however, he moved to right tackle. He ended up starting the final 7 games.
I was high on this kid out of high school. And one of the things was his frame. He came out of high school looking like one of those husky guards you find playing at Georgia. Just naturally big, well over 300 pounds but not fat. Just naturally thick and carried the weight well. He's about 6'4" with great length and his weight is evenly distributed throughout his body. Often times on bigger kids like that you see a lot of the weight in the midsection through the butt and hips. Wannamaker however looked like he had already been in a college weight room coming out of high school, just naturally more mature (physically). And he's mobile, pretty flexible, bends well in the hips, with quick feet. He's got those long arms as well and has that nastiness about him you want in an O-linemen.
Now he had his moments outside and you could see he could hang with about anyone at this level. However, he was out there swimming. His mechanics were all over the place, inconsistent but was saved by his movement and size. And moving forward, I think guard is his best spot. I'd love to see him at the right guard with that size and movement ability. Let this guy pull and climb clearing a path for the running backs. Lee and Wannamaker probably have the highest ceilings at guard, definitely needs to be starting for us.
Behind those 7 is worrisome for me.
We have Hank Manos 6'4" 310lbs who has been limited by injuries and is running out of time. I believe the injures have limited his growth (strength-wise), and I'm not sure of his motivation moving forward.
Trai Jones 6'3" 305lbs (Rs. So) is very athletic for a big man. He has good size, probably limited to center as far as the best chance of playing at this level. IMO, I'd love to see him on that defensive line. With that size and speed, he reminds me of Devonta Wyatt. I think he'd make a really good defensive tackle.
After them you don't have much else. Mark Fox doesn't have SEC size and strength in my opinion. I think he could be a good support guy, a career backup, but I don't know about SEC starter. I like Jordan Davis from Fairburn Georgia. He's a 6'5" 315lbs kid that moves well. I think he needs to develop but he's got a chance to have that SEC size and strength. And you also have JonDarius Morgan 6'3" 325lbs from Alabama. Maybe he can develop with Jordan and provide some quality depth for us.
Of course, I left out the 3 freshmen on purpose. IMO, Henry and Brubaker have the highest ceiling. Henry has that natural size and strength with that competitive attitude that says he's an SEC lineman. He needs some good coaching from a technique standpoint but once he gets that I don't see much holding him back. He's already close to 6'6" and over 300 pounds. This is a good starting point for building you an SEC lineman. He reminds me a little of Zach Bailey, and I think right tackle or any of the guard spots would be a good place for him.
Brubaker has that SEC athleticism you find in linemen. He's got a great frame with a lot of length. He's around 6'5" large wingspan and naturally heavy. He's around 300lbs and could be a nasty left tackle with added strength and mass. And I like his frame because he's lanky but heavy so he can carry a good amount of weight and it does not affect his movement skills. Plus he's a competitor, give him a year or two and he could be really good.
I'm not as high on Grayson Mains. He's a smaller frame 6'4" guy. But, maybe he can turn out to be another Hutcherson type. Hutch grew considerably and turned out to be a monster. I'm not saying Mains will repeat that but just saying it's possible. IMO, I just don't think he's a high ceiling player.
I believe the 2023 class will have at least 4 offensive linemen in it. I believe we are going to use that class to try and flip the room. And hopefully, Lee, Wannamaker, Henry, Brubaker, and a few others can carry the load in 2023 until that class can get their feet under them.