Transfer OT Sidney Fugar calls Gamecocks his favorite after being offered Sunday
SPORTSTALK / January 2, 2023
USC remains active in the NCAA Transfer Portal with the Gamecocks seeking to add a veteran offensive tackle to their 2023 class. Sunday the Gamecocks offered Sidney Fugar (6-6 330), a transfer from Western Illinois with three years of eligibility remaining. Fugar has been talking with offensive analyst and fill-in offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley, and the conversations have gone well from both sides.“Me and Coach Teasley talked a little bit and he kind of welcomed me, kind of felt like we had that special connection,” Fugar said. “I kind of trust him already after the little conversations that we’ve had. I just feel like South Carolina is definitely on top of my list now just from me having a little bit of conversation time with them.”
These contacts with Teasley are not the first for Fugar who is a native of Waldorf, MD.
“Me and Coach Teasley actually go back from his days at North Carolina Central,” Fugar said. “He kind of told me the first reason why he even reached back out to me was because of my transitioning of my body the past couple of years compared to high school. He loves how precise I am with my punch and my kick step. He just loves all the great things I have on film. They definitely want a tackle to come in and take over.”
Fugar is going to move quickly with the process so he can enroll this month. He will visit Cincinnati January 4th and is planning to visit USC this weekend. He’s also looking at Memphis for a possible visit. Though it is a dead period, transfers can visit as long as they’ve signed a written offer of admission or financial aid.
Fugar entered the Portal in early December. He’s also attracted offers from Murray State, Northern Arizona, Southern Illinois, Northwestern State, Troy, Hawaii, Eastern Kentucky, ODU and East Carolina.
Fugar appeared in one game for the Leathernecks in 2021 and redshirted. He played in nine games this season and was named the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year.