Offensive Line Spring Update

I had an opportunity to speak with OL Coach Scott Smouse today to get an update on spring practice. Here are notes from our conversation.

Q: We lost Reggie Wade and Josh Carroll from last year’s team. How will we fill those spots?

A: Tylor Chambers is a rising junior that was FCS Honorable Mention All-American this past season at guard. He has taken most of the snaps this spring at center. He helped the Gamecocks lead the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing offense and was an All-OVC selection. Matt Jones and Tyler Ogletree have also taken snaps at center this spring, but Chambers would be the starting center if the season started today. Ogletree has played center before. When Reggie Wade got hurt in 2008, Ogletree played the last two games at center for us.

Q: Tell me about the other returning players.

A: Curt Porter stays at left tackle and Matt Jones will stay at left guard. We have a lot of stability on that side of the line with their experience. Both are seniors and they’ve had a lot of playing time. With Chambers playing center, Tyler Ogletree will play right guard. Justin Kay will see a lot of time at right tackle. He’s one of our better linemen. Tori Mobley saw a lot of playing time last year, and he will see more this year, but this spring has been rehabbing an off-season injury. I believe you will see Mobley, Kay, Ogletree, Jones, Porter and Chambers see a lot of playing time between the 6 of them. Some can play multiple positions within the line.

Q: If you need more depth, who will you turn to?

A: Colt Kennedy will be a redshirt freshman from GA. He’s been repping at tackle and continues to develop. He could help next season.

Devon Hayes, from Lineville, AL will be a senior. He is one of our biggest guys. He’s working hard to add depth at the guard position for us.
Ricky Clemons will be a redshirt freshman we signed last year from Michigan. Ricky will add depth at guard.
Taylor Johnstone played high school ball in GA and went to Garden City Community College. He’s been repping at center and at tackle.
Odie Rush walked on from East Mississippi Community College. He’s 6’4”, 300 lbs. They had a very good team at their level, and Odie has been doing well this spring. He’s been repping at tackle.

Q: Will any of the signees see action this fall?

A: That’s a tough question to answer before they get to campus. We’ll see what they have when they get here. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have.

Q: When you are recruiting offensive linemen, what do you look for?

A: At this level, it’s more about athleticism than size. Players with a lot of size can get by in high school just overpowering people for the most part. It’s not that way in college. I look for people that are ready to learn technique and footwork. They need to be able to move more than just run over someone.

Q: The first game is against Ole Miss. While offensively, they are looking to replace the quarterback and their top running back, their defense looks pretty tough. What do you think about them?

A: Their d-line is unbelievable. Their defense as a whole is very fast. They have great athletes, and they should…they are in the SEC. We will try to be creative and cut down our opportunities for missed assignments. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Thank you Coach Smouse for your time today.