'I enjoy mauling guys': New South Carolina offensive lineman embraces physicality
This week, a new batch of South Carolina football players introduced themselves to the media. In total, 13 transfer portal additions (all 13 of the portal players committed and enrolled in the 2025 cycle) were on hand. GamecockCentral was one of several media entities that spoke with the newest Gamecocks.
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One of the best quotes of the day came from former Wake Forest Demon Deacons offensive lineman Nick Sharpe.
Sharpe–who was the Gamecocks’ second transfer portal commitment this winter–has the right mindset for an offensive lineman. The 6-2, 340-pound interior lineman said plainly to 107.5 The Game, “I enjoy mauling guys.”
The quote was just four words that were part of a longer conversation, but it is representative of much more. Sharpe embraces physicality and loves run blocking, something that Gamecock offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley emphasized throughout the 2024 season as a significant reason as to why the offense improved from a program-worst rushing yardage output the season prior.
South Carolina’s offensive line unit battled inexperience, injuries, and overall poor play in 2023. Because of that, USC averaged just 85 yards rushing per game. With some better health, play, and personnel, that number jumped by 99 yards for 2024.
Adding to his quotability rating, Sharpe dropped another one-liner that would make offensive line coaches and Gamecock fans alike drool. Along the same lines as his professed love of mauling, Sharpe stated, “I enjoy knocking guys off the ball…getting pancakes.”
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“Knocking guys off the ball,” “getting pancakes,” “mauling guys”–it all sounds good for Sharpe and the big uglies up front. If he and his position group can deliver that level of play, South Carolina will have a chance to field a dangerous offense in 2025.
Starting tackles Josiah Thompson and Cason Henry return, and former starter Tree Babalade will be back to compete, as well. On the interior, the Gamecocks have a long list of talented players, including Sharpe.
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GamecockCentral also had the chance to speak with Sharpe on Wednesday. During that conversation, the big fella shouted out fellow linemen Trovon Baugh, Markee Anderson, Boaz Stanley, and RJ Newsom as offseason standouts. Interestingly, all four will compete with Sharpe for the three starting spots on USC’s interior offensive line. Torricelli Simpkins, Vershon Lee, and Kamaar Bell graduated and will compete at South Carolina’s Pro Day later this month.
Sharpe and the rest of the 2025 South Carolina football team will begin spring practice in less than two weeks. The Gamecocks will play the annual Garnet and Black Spring Game on Friday, April 18th and will open the 2025 season in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Virginia Tech on August 31st.
