South Carolina loses four-star offensive line commitment
The South Carolina offensive line class got smaller Tuesday afternoon.
Gamecocks offensive lineman Oluwatosin Babalade announced on social media he was decommitting from South Carolina, citing needing more time to think about his recruitment.
“I have decided to decommit from South Carolina. I just need more time to think about things.”
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Babalade, or Big Tree, was the team’s sixth-highest-rated recruit in the class and second-highest-rated offensive lineman behind Markee Anderson.
On3 considered Babalade a four-star prospect and the No. 179 player in the class. He checked in as the No. 250 player in the On3 consensus rankings, also a four-star.
The Gamecocks’ coaching staff just recently completed an in-home visit with the offensive lineman over the weekend.
Babalade committed to the Gamecocks in August in a top five that included Maryland, Ohio State, Rutgers and North Carolina.
South Carolina’s 2023 class was ranked No. 17 nationally, seventh in the SEC, with Babalade’s commitment. The class is now down to 19 commitments, nine of which are considered blue-chip prospects.
The Gamecocks have eight players considered four-stars in the On3 Consensus rankings. Anderson is the highest rated offensively followed by EDGE player Desmond Umeozulu and linebacker Pup Howard.
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He’s the first offensive decommitment in the Gamecocks’ 2023 class. Jaden Robinson, a linebacker, flipped from South Carolina to Florida.
South Carolina’s seen a few players also hop in the portal recently, including MarShawn Lloyd, Jaheim Bell and Austin Stogner.
The Gamecocks have eight days until the early signing period starts on Dec. 21. They’ll also begin bowl preparations Thursday as well.
Babalade’s On3 Scouting Report
“Big-framed offensive lineman with the brute strength to overpower defensive linemen. Has college-ready size, measuring at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wing-span prior to his senior season. Moves well at his size, both on Friday nights and in the camp setting. Turned in a solid 4.85 second short shuttle. Works at left tackle for a top high school program in DeMatha. Has significant upper body strength and pop in his hands.
“Stones opposing pass rusher at the point of attack. Can sling defensive linemen to the ground with relative ease. Faces top competition, including many future Power Five pass rushers on a weekly basis. Had a dominant showing at Under Armour’s Baltimore camp. Could play multiple spots on the offensive line at the next level. Still developing from a technique perspective. Has room to improve as a run blocker and in sustaining blocks. Also has a tendency to play high at times.”
