South Carolina football earns commitment from top-ranked in-state O-lineman
South Carolina has landed the top 2026 offensive lineman from the Palmetto State. At a ceremony inside Carvers Bay High on Friday morning, four-star offensive lineman Zyon Guiles announced he was committing to South Carolina. He becomes the Gamecocks’ sixth 2026 pledge and the second offensive lineman, joining South Pointe’s Anthony Baxter. The news comes just two weeks after Guiles announced his top seven schools, which included: Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. He had hats of his final schools on the table at Friday’s ceremony. “I will be taking my academic and athletic talents to South Carolina,” Guiles said as he picked up the Gamecocks’ hat. South Carolina and Clemson actually both offered Guiles on the same day June 5, and it seemed like he was going to visit both. In February, Guiles announced spring and summer plans to visit a half-dozen schools. Instead, he decided to commit to Shane Beamer’s program before taking a single official visit. Guiles is ranked as a top-160 prospect and a top-15 offensive tackle in the country.
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Georgetown product is another piece to what could be another massive in-state recruiting haul for the Gamecocks. Going by 247Sports’ composite rankings, the Gamecocks have already earned commitments from the No. 1 player in the state (CB J’Zavien Currence), the No. 3 player (Guiles) and the No. 5 player (TE Jamel House). And the father of the No. 4 player — Dutch Fork edge Julian Walker (still uncommitted) — works for the USC football team.
Patriots Meet “At Length” With South Carolina Interior Defensive Lineman
At the South Carolina Gamecocks Pro Day, the New England Patriots were very aware of the defensive lineman. Edge rusher Kyle Kennard and the Patriots met, and the Patriots also met with another South Carolina defensive lineman. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Patriots “met at length” with South Carolina defensive tackle DeAndre Jules. New England needs more defensive line help, even after their free-agent additions. Jules had a tough 2024, as he was fighting injuries during the second half of the season. But at the South Carolina pro day, Jules “looked healthy and athletic on the field.” according to Pauline. After four years in Pittsburgh, Jules came to South Carolina in 2024, where he played just 141 snaps. 2023 saw Jules play 474 snaps, more than half the total snaps he’s played in his collegiate career. In 2024, Jules had three pressures on 69 pass-rushing snaps according to Pro Football Focus. He didn’t sack the quarterback, nor hit the quarterback. 2023 saw Jules get two sacks and nine pressures, the most in his career. As a college defensive tackle, Jules has five total sacks, and 20 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus. Jules calling card isn’t his pass-rush repertoire, but rather his run-stopping ability.
After signing Milton Williams, the Patriots added a dynamic pass-rushing defensive tackle. But, there are some concerns over his run-stopping ability. Jules could be a solution to the run defense, and would likely be a day-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Patriots meeting at length with Jules creates a connection to monitor heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 24th, and ends on Saturday, April 26th.
