Recommitments are rare but South Carolina managed to pull it off with one of their most important recruits. Four-star Tosin "Tree" Babalade just announced he'll be signing with South Carolina tomorrow. The offensive lineman out of Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha had decommitted from the Gamecocks last week and nearly picked Maryland instead.
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IN HIS OWN WORDS
"It's definitely an amazing place," Babalade said. "Everything is good there. A lot of people are leaving so I think there's a better chance to see the field early and get some more experience.
"I really don't know much about the new offensive coordinator," he said. "Coach Beamer was saying that I should take my time and not rush anything. He was saying I knew why I committed and that they loved me.
"Desmond (Umeozulu) and Zahbari (Sandy) are some of my close friends from up here," said Babalade. "They helped me feel better out it."
RIVALS' REACTION
Getting Babalade back on board is huge for the Gamecocks. They've lost a couple offensive linemen to the transfer portal and had a junior college offensive lineman decommit recently so they really needed to bring back Babalade. It's even more surprising to see Babalade recommit to South Carolina when you consider the influence MarShawn Lloyd has over many DeMatha prospects. Lloyd, a former DeMatha star, is also transferring out of South Carolina.
Babalade is a big time talent on the offensive line with lots of potential. The has the athletic traits of many NFL offensive linemen and will continue to get better as he gains more experience. The South Carolina strength and conditioning staff have a lot to work with and could turn Babalade into a high draft pick if all goes as planned. Right now, Babalade excels as a run blocker. He drives his man off the line of scrimmage and can get blocks at the second level and in the open field on screen plays. Babalade has the tools to be an elite pass blocker but more experience will really help him get a better sense of timing with his punch and improve his hand placement.
