Former Demon Deacon Cory Helms looks to finish his career strong as a Gamecock

Welcome to offensive line week! The Final Cockdown is going take the next two weeks to appreciate the underappreciated big guys who make room for big runs and clean pockets. Here’s a list of who we’ll go through the next 13 days:

DJ Park | Zack Bailey | Christian Pellage | Alan Knott | Cory Helms | Donell Stanley | Malik Young | Blake Camper | Dennis Daley | Jordon Carty | Eric Douglas | Chandler Farrell | Summie Carlay | Jordan Rhodes

#51 Cory Helms

RS Senior / 6’5” / 308 / Alpharetta, Ga. / Milton

In 2013 Cory Helms looked well on his way to being one of of the best Wake Forest lineman ever. He was the first Demon Deacon since 1987 to start his first collegiate game and only missed one start when he gave his spot up to a senior on senior night. At the end of the season, he was named to the All-ACC freshman team.

However, when Dave Clawson came to town in place of Jim Grobe Helms’ playing time slowly disseminated. He started seven games at left guard before moving back to center and decided he no longer wanted to play for Clawson. After visiting Texas A&M, Penn State and Mississippi State, Helms chose the Gamecocks as his transfer destination.

After sitting out 2015, Helms started every game at guard in 2016 and even moved to center against Vanderbilt. He, along with Alan Knott and Zach Bailey will make up the core of the line this season and will have to improve as a unit if they want this offense to take the next step.

Select highlight: Check out Knott obliterate this poor UMass defender on this nasty pull.

2016 Stats: 13 starts

Recruitment: Three-star; offers from North Carolina, South Florida, Troy, Colorado State and Wake Forest. Committed to the Demon Deacons on Feb. 6, 2013. Officially transferred to South Carolina on Jan. 25, 2015.

Next Up: Donnell Stanley, a projected starter a guard who most of 2016 with an injury.