Can Malik Young hold down right tackle all year for South Carolina?

The Final Cockdown’s offensive line week rolls on! We’re taking the time to appreciate the underappreciated big guys who make room for big runs and clean pockets. If you missed anyone, click below to catch up:

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

#77 Malik Young

RS Junior / 6’4” / 294 / Pelzer, S.C. / Woodmont

Malik Young paid his dues in his first two seasons on campus. He redshirted as a freshman in 2014 and only played special teams in three games in 2015. But in 2016 when DJ Park was struggling, Young stepped in as a unlikely force to try and stabilize the line.

Young would go on to start the final nine games of the season and is projected to hold down right tackle in 2017. The offensive tackle position is going to have a big spotlight on it this season — Sadarius Hutcherson and DJ Park will be fighting for starting positions against Young this fall.

By all means Young’s job isn’t in jeopardy, but considering the shuffling we saw last year I wouldn’t put it past the coaching staff to have a short leash on Young if his production slips at all early on.

Select highlight: Watch Young (left) put a massive punch on former South Carolina teammate Dexter Wideman (right) at the 2013 Shrine Bowl.

2016 Stats: 9 starts

Recruitment: Three-star; offers from Clemson, Duke, Maryland and South Carolina. Committed to the Gamecocks on May 28, 2013.

Next Up: Blake Camper, a Virginia native whose unique size makes him an interesting piece on the line.