Name: Pete Leota
Position: Offensive Line
Height/Weight: 6'4" / 300 lbs.
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Rating: 247Sports: Three Star Rivals: Two Star ESPN: Three Star
Committed since mid-September, Leota holds firm with his commitment through a not so smooth football season for the Gamecocks. Much of his decision to stick with the Gamecocks comes from Shawn Elliot, his primary recruiter, being retained on the coaching the staff.
Strengths: Playing in a run happy offense in high school, Leota gained some necessary experience in run blocking and should have a good idea of the schemes implemented in South Carolina's new offense. He also was able to get some exposure to the spread, which should pay dividends in Columbia. While he's right around 300 lbs., Leota also possesses the agility and explosiveness to get off the line and down field to run defenders over.
Weaknesses: Pass protection. It's hard to spot a pass play through his various highlight clips that features some sort of resemblance to a forward pass. That might be an issue, and will definitely serve as a learning curve for the Asheville standout.
Leota will battle with four other offensive lineman recruits for some playing time in his freshman season.