Name: Will Putnam
Position: Offensive Line
Height/Weight: 6'5" / 270 lbs.
Hometown: Harrisburg, NC
Rating: 247Sports: Three star Rivals: Two star ESPN: Two star
No surprise here. The offensive tackle out of Harrisburg, NC has been committed to the Gamecocks since the past summer. He was the first offensive lineman to the Gamecocks 2016 class and was primarily recruited by O-line coach Shawn Elliot.
Strengths: Speed, agility and versatility. The 270 pound Putnam claims to regularly clock in 5.0 40 yard dash times, a large feat for a man well, that large. Elliot and other recruiters were also impressed with lineman's agility and burst off the ball. Putnam played primarily tackle in high school, but has since stated he's developed his technique both as a guard and center, and expects to play one of those positions at South Carolina. His versatility will help plug in holes on the line when needed.
Weakness: Adjustment. If Elliot and the rest of the offensive staff do decide to move Putnam to the interior of the line, he'll lack any in-game experience at either guard or center. One of Putnam's high school coaches did play center in college, and has worked with him on snapping technique, but there's no better practice than in the game.
Overall: Putnam committed to South Carolina in July and wavered very little in that decision through the roller coaster ride of the Gamecocks 2015 season. The fact Elliot remained on the staff may be the biggest factor in why he decided to stick with his commitment, but it's also clear he was fond with Columbia and everything outside of football the university had to offer. Look for him to be a leader on and off the field within the 2016 class.