The Final Cockdown: #71, Brandon Shell

Brandon Shell

RS Senior

Offensive Tackle

6' 6" / 327 lbs.

Goose Creek, SC

Recruitment:

4 stars, 95th nationally, 9th offensive tackle nationally, third in state in the 2011 class

Offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Tennessee

College Career:

Shell has been a mainstay on the offensive line since 2012. After notably choosing South Carolina over Alabama, he was redshirted his freshman year. Shell went on to start 10 games, all but one at right tackle in 2012, earning Freshman All-SEC honors. Started every game at right tackle in 2013 and 2014. He's pretty great.

2015 Outlook:

Shell looks to remain a cornerstone of the offensive line this year. The fifth-year senior is by far the most experienced returning offensive lineman on the Gamecocks roster. After missing spring practice this year while recovering from surgery to repair a torn right labrum, he's reportedly on track for a healthy return by the start of the season. As long as he doesn't suffer any unexpected setbacks, expect to see him anchoring the offensive line at right tackle this year. Despite his injury and off-season surgery, he's still a safe bet for the 2016 NFL draft.

Trivia:

Let's start the week off with a a softball. As noted above, Shell turned down an offer from Alabama, opting instead to sign in-state with South Carolina. What other heralded 2011 signee also spurned an offer from Alabama to stay in his home state and play for the Gamecocks?