Shedrick Sarratt Jr.

Introduction: Another impactful addition to South Carolina’s offensive line is Shedrick Sarratt Jr., a standout from Gaffney High School. At an imposing 6'4" and 300 pounds, Sarratt possesses all the physical attributes that top programs covet in an offensive lineman: size, athleticism, and versatility. Widely regarded as one of the top players in South Carolina high school football, he has consistently demonstrated the skills required to succeed at the collegiate level. Sarratt earned a spot as one of five finalists for the prestigious South Carolina Mr. Football Award and received invitations to both the Shrine Bowl and the Navy All-American Game. This past year, Sarratt’s recruitment skyrocketed, seeing him rise from a mid-level three-star prospect to a four-star recruit ranked among the top 200 players nationally, including the No. 12 interior offensive lineman and No. 4 overall player in South Carolina. While he is projected to play interior offensive line at the next level, Sarratt’s ability to move as a tackle showcases his impressive versatility. He also excels in basketball, which is evident in his highlight tapes, where his footwork and spatial awareness on the football field shine. The offensive line has been an area of concern for South Carolina in recent years, but the infusion of young talent coupled with the progress made by the previous recruiting classes promises to turn this unit into one of the team's strengths as early as 2025.

Recruiting: Despite interest from several major programs, Shedrick Sarratt Jr.'s recruitment ultimately came down to a showdown between South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Colorado’s Deion Sanders. The Gamecocks made an early impact, being one of the first schools to offer Sarratt a scholarship, which allowed them to establish a strong relationship right from the start. Coach Lonnie Teasley played a pivotal role in Sarratt’s recruitment, having built a personal connection with the player over several years, as Teasley’s best friend has been Sarratt’s trainer since the 10th grade. His first visit to South Carolina for the spring game further solidified his interest, as he was impressed with the facilities, the strength and conditioning program, and the camaraderie among the players. He also participated in the Gamecocks' OL/DL camp, where Teasley’s ability to analyze Sarratt's game and illustrate how he would fit into South Carolina's system was crucial in the decision-making process. Another major factor in Sarratt's choice was the family aspect. South Carolina's proximity to his hometown of Gaffney meant his family could easily attend games and practices, ensuring they could stay involved in his college career. Coach Beamer and his staff were determined to keep Sarratt home, applying constant pressure up until the day of his commitment. "My top school choices were South Carolina and Colorado. The last week before my commitment, South Carolina was telling me how much they wanted me to be a Gamecock, and Colorado really wasn’t talking to me. So I knew then that that’s where I wanted to be, and it’s closer to home," Sarratt explained. While Sarratt may not be the most high-profile recruit in this class, securing his commitment is a significant win for South Carolina. Keeping top in-state talent at home is always a critical aspect of a successful recruiting strategy.

Strength and skills: Shedrick Sarratt’s size makes him a force at the point of attack, but it’s his functional strength that sets him apart. His lower-body power allows him to anchor against defenders in both the run and pass game, creating push in the run game and controlling the trenches. Despite his size, Sarratt moves with surprising fluidity and agility, demonstrating footwork typically seen in lighter linemen. His ability to shuffle laterally and mirror pass rushers with quickness and balance showcases his refined coordination. His versatility is evident in his ability to seamlessly switch between roles, highlighting his high football IQ and understanding of blocking schemes. He excels in pass protection with quick adjustments and has the strength to withstand bull rushes, anchoring firmly in the pocket. What truly stands out is his ability to finish plays with authority. He consistently delivers crushing pancake blocks, driving defenders into the dirt and completely eliminating them from the play. His relentless motor ensures that he plays through the whistle, always looking to finish strong. Sarratt’s advanced understanding of offensive line play also shines through in his ability to pick up stunts and adjust to complex blitz packages. His physical strength and mental sharpness make him nearly impossible to move off his spot, ensuring he remains a dominant force in both the run and pass game.