South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp said he would not rush into hiring his next offensive line coach after Shawn Elliott left for the Georgia State head coaching position. In the meantime, veteran offensive line coach John Latina will step in to coach Carolina’s offensive line for the bowl season, which runs up until the Birmingham Bowl on January 29.

“I feel like the secondary and offensive line are two positions (along with) quarterback, three positions that you better have somebody that’s coached the position and understands what they’re doing,” Muschamp said. “You can’t just fit somebody in there and hope it goes well. John’s experience of over 30 years, 37 years to be exact, we’re going to enjoy helping us through the bowl game.”

Players spoke for the first time on Monday since the end of the regular season and the three offensive linemen made available – Mason Zandi, Zack Bailey and Cory Helms – said they have enjoyed the sample size of time they have had with Latina and are making the adjustments to his techniques.

“He’s seen a lot of ball and knows lot of technique. He’s been put in an awkward situation with a team that has their calls, has everything as Coach Elliott set it and now he has to relearn how to call things as well. In terms of technique and breaking down film with him, he’s top notch. I just try to pick his brain with his experience. Getting different perspectives from how to play the position is crucial.”

Latina has experience with Gamecocks offensive coordinator Kurt Roper. The two were on coaching staffs together at Ole Miss and Duke.

Helms likened Latina’s coaching approach to Elliott’s, one that was hard-nosed and got after players. He has noticed that Latina’s technique in the running game differs from Elliot’s.

The Gamecocks offensive line had its breakdowns throughout the season, struggling to create holes in the run game. Muschamp said getting better at running the football will be a goal throughout bowl practices. Latina’s experience and knowledge of different techniques is something the offensive line is quickly noticing.

“At first it was a different change for us. He’s grown on us the past couple of days and we’re starting to understand his style of football and kind of what he’s trying to carry out,” Bailey said. “He wants you to move people off the line, so that’s our goal.”

The Gamecocks started bowl practice on December 15, will take a three day break from December 22-25 for Christmas and will practice in Birmingham from December 26-28.

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