In an exciting and insightful conversation on the latest episode of “Talking Ball,” former South Carolina Gamecocks offensive lineman John Strickland sat down with hosts JB and Mike Morgan to break down all things football. The trio delved deep into Strickland’s time with the Gamecocks, his perspective on the evolving nature of college football, and his thoughts on the current state of the game. The conversation touched on everything from blocking schemes and team culture to the challenges of playing in the SEC, and the lessons Strickland learned during his college career that still resonate with him today.
The Early Days: Joining the Gamecocks
John Strickland, a standout offensive lineman, earned his place in South Carolina football history through sheer hard work, dedication, and grit. Reflecting on his early days with the Gamecocks, Strickland spoke candidly about what it was like joining a program that had already established itself as a powerhouse under head coach Steve Spurrier.
“I remember when I first got there, Coach Spurrier was all about execution,” Strickland recalled. “There was a lot of pressure to perform, but also a lot of pride that came with being part of that program. You had to know your role, trust your coaches, and do your job every single play. It was never about personal accolades; it was about team success.”
For Strickland, the journey to becoming a Gamecock was an evolution, one that tested his mental and physical toughness. He noted that his transition from high school to college football was filled with challenges, particularly when it came to adjusting to the speed and complexity of the game. “In high school, you can get by on talent,” Strickland said. “But once you get to college, especially in the SEC, it’s a whole different animal. Everyone is big, fast, and strong. What separates you is your mindset and willingness to learn.”
This mentality helped Strickland thrive during his time as an offensive lineman for South Carolina. As he explained during the interview, offensive linemen have one of the toughest and most underappreciated roles on the field. “As an O-lineman, your job is to make sure everyone else looks good,” Strickland said with a smile. “You’re the unsung heroes of the game, and that’s okay. As long as you’re doing your job, you don’t need the spotlight.”
The Importance of Offensive Line Play in College Football
One of the major points of discussion during the interview was the importance of the offensive line in modern football. Strickland, who had a front-row seat to some of the SEC’s fiercest defensive lines, emphasized that offensive line play was the foundation of a successful team. “Everything starts up front,” Strickland said. “It doesn’t matter how great your skill players are if your offensive line isn’t doing its job. You can have all the talent in the world at quarterback or running back, but if they don’t have time to make plays or space to run, it’s not going to work.”
JB and Mike Morgan were quick to agree with Strickland, especially in light of how college football has evolved over the years. “The game has become so fast-paced now,” Mike Morgan pointed out. “It’s all about quick throws, tempo offenses, and spread formations. But if the offensive line can’t hold its ground against those elite pass rushers, everything else falls apart.”
Strickland acknowledged the shift toward more dynamic, high-speed offenses, but he also stressed that the fundamentals of offensive line play have remained largely the same. “Sure, the game’s changed with more spread offenses, but the principles of blocking haven’t changed,” he said. “It’s all about leverage, hand placement, and understanding the defense you’re facing. The physicality hasn’t gone anywhere, either. That’s why the SEC is still one of the most competitive conferences in the country. You’re going up against elite talent every single week.”
The SEC: A Different Animal
When the conversation turned to the SEC, Strickland’s eyes lit up. Having played in one of the most competitive conferences in college football, Strickland had a front-row seat to some of the toughest competition in the country.
“It’s no secret that the SEC is the toughest conference in college football,” Strickland said. “Week in and week out, you’re facing top-tier defenses with incredible athletes. Playing in the SEC is a grind. There are no easy games. Every game is a battle, and that makes you a better player.”
Strickland reminisced about some of the toughest opponents he faced during his time with the Gamecocks. “I remember going up against guys like Derrick Thomas from Alabama, Jadeveon Clowney in practice (who was our guy), and other SEC defensive stalwarts. Those are the types of players who make you bring your best every single week. It’s a league that tests you mentally and physically.”
Mike Morgan added that the SEC’s physicality is one of the defining characteristics of the conference. “If you can survive the SEC, you can play anywhere,” he said. “It’s a meat grinder every season, and it truly separates the contenders from the pretenders.”
Strickland agreed, noting that the physical demands of playing in the SEC taught him a lot about resilience and perseverance. “The SEC prepares you for everything. It teaches you how to fight through adversity, how to pick yourself up after a tough game, and how to stay focused when things aren’t going your way.”
The Evolution of the Game
As the conversation continued, the trio began discussing the evolution of college football, particularly the growing role of analytics, player conditioning, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights.
“Analytics are everywhere in football now,” Strickland observed. “It’s amazing how much the game has evolved from the time I played. When I was at South Carolina, we didn’t have all the data-driven insights that coaches have today. Now, everything from player efficiency to defensive tendencies is broken down in ways that help coaches make decisions on the fly.”
Strickland noted that while analytics can be a powerful tool, there’s still a human element to football that data can’t replace. “At the end of the day, it’s about execution. No amount of data can replace the will to win or the heart of a team. Football is still a game of physicality and mental toughness.”
The discussion turned to the impact of NIL, which has transformed the landscape of college athletics. Strickland expressed mixed feelings about the rapid changes but acknowledged the importance of allowing players to profit off their name, image, and likeness. “It’s a double-edged sword,” Strickland said. “On one hand, I think players should be able to benefit financially from their hard work. On the other hand, I think it can complicate things. It’s something that needs to be handled carefully.”
JB and Mike Morgan both agreed that while NIL opens up new opportunities for athletes, it also adds a layer of complexity to recruiting and team dynamics. “It changes the business of college football,” JB pointed out. “But at the end of the day, it’s great for players who are able to capitalize on their talent and marketability.”
Advice for the Next Generation
As the conversation wrapped up, Strickland shared some words of wisdom for the next generation of football players. Reflecting on his own journey, he emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and staying true to one’s values.
“My advice would be to never take anything for granted,” Strickland said. “Success doesn’t come overnight. It takes dedication and sacrifice. Also, don’t let the outside noise distract you. In football, you’re going to face criticism, setbacks, and challenges, but you have to stay focused on your goals and trust the process.”
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and building relationships with teammates. “Football is a team sport, and it’s important to build strong bonds with your teammates,” Strickland said. “The best teams I was a part of were ones where everyone had each other’s back, and we worked together as a unit.”