Brandon Shell

If an offensive lineman with the last name Shell rings a bell, Brandon's great uncle is Pro Football Hall of Fame member and former NFL head coach Art Shell. Brandon Shell started his final 47 games at South Carolina dating back to 2012. Most of those starts came at right tackle before moving to the left side as a senior. Shell miss the 2015 spring after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, but returned to start every game at left tackle, earning third-team All-SEC honors by Phil Steele.

he needs to improve his depth and balance in his stance, but shell has the wide base and quickness off the snpa to set up shop and engage rushers. defensive edge rushers had a tough time rushing against the right side of the offensive line during shrine game practices.

--Dane Brugler and Rob Rang (1/21/16)

because he plays tall and doesn't move his feet, shell isn't the consistently dominating presence in the run game that his size and experience would indicate.

IN OUR VIEW

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL player, sporting a massive frame with good overall weight distribution and including broad shoulders, thick thighs but a relatively trim middle. For a man of his size, he shows good initial quickness and holds up well in pass protection because of his length and patience. Eases back off the snap and allows defenders to come to him, generally latching and controlling opponents.

weaknesses

The longer Shell is asked to pass protect, the more his issues become apparent. Too often Shell settles into a spot and allows his feet to stop shuffling laterally. Quicker edge rushers with active hands to keep him from latching on can give him problems with speed odd the edge or counters back inside. As some draft analysts would say, Shell is a classic heavy-legged, waist-bender.

2015: Shell missed the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Standout offensive lineman for head coach Chuck Reedy at Goose Creek (S.C.) High School, graduating in 2011

helped his team to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals as a senior

selected as the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier's Player of the Year

earned a spot on the prestigious PARADE All-America team

played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and in the U.S. Army All-American Game

a four-star prospect who was listed as the state's third-best player, the fourth-best offensive tackle in the country and the 66th-best player regardless of position by Rivals.com

regarded as a five-star prospect and the fifth-best offensive tackle by Scout.com

four-star prospect, ranked No. 77 in the country, the number three recruit in the state and the 12th-best offensive tackle in the nation, according to 247Sports.com

ranked 78th in the PrepStar 150

named first-team All-American by MaxPreps

also played basketball

had offers from all over the Southeast before selecting Carolina over Alabama and Clemson.

Brandon Shell was born February 6, 1992

is a sociology major who graduated in December 2014

great uncle is NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell.