6’5” – 315 lbs.
Background:
Five-star recruit who redshirted as a true freshman and started one of fourteen games played the following year. Took over the starting right tackle job as a sophomore, then slid over to the left tackle spot for his junior campaign before declaring. Has a basketball background.
Positives:
Two-year starter with experience at both tackle spots. Very well-built for a zone blocking scheme like the Buckeyes use. Clearly a plus athlete for his size in terms of overall flexibility and short-area quickness. Fires out low and with explosiveness to jolt defenders; looks powerful at the point of attack. Very good at collapsing the edge of the defensive line by attacking the outside shoulder, with active leg churn after contact to generate movement; shows nastiness to finish when he has opponents on the ropes. Able to climb up to the second level and disrupt linebackers when no defensive linemen are over his shoulder. Nimble in the passing game; can really see his basketball background. Good lateral quickness to mirror and protect the edge against speed, getting solid depth in his kickslide. Pass sets have a wide base and straight back. Active with his hands, resetting effectively. Very good competitiveness through the snap. Keeps his head on a swivel.
Negatives:
Will need to match his listed height to meet the requirements of some teams as a tackle prospect. Can be a little bit of a leaner, causing him to fall off of the occasional block in the run game; typically becoming more likely with distance. Would like him to be more aggressive with his punch; can catch and ride at times. Anchor can drop slightly late. Lowers his head on occasion in pass protection. Can get too much depth and open himself up to inside moves. Some instances where he has to abandon his technique against defensive ends speed-rushing from wide techniques. Hand placement can be a little bit wide.
Summary:
A very impressive offensive tackle prospect who has a few minor technical issues to work on but who was already pretty consistent at the college level and offers an attractive combination of size, flexibility, quickness, explosiveness, and physicality that could make him a blindside protector at the next level. Executed Ohio State’s zone-blocking concepts really well in the run game, but could also work in an inline/power-based offense. Probably going to end up as a second-day pick.
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