CFB Recruiting 200: Top 15 Offensive Tackles
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As national signing day draws near, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today, we present the Top Offensive Tackles.
Other Positions
Offensive tackles take on a greater position of importance in today's collegiate football scene given the elevated importance of an imposing aerial attack. Aside from protecting the passer, these linemen must also seal off the edge for running backs to do damage along the perimeter.
We continue our position-by-position review of America's premier prospects by taking a closer look at the top bookends in this class. Here's a highlighted look at the offensive tackles who appear among 247Sports' top 200 overall prospects, including our 100-point assessment based on power, hands, lateral quickness, pass protection and run blocking.
*All prospects studied and graded by Bleacher Report national recruiting analyst Tyler Donohue.
15. 4-Star Sterling Jenkins
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Height/Weight: 6'8"/305 lbs
High School: Baldwin High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 offensive tackle; No. 188 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 85/100
Committed to Penn State on May 6, 2014
It came down to a pair of Big Ten powerhouses for Sterling Jenkins. After spending significant time at both campuses, he picked Penn State over Ohio State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jenkins is a freakish athlete who went through a major growth spurt during his high school career. Despite shooting up to 6'8", he maintains impressive coordination which should only continue to improve as he continues to become more comfortable at his size.
His power (11/15) isn't yet where it needs to be in order to warrant consideration for early collegiate playing time. I view him as a high-ceiling project who has the athleticism and the footwork to become a starting left tackle down the line.
Jenkins moves well in pass protection (23/25), though his high school leaned heavily on quick hits downfield, so it's difficult to get a read on how he'll handle holding up against edge-rushers for sustained periods of time. Built like a basketball power forward, there are strides to be made, but great potential is in place at left tackle.
14. 4-Star Keaton Sutherland
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/291 lbs
High School: Marcus High School, Flower Mound, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 offensive tackle; No. 182 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 83/100
Committed to Texas A&M on June 16, 2014
Keaton Sutherland became the third 4-star offensive lineman to join Texas A&M's 2015 class last summer. Head coach Kevin Sumlin extended a scholarship offer in February when Sutherland spent time on campus for Junior Day.
He chose the Aggies over several options, including Clemson, Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Sutherland, who spent time at both left and right tackle during high school, is quick and consistent off the snap. He seizes control of a matchup by getting underneath an opponent's chest plate, giving him the ability to turn defenders.
His feet continue to churn as he blocks downfield, though Sutherland has a tendency to neglect his base while exerting power. This occasionally causes him to lose footing and costs him valuable power. His lateral quickness graded out at 22/25 and suits him well for getting out in front of the action on screen plays.
I always appreciate an offensive lineman who takes pride in finishing off blocks through the whistle in order to wear down a defender during the course of four quarters. Sutherland's film is filled with those efforts.
13. 4-Star Bobby Evans
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Height/Weight: 6'4"/280 lbs
High School: Allen High School, Allen, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 offensive tackle; No. 175 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Enrolled at Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops targeted Bobby Evans as an underclassman and landed the Lone Star State prospect shortly after his sophomore campaign. He went on to receive an offer from Texas A&M, where high school teammate and 5-star quarterback Kyler Murray is headed, but he stuck by his pledge to the Sooners.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Evans protected the blind side for Murray, the 2014-15 Gatorade National Player of the Year, during consecutive state championship runs as an upperclassman. The offensive attack required pass-blocking skills from its left tackle, and he delivered, earning a score of 22/25 in that department.
Evans exhibits quality reach with long arms and an above-average lateral shuffle; however, he must learn to deliver punches toward the inside hip of edge-rushers while driving them outside rather than just working up top.
More bend on a regular basis would improve his explosiveness, especially in downhill run-blocking situations. Evans, who converted from tight end in 2013, can extend rushing plays with his mobility by getting to the second level and locking onto a linebacker.
12. 4-Star Ryan Bates
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/280 lbs
High School: Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster, Pennsylvania
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 offensive tackle; No. 161 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Penn State on Feb. 15, 2014
Ryan Bates was one of the first 2015 prospects to join head coach James Franklin's class, kicking off a strong recruiting push for Penn State that lasted into the spring. He pledged to the Nittany Lions less than two weeks after receiving offers from Auburn, Ohio State and Michigan.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bates, who played both tackle positions as a senior, brings an edge to the playing field that teammates can rally around. I witnessed him finish run plays 20 to 30 yards downfield on several occasions while studying tape, and he often left multiple defenders derailed in his wake.
His get-off is precise, putting defensive linemen in dangerous territory as he shoots through from low pad level. He has a powerful base that allows him to drive opponents while maintaining balance, warranting a run-blocking score of 10/10.
Bates' balance isn't quite as ideal in pass protection, as he allows himself to lean forward. College pass-rushers will exploit that tendency, so it should be a point of emphasis at Penn State.
11. 4-Star Jerry Tillery
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Height/Weight: 6'5.5"/315 lbs
High School: Evangel Christian Academy, Shreveport, Louisiana
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 offensive tackle; No. 158 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Committed to Notre Dame on June 22, 2013
Jerry Tillery jumped on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish bandwagon following his sophomore year. He instantly became a foundational piece of what could become a top-10 recruiting class in South Bend.
After taking official visits to Texas A&M, Dartmouth and LSU, Tillery is still set to sign with Notre Dame.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Tillery is a wild card in this mix due to his versatility. He played every position except center along the offensive line in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but he is expected to begin his college career on defense, according to Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com.
The versatile prospect appeared to work himself into better shape during the course of his high school career and was among the most well-put-together offensive linemen this summer at The Opening, an invite-only showcase held at Nike's world headquarters. Tillery jolts opponents off the snap with a quick-trigger initial punch.
He gets his mitts on opponents and does damage, earning a 24/25 grade for handwork. Tillery looks more natural as a run-blocker than in pass protection, but for now, it's a moot point as he switches across the trenches.
10. 4-Star Jack Jones
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/300 lbs
High School: Oakland High School, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 offensive tackle; No. 129 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Enrolled at Tennessee
Jack Jones received an offer from the Tennessee Volunteers during the final stretch of his sophomore year and committed just two days later. He went on to field interest from Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Missouri but stuck by his pledge before enrolling early in Knoxville.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jones is a road-grader who gets an early grip on opponents and doesn't let up until they're lying in the dirt. He uses a strong first step to gain an advantage in pad level, punching his paws up through the defender's chest plate.
Once he locks in, there's little chance for disengagement. Jones earned a 25/25 score for hands and, augmented by elite strength (14/15), turns defenders and clears space for rushers to maneuver.
He consistently lowers his head when approaching blocks, a bad habit that must be remedied for physical health purposes and effectiveness. In limited pass-protection glimpses, he looks good but not great (19/25).
9. 4-Star Keenan Walker
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/280 lbs
High School: Chaparral High School, Paradise Valley, Arizona
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 offensive tackle; No. 128 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Committed to Arizona on April 26, 2014
Rich Rodriguez landed a crucial in-state recruiting target last spring, securing a commitment from Keenan Walker just weeks after he received an offer from Ohio State. He remains locked into that pledge and has spent significant time on campus.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Walker clearly takes a lot of pride in his craft, crushing opponents with top-end power (14/15) and a determined disposition. He attacks opponents with an edge and finishes off blocks to the point where his efforts are clearly beginning to grate on defenders.
His athleticism enables him to scoot well laterally and flash outstanding lateral movement (24/25). Walker is further along as a pass-blocker than run-blocker at this point in his career.
A stronger base will enable him to take on a better approach at the point of attack while spearheading a run offense. There's reason to believe he could take on starting duties as a true freshman in 2015.
8. 4-Star Jake Fruhmorgen
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/280 lbs
High School: Plant High School, Tampa, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle; No. 119 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Enrolled at Clemson
Jake Fruhmorgen fielded offers from Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, Auburn and Ole Miss before his junior season. He didn't wait long to reciprocate interest from Clemson, committing to the Tigers in April 2014.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Fruhmorgen, the son of former Alabama and Miami Dolphins lineman John Fruhmorgen, features a formidable lower body. It provides a strong foundation for an athlete who still has a long way to go in building upper-body bulk.
He uses that base to drive defenders downfield, chopping his feet through the whistle. Fruhmorgen manages to make it to the second level on the majority of plays, helping further his team's rushing efforts (9/10).
His hand placement is consistently on point (23/25), directly disrupting a defensive lineman as part of double-team efforts before hunting down a linebacker. There isn't a ton of power to his game right now, but the technique is outstanding.
His footwork is fluid, but a smoother kick-slide in pass protection could help Fruhmorgen accelerate his maturation process and challenge for a role as an underclassman contributor at Clemson.
7. 4-Star Isaiah Prince
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/272 lbs
High School: Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Greenbelt, Maryland
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 offensive tackle; No. 105 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 82/100
Uncommitted: Considering Ohio State, Maryland and Alabama
Isaiah Prince is being pulled toward his home-state Terrapins, but a pair of national powerhouses loom large. He is set to spend time at Alabama and Ohio State in January, taking things down to the wire.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Prince may have desirable size and length, but there are significant strides to be made before he can make an impact at the collegiate level. His lack of power (10/15) limits the amount of damage he's able to do off the snap and leaves him as an average run-blocker (7/10).
There's a lot to like about his physique and the way he deals with pass-protection responsibilities (23/25). Prince implements a smooth slide-step and sustains solid bend as his duties command lateral movement.
It's difficult to project Prince as an immediate-impact tackle, but a redshirt season could allow him to develop into a quality bookend.
6. 4-Sar Toby Weathersby
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Height/Weight: 6'4.5"/295 lbs
High School: Westfield High School, Westfield, Texas
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 104 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Oklahoma, LSU, Ole Miss and Arkansas
Toby Weathersby's recruitment began to gain traction during his junior season, as he hauled in offers from Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Oklahoma last January alone. He pledged to the Longhorns on March 22 but ultimately backed off that commitment in December.
Weathersby followed the decommitment by lining up official visits at Ole Miss, Arkansas and LSU.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Weathersby, who lined up at both tackle positions in 2014, displays enough range to establish himself along the perimeter or slide inside to guard. He's at his best when pulling around in a lead-block situation, something he was asked to do frequently while at Westfield.
His effectiveness in that role is spearheaded by elite lateral mobility (25/25). Weathersby moves more like a fullback than a lineman approaching 300 pounds, picking apart targets with low pad level and precise footwork.
He's slightly stiff in pass protection, but increased reps in that setting should help him develop better while working his way backward against defensive ends. Weathersby maintains consistent launch off the snap, typically beating opponents underneath their pads.
5. 4-Star Abdul Bello
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/295 lbs
High School: Montverde Academy, Montverde, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle; No. 103 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to Florida State on July 22, 2014
Abdul Bello arrived in America from Nigeria during the summer of 2013 and quickly showed promise in a sport that initially seemed foreign to him. His size and raw athleticism quickly drew attention, earning offers from Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida State before the end of last school year.
He committed to the Seminoles approximately a year after coming to the country.
Bleacher Report Analysis
You may wonder how an immigrant is able to impress so quickly, but a glimpse at Bello tells the tale. He possesses a long, physical frame, wide wingspan and room to pack on another 20 pounds.
His natural build is ideal for the tackle position, and there's a lot more to like about Bello beyond measurables. Footwork, while a work in progress, is apparent, and he manages to maneuver with a smoothness that alludes many young men of his stature, earning a 23/25 score in lateral quickness.
Raw power is also in place (13/15), though more fundamental knee bend would allow him to reach another level of strength. Predictably, technique is Bello's shortcoming right now—particularly in pass protection—but he displays the attitude and athleticism to develop into a multiyear collegiate starter and a coveted NFL prospect.
4. 4-Star Chidi Valentine-Okeke
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/305 lbs
High School: Faith Baptist Christian Academy, Ludowici, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle; No. 101 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Auburn and LSU
Chidi Valentine-Okeke, another Nigerian product, is apparently a lock to play in the SEC. He expects to decide between Alabama, Auburn and LSU, according to Wesley Sinor of AL.com.
Georgia previously hosted him for an official visit, but a change at offensive line coach altered the situation.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He asserted himself as one of America's premier offensive linemen during work at U.S. Army All-American festivities, where he appeared to belong among long-established blue-chip blockers.
He already does an exemplary job of exploding off the snap, firing up through an opponent's chest plate, earning a score of 23/25 for hands. Once Valentine-Okeke gains an immediate advantage, he controls the defender's path and clears out a lane for his running back.
His raw strength (14/15) allows him to manhandle foes despite a lack of elite technique. This element of his approach lends itself well to run blocking (9/10), as Valentine-Okeke bullies defenders downfield.
3. 4-Star Drew Richmond
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/310 lbs
High School: Memphis University School, Memphis, Tennessee
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 offensive tackle; No. 55 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Ole Miss on Sept. 9, 2014
The Rebels reeled in Drew Richmond despite substantial competition from SEC foes Alabama and Tennessee. He's set to spend time at Texas prior to signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He provided some highlight blocks during the three-day stretch in Beaverton and appeared to implement new lessons he learned from instructors.
Richmond does a great job at the point of contact, rolling his hips and punching through the defender (15/15 for power). He was a little overanxious at times, which cost him, but it was an impressive performance overall.
He seemed to take better angles than what showed up on game tape, but of course there's a big difference between drills and live-game action when linebackers enter the equation. Richmond is ridiculously strong for a high school student and can get away with some mistakes by simply overpowering his opponent.
His reach in pass protection is solid but not spectacular (21/25). It would be interesting to see how Richmond would adapt to playing guard if asked to make that transition in college.
The outlook here is that he would benefit from a year on the sidelines, cleaning up his technique and building even more strength. Whenever Richmond is deemed ready to take on a starting role, he has plenty of promise.
2. 5-Star Mitch Hyatt
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/270 lbs
High School: North Gwinnett School, Suwanee, Georgia
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle; No. 22 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Enrolled at Clemson
Mitch Hyatt pledged to the Tigers on national signing day in 2014, spurning an offer from in-state Georgia. He visited Auburn in October but ultimately landed at Clemson and enrolled early.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He's athletic enough to compete against speedy pass-rushers, who hardly ever beat him to the corner in pass protection (24/25). Several standout defensive ends attempted to blow by his outside shoulder at The Opening but ended up being halted in their tracks.
There doesn't seem to be much wasted weight on Hyatt's physical frame, so it's probably safe to project him as playing closer to 290 pounds in college. This will make him sturdier against bull-rush efforts and add to his arsenal as an elite offensive tackle.
He takes coaching tips very well and utilizes them immediately. Hyatt is a technician with his footwork and dishes out an effective first punch at the point of attack to gain leverage.
No offensive lineman is more fundamentally sound on every snap. As Hyatt continues to mature physically, he has the makings of a multiyear All-Conference selection.
1. 5-Star Martez Ivey
15 of 15Height/Weight: 6'5.5"/275 lbs
High School: Apopka High School, Apopka, Florida
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 2 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, LSU and Florida
Martez Ivey has long been considered caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between Auburn and Florida, though LSU has made a late push. He was expected to announce his decision at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but Ivey elected to extend the process.
Bleacher Report Analysis
He performed like a man among boys at The Opening, which speaks volumes since he was competing against the country's top defensive linemen. There's been substantial growth in his game since a junior season that featured more raw strength than airtight fundamentals.
We witnessed an elite athlete really coming into his own in Oregon. Ivey, looking more like a lean basketball forward than a lumbering lineman, makes up ground at a startling pace.
His footwork and slide step put him in position to cut off angles against even the most elite pass-rushers, earning a 24/25 grade for lateral quickness. Ivey won the clash against top-ranked defensive end Josh Sweat on multiple occasions, though he did concede some battles versus the nation's No. 1 weak-side defensive end.
He displays elite reach with a wingspan college coaches covet. He can still afford to make strides when it comes to pad level, but there appeared to be improvement in that department this past season.
Ivey projects as a top-end NFL draft pick down the line.
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