B/R CFB Recruiting 200: Top 19 Offensive Tackles
After a thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Offensive Tackles.
Skill-position players typically command the largest spotlight in college football and are featured prevalently in national highlights and Heisman Trophy campaigns. However, these scintillating athletes wouldn't warrant nearly as much attention if not for support from the big fellas up front who often operate in obscurity.
Strong offensive attacks at any level of the sport require steady performances in the trenches, where tackles serve as bookends. Routinely considered the most athletic members of an offensive line, these blockers are counted on to create rushing lanes along the perimeter and protect their quarterback from incoming pass-rushers off the edge.
It's a position that requires significant persistence and patience during the transition from high school to college. Here's a breakdown of America's premier 2016 offensive tackles, including Bleacher Report scores based on strength, lateral quickness, run blocking, pass protection and hand placement.
All prospects scouted by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. Players ordered by appearance in 247Sports' composite rankings.
19. 4-Star Josh Ball
1 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'7", 297 lbs
High School: Stafford (Fredericksburg, Virginia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 19 offensive tackle; No. 199 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Florida State on June 5, 2015
The Seminoles reached into Mid-Atlantic territory again to snag Josh Ball, who also considered nearby options at Virginia, Virginia Tech and Maryland. Florida State beat out suitors from throughout the country for his commitment after contending with a collection of schools that included South Carolina, Penn State and Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ball displays impressive range for a lineman of his stature. We often see tall teenage tackles struggle with coordination, but that doesn't appear to be a major issue here, as he is able to extend along the perimeter and seal off rushing lanes without getting in the way of his running back.
Ball bursts off the snap with above-average lateral agility and can quickly eliminate a linebacker from the equation. Expect increased strength training to pack on solid weight before he hits the field in Tallahassee, and that should enable him to handle bull rushes with greater efficiency.
18. 4-Star Scott Lashley
2 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'6", 300 lbs
High School: West Point (West Point, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 18 offensive tackle; No. 192 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include LSU, Mississippi State, Alabama and Oregon
Scott Lashley provided recruiting analysts with another example of how unpredictable the process can be, committing to Mississippi State for a single day in May. Now, nine months later, the Bulldogs remain in contention, but it's a crowded race.
Though Oregon was left off his recent top-three list, the Ducks are scheduled to lure him west for an official visit in January, according to Courtney Cronin of the Clarion-Ledger.
Bleacher Report Analysis
On film, Lashley often looked like a grown man playing a kid's game at the high school level. He frequently dominated opponents by simply delivering a devastating initial blow, and as much as these blocks are highlight-tape material, it's important to see him progress early in college.
Lashley didn't need to rely on footwork or precise hand placement nearly as much as he will in the years to come, as he often buried a defender early off the snap and moved on to the next play. His biggest challenge will be to become comfortable when engaging quicker opponents located at angles that require quick-trigger agility.
17. 4-Star Clark Yarbrough
3 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 257 lbs
High School: Woodberry Forest (Woodberry Forest, Virginia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 17 offensive tackle; No. 188 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Stanford on May 19, 2015
Clark Yarbrough collected more than 30 scholarship offers by the end of his junior year but felt confident enough in his opportunity with the Cardinal to commit early. Stanford surged past programs such as Auburn, Oklahoma, Penn State and Clemson in this pursuit.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Yarbrough weighs approximately the same as LSU Tigers running back commit Devin White, so Stanford's staff will aim to maximize his physical frame. Once he's physically prepared to compete at a starter's level for the Pac-12 title contender—and that probably projects as 2017 at best—his athleticism and aggressiveness will make him an offensive mainstay.
Few offensive tackles in this cycle are capable of getting to the second level with the burst and smoothness showcased in Yarbrough's efforts. He does outstanding work as a lead blocker out in front of a screen pass.
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16. 4-Star Jauan Williams
4 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'7", 303 lbs
High School: Archbishop Carroll (Washington, D.C.)
247Sports Ranking: No. 16 offensive tackle; No. 166 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include Florida, Florida State, Maryland, Nebraska and Oklahoma
Maryland covets this local standout, but a coaching change from Randy Edsall to D.J. Durkin has left the Terrapins scrambling a bit to stabilize current commitments and gain new ones. Jauan Williams is considering several alternatives elsewhere, including Florida and Florida State.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Williams maneuvers more like a basketball forward than an offensive lineman. His length allows him to gain grips on defensive targets in a hurry, and he consistently drives downfield with authority.
At this stage in Williams' development, he appears far more comfortable rumbling forward than sliding back. Better balance in pass protection will further enhance his range and allow him to hold up strong against speedy pass-rushers.
15. 4-Star Willie Allen
5 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'7 ½", 300 lbs
High School: John Curtis (New Orleans)
247Sports Ranking: No. 15 offensive tackle; No. 149 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Committed to LSU on January 21, 2016
LSU head coach Les Miles has multiple uncommitted in-state targets as Feb. 3's national signing day approaches, and Willie Allen is among those of utmost importance. Auburn has a late official visit scheduled, while LSU, Georgia and TCU previously welcomed him to campus.
Bleacher Report Analysis
This monstrous prospect punishes opponents rep after rep, reaching his intended target with a well-packed first punch. His arms and hands are large enough to handle what comes next, as Allen overpowers defenders and does excellent work of turning their shoulders to take control of matchups.
He occasionally comes out of his stance too high, but that essentially comes with the territory of a young athlete approaching 6'8". Allen's balance will be tested early and often in pass protection, but his ability to pulverize foes in the ground game is an asset he'll bring to the table in 2016.
14. 4-Star Cole Van Lanen
6 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5", 283 lbs
High School: Bay Port (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
247Sports Ranking: No. 14 offensive tackle; No. 140 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 86/100
Committed to Wisconsin on June 20, 2015
The Badgers cashed in on yet another homegrown offensive lineman, landing Cole Van Lanen over a slew of Big Ten Conference opponents. Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan State and Michigan were among programs that attempted to pluck him out of Wisconsin.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Van Lanen looks like an ideal fit for an offensive attack that loves to rely on its ground game during late stages of the season. He fires off the ball with excellent pad level, propping up opponents by getting his hands underneath their chest plates.
His ability to dispose of his initial defender and move on to the second level also stands out in film review. Van Lanen will have to improve his lateral mobility and slide step as he transforms into a well-rounded collegiate tackle.
13. 4-Star Michael Jordan
7 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5 ¾", 305 lbs
High School: Plymouth (Canton, Michigan)
247Sports Ranking: No. 13 offensive tackle; No. 128 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 84/100
Enrolled at Ohio State
Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer reached into enemy Big Ten Conference territory to claim an early commitment from Michael Jordan. He chose Ohio State over Michigan, Michigan State, Miami, Penn State, Notre Dame and others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Jordan is a road-grader who carves out clear paths for running backs operating behind him. He leaves defenders in his wake, leveling opponents with a powerful upper body.
Jordan seems to show a slight bad habit on film, as he'll drop his head while driving defenders. His overall effectiveness and ability to take on additional defenders will get better as he develops more polished technique.
12. 4-Star Jean Delance
8 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5", 291 lbs
High School: North Mesquite (Mesquite, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 offensive tackle; No. 116 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Texas on Jan. 2, 2016
The Longhorns gained a much-needed in-state standout when Jean Delance pledged to Texas during Under Armour All-America Game action. The former Oklahoma commit also considered LSU and Michigan during a frenzied final stretch of his recruitment.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Delance moves swiftly, handling defensive linemen and linebackers alike. He covers space in a hurry, keeping his hands pumping and his head on a swivel.
Once Delance engages an opponent, his ability to maintain contact and eventually ditch the defender for another target stands out on tape. He's well-built to handle his current weight and carries legitimate multiyear starting left tackle consideration as an underclassman.
11. 4-Star Tramonda Moore
9 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'6", 330 lbs
High School: John Marshall (Oklahoma City)
247Sports Ranking: No. 11 offensive tackle; No. 109 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and UCLA
Tramonda Moore shares mutual admiration with in-state Big 12 Conference options and has expressed interest in both the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys. UCLA beat out both squads for 4-star Oklahoma City offensive lineman Josh Wariboko-Alali last signing day and now aims for a repeat performance. Meanwhile, an upcoming Alabama visit looms large.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Moore carries legitimate potential on both sides of the trenches, competing effectively at defensive tackle during his high school career. He shuffles side-to-side well, allowing himself to slide off the snap to the spot he needs to be.
His effectiveness as a run-blocker makes Moore the guy you look to run behind on 4th-and-short, as he churns through the whistle and regularly leaves defenders lying in dirt. He tends to take on rushers with hands closer to his chest than preferred and will become a far more effective pass-blocker by learning to extend with a balanced base.
10. 4-Star Kellen Diesch
10 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'7", 270 lbs
High School: Byron Nelson (Trophy Club, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 offensive tackle; No. 105 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Committed to Texas A&M on Nov. 8, 2015
The Aggies bagged a key in-state target late in the season, beating out Baylor, Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma and others for Kellen Diesch. He previously pledged to Arkansas but ended his verbal pact with the Razorbacks in September.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Diesch is further along in his pass protection than many of his contemporaries at this point. He shows excellent lateral coordination for a 6'7" prospect and manages to gain good depth to deal with perimeter pass-rushers, who must also contend with his massive wingspan.
Any early rise up the Texas A&M depth chart would require advancements as a run-blocker. Diesch must add significant weight to his frame in College Station in order to gain increased leverage against defensive linemen, who could impact his effectiveness with a powerful bull rush.
9. 4-Star Ben Cleveland
11 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'6", 319 lbs
High School: Stephens County (Toccoa, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 9 offensive tackle; No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Enrolled at Georgia
Ben Cleveland and 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason both committed while attending an event in Athens, Georgia, in July 2014. Cleveland stuck with his commitment throughout dominant junior and senior campaigns despite offers from Florida State, Alabama, Clemson, Ole Miss and other universities.
Bleacher Report Analysis
This is a teenager who seems essentially package-ready for the physicality of collegiate trenches. His technique requires some refinement, primarily when it comes to lower-body mechanics along the edge, but he can hold his own against the big dogs he'll face along SEC defensive fronts.
Cleveland shoots off the ball low and ready to rumble, wearing down defenders during the course of four quarters. Based on how he enters college, he could eventually emerge as one of the most feared tackles in conference play for a portion of his career.
8. 4-Star E.J. Price
12 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'6", 311 lbs
High School: Archer (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle; No. 84 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan State, Oklahoma and USC
A new coaching regime at Georgia would love to bring E.J. Price on board and continue to build up an offensive attack that is already set to welcome two 5-stars in this class. His possible landing spots extend as far as Los Angeles and East Lansing, Michigan.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Price served up pancakes at a prolific pace in high school, displaying the determination and downright feistiness he'll need to thrive in college trenches. This on-field mean streak is especially apparent in run-blocking efforts, as Price pummels opponents and often leaves them lying on the turf several yards from scrimmage.
He's strong for a young player and fires through with solid hand placement by extending his long, powerful arms. Given Price's overall athleticism and natural tenacity, expect him to quickly vie for college reps.
7. 4-Star Liam Eichenberg
13 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'6", 290 lbs
High School: St. Ignatius (Cleveland)
247Sports Ranking: No. 7 offensive tackle; No. 80 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Notre Dame on April 19, 2015
Liam Eichenberg is the first of two Fighting Irish commitments you'll find on this list. He saw enough on the recruiting trail to lock in his Notre Dame commitment as a junior, spurning offers from Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State and Michigan, among other universities.
Bleacher Report Analysis
His physical frame already isn't too far off from where a collegiate training staff would want it. Eichenberg brings an excellent blend of agility and power to the position, enabling him to handle an array of blocking assignments without appearing to lose his bearings.
He manages to maintain proper pad level and a stable center of gravity while engaged with defenders, and he isn't easily shaken off by opponents. Eichenberg's lateral footwork will be an early point of emphasis in South Bend, but he looks like a candidate to crack the team's two-deep next season.
6. 4-Star Landon Young
14 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'7", 270 lbs
High School: Lafayette (Lexington, Kentucky)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 79 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Committed to Kentucky on June 14, 2013
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops wasted no time in establishing his program as a contender here, picking up Landon Young's pledge shortly after his freshman year. Kentucky continues to maintain grips on the prized in-state prospect nearly three years later, overcoming offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State and several other schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Young is another long-limbed blocker who projects to put on significant bulk as a collegiate underclassman. Unlike several other prospects who fall into that category, he projects as more of an instant-impact contributor than a multiyear project.
His fundamentals are sharp in various elements of the position, particularly when it comes to hand placement on a defender's hip. Young understands how to use leverage and pad level to turn an opponent and remove him from a play.
5. 4-Star Ben Bredeson
15 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5", 293 lbs
High School: Arrowhead (Hartland, Wisconsin)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle; No. 39 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Committed to Michigan on June 17, 2015
The Wolverines bagged Ben Bredeson during an exciting time in Ann Arbor when head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff started to catch fire on the 2016 recruiting trail. He is the younger brother of a Michigan baseball player (Jack) and chose the squad over several notable programs, including Ohio State, Alabama, Wisconsin and LSU.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Bredeson uses brute force to his advantage, exploding upward through opposing defenders to deliver an opening jolt. Once he has players on their heels, his ability to finish is apparent, which pads the pancake total.
When tasked with targeting and taking out a linebacker, Bredeson executes with precise footwork and quality reach. He's an enforcer in the trenches and should help Michigan continue its attitude shift under Harbaugh.
4. 4-Star Landon Dickerson
16 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5", 300 lbs
High School: South Caldwell (Hudson, North Carolina)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle; No. 31 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee
It's going down to the wire for Landon Dickerson, and he's bringing several programs along with him. He's taken an official visit to Florida with one upcoming to Alabama, while Tennessee and Georgia could be in his final travel plans before national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There is some outright nastiness to Dickerson's game, and we love it. He is hellbent on getting the better of his opponent on every play, and the results are almost always ugly for the guy who is lined up across from him.
Dickerson moves well and actually saw some high school reps at fullback. As he's more advanced as a run-blocker right now, advancements in pass protection hand placement would further enhance his case as a prospect who can hold down either tackle position with authority.
3. 4-Star Tommy Kraemer
17 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 309 lbs
High School: Elder (Cincinnati)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 offensive tackle; No. 27 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Committed to Notre Dame on Oct. 4, 2014
Notre Dame further solidified its offensive front with an early pledge from Tommy Kraemer, who committed midway through his junior season. Ohio State continued to give chase for the homegrown talent even after that decision, but South Bend, Indiana, is his destination.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There are few fundamental flaws to find in Kraemer's overall body of work, a rarity for linemen at this phase of their development. He's effective in pass-protection settings, shutting down many of America's elite edge-rushers during national high school showcase camps.
He gives off the aura of a team leader, and that's precisely how Kraemer competes. Sharp focus and workmanlike effort ensure he isn't often outfoxed by opponents, which bodes well for his potential to play early.
2. 5-Star Jonah Williams
18 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5", 296 lbs
High School: Folsom (Folsom, California)
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle; No. 17 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Enrolled at Alabama
The top-rated offensive lineman in California headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in January, nine months after his Crimson Tide commitment. Jonah Williams, the No. 2 offensive tackle prospect in another impressive Alabama class, chose a future in the SEC over nearby Pac-12 options such as Oregon and USC.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Williams may emerge as the heir apparent to top-rated 2014 offensive tackle Cam Robinson, who is likely to receive a high draft grade after his junior season next year. It would be the kind of transition that college coaching staffs dream about, considering Williams firmly belongs in the mix as a possible No. 1 player at the position in this cycle.
His combination of quick footwork and overpowering physicality produced plenty of highlights throughout a dominant high school career. Williams may take out two defenders—at different levels of the field—faster than any prospect on this list.
1. 5-Star Greg Little
19 of 19
Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 305 lbs
High School: Allen (Allen, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 2 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 98/100
Committed to Ole Miss on Dec. 16, 2015
Texas A&M seemed to solidify things early with the Lone Star State's top-rated recruit, picking up Greg Little's pledge in June 2014. He remained a member of the Aggies' class until last summer, when he reopened the process. Little landed with the Rebels following official visits to Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Auburn.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Folks were already compelled by Little's potential when he spent his freshman season at tight end. A transition to tackle thrust him into the starting lineup as a sophomore, and Allen High School went on to win state titles in 2013 and 2014.
He's a rare athletic specimen who still looks like a tight end at times as he surges downfield. Nifty footwork puts him in position to eliminate pass-rushing threats from his side of the line, and he was the only offensive lineman to repeatedly split reps with No. 1 overall prospect Rashan Gary at The Opening.
Recruit rankings and info courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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