B/R Recruiting CFB 200: Top Offensive Linemen of 2017 Class
After 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 2017. Here we present the Top Offensive Linemen.
Offensive linemen are the gatekeepers of a strong offense. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers are the athletes who receive all the publicity, but without the big protectors in front, few skill-position players excel.
The 2016 NFL draft had six offensive linemen drafted in the first round. Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley and Michigan State's Jack Conklin were top-10 selections. The 2017 class is hoping to one day follow in the new professionals' footsteps.
Here's a look at the big men up front who could spearhead championship runs in college football seasons ahead. Linemen were assessed based on the criteria of power, lateral quickness, handwork, run blocking and pass protection.
Player order and star ratings based on 247Sports' composite rankings through July 18.
Nos. 38-31
1 of 13
38. 4-star OC Brett Neilon, Santa Margarita Catholic HS (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to USC
Neilon is fun to watch because he refuses to give up on any play. He's a workhorse in the trenches and someone who will do whatever it takes to prove he's worth starter reps, which bodes well for his future in Los Angeles.
37. 4-star OG Kayden Lyles, Saguaro HS (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Wisconsin
Lyles is a strong athlete off the ball and an enforcer in the run game. He has a chance to crack the two-deep early at Wisconsin, where his father played, because of his high motor and game intelligence.
36. 4-star OT Joshua Lugg, North Allegheny HS (Wexford, Pennsylvania)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
At first glance, Lugg's size (6'7", 293 lbs) is obviously compelling for the Fighting Irish staff. Throw in the fact that he can comfortably add 15-20 pounds, and the finished product could be a scary sight for defenders. Notre Dame continues to create a stockpile of prized offensive linemen with Lugg joining the mix.
35. 4-star OT Stephan Zabie, Westlake HS (Austin, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Texas A&M
A quick first step off the ball is a noticeable trademark of Zabie's approach up front. He has great lower-body strength and plays until he hears the whistle. Zabie is a warrior in the trenches, which should resonate early when he arrives on campus.
34. 4-star OG Edward Ingram, DeSoto HS (DeSoto, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
Ingram has a huge frame (6'4", 325 lbs), but he's deceptively quick and possesses quality lateral movement. He's a finisher in pass protection, which is a major plus for DeSoto quarterback and fellow top-200 prospect Shawn Robinson.
33. 4-star OT Kendall Randolph, Bob Jones HS (Madison, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Auburn and Michigan
Randolph possesses prototypical tackle size (6'5", 290 lbs), but it's his technical skills that make him one to watch as his recruiting process continues. Athleticism matches hand placement and solid footwork fundamentals to produce a high-ceiling prospect.
32. 4-star OT Henry Bainivalu, Skyline HS (Seattle, Washington)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Michigan, Oregon and Washington
Bainivalu has a great base and uses his balance to frustrate defenders, as he embraces contact and doesn't lunge. His sharp first step sets the tone before he follows through with above-average strength to gain angles and turn opponents' pads.
31. 4-star OT Kai-Leon Herbert, American Heritage HS (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Michigan
Herbert is a high-IQ athlete who stays one step ahead of the defender in front of him by implementing excellent anticipation off the snap. He plays larger than his 284-pound frame and provides Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh with yet another versatile out-of-state blocker.
Nos. 21-30
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30. 4-star OT Aaron Banks, El Cerrito HS (El Cerrito, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Michigan, Oregon and USC
Massive in size at 6'7" and 344 pounds, Banks is a blocker who can serve as brick wall for college quarterbacks in the coming years. He's a physical athlete who takes pride in bullying defenders in the trenches, where he routinely owns a 70- or 80-pound advantage.
29. 4-star OG Nick Brahms, Navarre HS (Navarre, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
Brahms has watched his popularity escalate with the help of outstanding performances at The Opening events. Scholarship offers piled up in large numbers, leading to an Auburn commitment earlier this month, and he still actually may be underrated overall as an interior lineman recruit.
28. 4-star OG Wes Harris, Aledo HS (Aledo, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to TCU
The Horned Frogs land a gem in Harris, a competitor who plays with a level of nastiness that any offensive line coach can appreciate. Harris also has a champion's attitude playing for an Aledo team that thrives in the hotly contested Texas high school football scene.
27. 4-star OT Micah Clark, St. John Vianney HS (Holmdel, New Jersey)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Rutgers
Rutgers won a huge recruiting battle over Alabama, Clemson and others in landing Clark, a physical presence who plays larger than his size. Impressive arm extension and quick feet make him an ideal bookend for the new Scarlet Knights regime to build around up front.
26. 4-star OT Tony Gray, Grayson HS (Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Florida, Georgia and Kentucky
For a tackle who weighs less than 300 pounds (290 lbs), Gray is as bullish as blockers come in this class. He meshes well-crafted technique with an enforcer's mentality, and this attitude should only become increasingly entrenched as his physical frame expands.
25. 4-star OG Jonah Melton, Eastern Alamance HS (Mebane, North Carolina)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to North Carolina
Melton is a savvy lineman who gains an edge with quickness off the snap, utilizing quality foot placement and proper pad level. His competitive nature and sturdy size (6'4", 295 lbs) will put him in position to earn immediate reps with the Tar Heels.
24. 4-star OC Cesar Ruiz, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Florida State and Michigan
The nation's top-ranked center is a gifted interior blocker and an athlete who plays with a high level of confidence. Ruiz, who transferred to IMG from Camden, New Jersey, before his junior year, embraces a challenge, and he doesn't lose many battles regardless of game action or camp showdowns.
23. 4-star OG Netori Johnson, Cedar Grove HS (Ellenwood, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Johnson is a fiery competitor who makes life difficult for whoever lines up across the ball. A relentless motor is augmented by solid hand usage and overall strength, and he probably deserves more limelight in a talent-loaded Bulldogs class.
22. 4-star OT D'Antne Demery, Brunswick HS (Brunswick, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Demery stands nearly 6'6" with a massive wingspan and uses his length well, particularly against stout defensive linemen. Another Bulldogs commit, he operates well in space and seems best suited for left tackle duties in college.
21. 4-star OT Chuck Filiaga, Aledo HS (Aledo, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Oklahoma and USC
A recent move-in from California, Filiaga is a 6'5", 330-pound prospect who plays with good lateral movement. He has steadily improved his technique and footwork over the years, developing into a stud recruit who should excel with Lone Star State contender Aledo.
Nos. 20-11
3 of 13
20. 4-star OT Navaughn Donaldson, Miami Central HS (Miami)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Miami
Massive in stature at nearly 6'6" and 335 pounds, Donaldson plays with explosiveness and has a high ceiling. Deceptive quickness counters speed-rushers well, and he has necessary bulk to bulldoze opponents in the run game.
19. 4-star OT Alijah Vera-Tucker, Bishop O'Dowd HS (Oakland, California)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include USC and Washington
Still early in his development as a tackle, Vera-Tucker is well-built (6'4", 291 lbs) with little unnecessary weight so a collegiate training staff will be able to build him into a beast. Natural strength is already apparent, and he's got some dog in him while punishing opponents through the whistle.
18. 4-star OT Austin Troxell, Madison Academy (Madison, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
Troxell will join a talented group of offensive linemen at Auburn, and he's a prospect who embraces competition. Still more long than large, substantial physical development lies ahead, and he's already advanced among peers in terms of technique.
17. 4-star OG Tyrese Robinson, McKinney Boyd HS (McKinney, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Oklahoma
Robinson can play either guard or tackle at the next level, but his future at Oklahoma projects inside. Scheme diverse and position versatile, Sooners coaches could view him as a swing tackle in case of injury or underwhelming play from a teammate.
16. 4-star OG Robert Hainsey, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Notre Dame
The recent Fighting Irish commit is fearless and uses his technique to win battles against larger defenders. He certainly plays larger than his weight (276 lbs) would indicate, paving paths for rushers to operate and halting pass-rushers at the point of attack with consistency.
15. 4-star OT Jake Moretti, Pomona HS (Arvada, Colorado)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Moretti's technical skills mesh well with his mean streak on the field. He's a natural tackle prospect who attacks with explosiveness and takes pride in wearing down opponents, projecting as a potential All-Big Ten contributor when his time comes in Columbus.
14. 4-star OT Trey Smith, University School of Jackson (Jackson, Tennessee)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee
Smith is a polished tackle who is honest with himself about what elements of his game need work. He's done a great job addressing any deficiencies during his career and could be in line for a major surge of recruiting rankings after a strong camp circuit.
13. 4-star OT Andrew Thomas, Pace Academy HS (Atlanta, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia
Thomas has a college-ready frame, and as a tackle, he can play on either side of the line effectively. Also an intelligent athlete who understands concepts, he'll hold a mental edge in many matchups.
12. 4-star OG Jack Anderson, Frisco HS (Frisco, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Texas Tech
Anderson, a two-time invitee to The Opening, has developed a reputation as one of the meanest interior blockers in this class. He finishes plays through the whistle and wears down defenders, taking pride in his reputation as an outright mauler.
11. 4-star OT Austin Deculus, Cy-Fair HS (Cypress, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to LSU
He's added solid weight (now standing 6'6", 331 lbs), and it's allowed him to pack an enhanced initial punch that enables Deculus to drive 300-pound opponents downfield while clearing lanes. He appears capable of transitioning inside depending on what the Tigers roster dictates during his time on campus,
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10. 4-Star OT Jedrick Wills
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/318 lbs
High School: Lafayette HS (Lexington, Kentucky)
Composite Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle; No. 40 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Kentucky and Notre Dame
Jedrick Wills has 18 reported offers, and Kentucky is a school hoping to keep the top-ranked player in the state close to home. Notre Dame is a primary contender in the race for Wills, and schools like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Michigan will be fighting for him, as well.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Run blocking (9/10) is a strong suit at this stage of his career, plowing ahead with immense power and long arms, but he's well-equipped to handle a heavy pass rush (24/25 pass protection). While some young athletes of his stature struggle with coordination, he does a great job maintaining knee bend during the course of a contest.
Wills should continue to improve as an athlete, which will go a long way toward his ability to contend with speed-rushers off the edge. He's a tenacious competitor who could play multiple roles in a collegiate front.
9. 4-Star OT Walker Little
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Height/Weight: 6'8"/305 lbs
High School: Episcopal HS (Bellaire, Texas)
Composite Ranking: No. 7 offensive tackle; No. 41 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Ole Miss, Stanford and Texas
The Texas Longhorns hope to secure a signature from this in-state standout but face significant competition elsewhere, including a pair of conference title contenders. Stanford and Ole Miss are considered key threats to bring Walker Little beyond state borders, and several universities would love to land an elite Episcopal linemen tandem by bringing in him and teammate Marvin Wilson, a 5-star defensive tackle.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Little is a powerful (14/15) athlete who has successfully matched immense height with solid mass and exceptional coordination that enables him to handle a variety of defensive rushers. Few prospects saw their personal stock rise more at The Opening, where this Lone Star State stud flashed some nastiness and emerged as one of the most impressive performers among a group of offensive linemen who largely dominated defenders during drills.
His rare reach can be attributed to both expansive arm extension and improved lateral quickness (23/25), making Little a potentially dominant player in pass protection settings for years to come. His fundamental development and toughness have undoubtedly been aided by constant competition with Wilson, who is considered the No. 1 overall defensive lineman in 2017 composite rankings.
8. 4-Star OG Tedarrell Slaton
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Height/Weight: 6'4 ½"/340 lbs
High School: American Heritage HS (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 offensive guard; No. 37 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Florida State, Michigan and Miami
The race for Tedarrell Slaton will be an interesting one. Will the massive lineman stay in state and play for Miami or Florida State? Or will he head north to a school like Michigan? Clemson and Duke also are potential landing spots for Slaton.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Slaton has full-fledged adult qualities in the trenches, battling with sheer brute force (14/15 power) and long arms. This extension allows him to dictate the early flow of a rep, and he routinely turns his opponents' shoulders before pinning them to the turf.
He carries significant promise at tackle but projects as a potential All-American inside. More advanced as a road-grader (10/10 run blocking) than pass protector at this point, Slaton is the blocker rushers search for when it's time to slam ahead for a crucial short-yardage gain.
7. 5-Star OT Austin Jackson
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/260 lbs
High School: North Canyon (Phoenix, Arizona)
Composite Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 24 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Arizona State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC
The No. 1 player in Arizona, Austin Jackson is entertaining schools throughout the Pac-12 and other Power Five conferences. USC, Oregon and in-state school Arizona State are three teams to keep an eye on. Additionally, Texas A&M has successfully recruited the elite players from the state of Arizona in recent years.
Bleacher Report Analysis
This burgeoning bookend will continue to blossom physically, and though he'll never be a gargantuan when it comes to weight, Jackson should be able to settle in comfortably near 290 pounds when collegiate training peaks. Already an athletic force (24/25 lateral quickness), additional power would complement his arsenal as a college lineman.
Jackson attacks opponents with excellent pad level, putting him in position to provide consistent protection in pass settings (23/25). Built practically like a power forward in basketball, excellent footwork is already apparent, and he could be a few years of development away from attracting swarms of NFL scouts to the university of his choice.
6. 5-Star OT Isaiah Wilson
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Height/Weight: 6'6 ½"/354 lbs
High School: Poly Prep (Brooklyn, New York)
Composite Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle; No. 21 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Michigan
An athlete like Isaiah Wilson can be valuable for any college program. In terms of size, he'd make a great guard, but he has the quickness off the ball to be an elite tackle. Michigan is a team to watch for Wilson, as are Georgia, Alabama, Penn State, LSU and Rutgers.
Bleacher Report Analysis
This mammoth Brooklyn blocker is a true behemoth in the deep 2017 offensive line class. His powerful punch (14/15) enables him to knock opponents off balance during downfield run-blocking forays or while falling back in pass protection (24/25).
He essentially presents a brick wall for defenders to work past and doesn't make the process easy when playing with a mean streak. Wilson, who seemingly remains wide-open to several collegiate options, could line up at guard, tackle or both during the remainder of his career.
5. 5-Star OT Calvin Ashley
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/310 lbs
High School: First Academy (Orlando, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle; No. 15 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Auburn
Auburn landed a keystone commit in Calvin Ashley in May 2015. Ashley was believed by many to be a primary candidate for both Florida State and Florida, but the Tigers were able to score a commit who is the top-ranked pledge of their 2017 class.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Ashley already attacks opponents with a formidable frame, but it's feasible for him to add 15 pounds of mass without negatively affecting his approach. Additional strength would further augment dominant run-blocking efforts (10/10) and put him in position to dismantle SEC defensive linemen as a young player.
His length is particularly troubling for opponents, as Ashley is able to extend into a defensive lineman's chest plate and gain control of a matchup without lunging forward. Lateral movement (24/25) is also a strong suit for the Sunshine State product, as he uses this established trait to hit desired angles and seal off rushing lanes.
4. 5-Star OG Wyatt Davis
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Height/Weight: 6'5"/310 lbs
High School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 offensive guard; No. 14 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 96/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Ohio State has been exceptional in landing elite offensive linemen of the 2017 class. When the Buckeyes picked up Wyatt Davis in June, it gave them a versatile player who can see time either at guard or tackle. Davis chose Ohio State over offers from Alabama, UCLA, USC and several other schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davis is among the most scheme-diverse offensive linemen in this class. Plenty of programs pursued him as a tackle, but an interior role may be his high-ceiling spot in the years ahead.
He bullies opponents in one-on-one confrontations, wearing them down with brute force (14/15) and sure hands (24/25) during the course of four quarters. His feet also shine (23/25 lateral quickness), which could be partially attributed to his role on St. John Bosco's basketball team.
3. 5-Star OT Alex Leatherwood
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/327 lbs
High School: Booker T. Washington (Pensacola, Florida)
Composite Ranking: No. 3 offensive tackle; No. 12 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
When Alex Leatherwood is on the field, he is mean, surly and all about business. He's exactly the type of offensive lineman Alabama looks for. Leatherwood committed to the Crimson Tide in June 2015 and is very solid with his pledge.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Leatherwood is that special kind of lineman who every quarterback cherishes alongside them in an offensive attack. This massive specimen takes his role as protector seriously and competes with an angry resolve.
Powerful (14/15) and surly in the trenches, Leatherwood overwhelms opponents in run-blocking efforts (10/10), which bodes well for the bevy of elite talents in Alabama's offensive backfield. In addition to strength, he moves well side-to-side (23/25 lateral quickness) and delivers a technically advanced punch that can contain pass-rushers off the edge.
2. 5-Star OT Josh Myers
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Height/Weight: 6'6"/306 lbs
High School: Miamisburg (Miamisburg, Ohio)
Composite Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle; No. 8 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Ohio State
Talk about a smart recruiting move for head coach Urban Meyer: Josh Myers committed to Ohio State back in January 2015. He has 18 reported offers and has kept his verbal solid. He also has offers from Michigan, Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State, Florida and others.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Once Myers latches on to a defensive lineman with strong hands (25/25), it's essentially game over. He's able to deflect opponents at the point of attack, whether in run-block settings (10/10) or pass protection (24/25).
Aside from applying the paws of a technician, this longtime Buckeyes commit counters power-rushers with a sturdy lower-body base and swiftly switches momentum downfield. Myers looks comfortable enough to compete at either tackle position in the coming years, depending on what Ohio State needs along the offensive front.
1. 5-Star OT Foster Sarell
13 of 13Height/Weight: 6'6 ½"/311 lbs
High School: Graham Kapowsin (Graham, Washington)
Composite Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 5 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 97/100
Recruitment Status: Contenders include Notre Dame, Stanford and Washington
Foster Sarell has only 13 reported offers, but it's no secret that the monster tackle, arguably the most technically sound offensive lineman of the 2017 class, has coaches watching from coast to coast. In-state school Washington will be in a dogfight with Notre Dame, Stanford, Alabama and several other programs from now until national signing day.
Bleacher Report Analysis
From a technical standpoint, Sarell essentially stands on his own in this 2017 offensive line class. Following a few days at The Opening that featured pure dominance on the part of blockers, staff members selected him as MVP of a star-studded group.
Sarell, who accrued double-digit offers before his sophomore season, already physically resembles a first-round NFL draft talent and should challenge for immediate starting duties next year. A cerebral tackle mind, this Pacific Northwest prospect possesses the hand placement (25/25) and lateral quickness (24/25) to cut off big-time edge-rushers before they can do damage.
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