By Mike Lilly
Don’t let too much flash at skill positions fool you, games are won in the trenches. Let’s take a look at some offensive linemen that can help any program compete, and where they’re trending on the recruiting trail:
Darrin Strey
Paw Paw, MI (Paw Paw)
#432 NAT, #35 OT, #6 MI
Standing in at 6’7″, 300 pounds, Strey possesses elite athleticism and quick feet that you’d look for in any offensive tackle. Strey currently holds 26 offers, including offers from Oregon, Illinois, Rutgers, and most recently Iowa State.
We are early in this recruitment, and the talented offensive tackle seems to be getting more attention as more schools see his athleticism on the basketball court. Based on a scheduled second visit in April to coach Bret Bielema and Illinois, I would give the Illini an early edge.
Early Prediction: Illinois
https://twitter.com/darrin_strey/status/1760505344575295707
Logan Powell
Phoenix, AZ (Brophy College Prepatory)
#472 NAT, #36 OT, #4 AZ
You don’t have to look far to find great qualities about Logan Powell, and top programs around the country are taking notice to his skills in pass protection. The 6’5″, 285-pound edge protector holds 22 offers including offers from Arizona, Michigan, Florida State, and most recently Alabama.
I liked where Michigan stood with Powell prior to former coach Jim Harbaugh heading to the NFL, and I think they still have a great shot to land Powell’s commitment. I would look for more clarity on Powell’s top choices soon, but there seems to be a lot of work to be done in this recruitment.
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Early Prediction: Michigan
Austin Pay
American Fork, UT (Lone Peak)
#566 NAT, #43 OT, #6 UT
An overlooked quality in a lot of tackles is their ability to make an impact in the run game, and Austin Pay shows off elite athleticism that sets him apart in that category. Pay currently holds 18 offers, including offers from Oklahoma, Auburn, Iowa State, and most recently Florida.
There isn’t really a trend in where Pay is trending, but he looks to be exploring any opportunity he might have in front of him. After an offer from coach Billy Napier and Florida, he’s set to take a visit to campus and see if it’s a fit for him. I would keep an eye on this one as more programs take notice of what Pay has to offer.
Jermiel Atkins
Dayton, OH (Trotwood-Madison)
#476 NAT, #37 OT, #14 OH
Jermiel Atkins is a two sport athlete (basketball) that I don’t think is receiving enough attention yet, and fully expect programs to gain more interest heading into his senior season. Standing in 6’8″, 290 pounds, Atkins currently holds 8 offers including offers from Marshall, Kentucky, Tulsa, and most recently Virginia Tech.
We look to be early in Atkins’ recruitment, and there’s not too much clarity in where the mutual interest is yet for the talented offensive lineman. I would look for this recruitment to pick up steam down the stretch as players with this much size and athleticism don’t come around often.
Early Prediction: Kentucky
https://twitter.com/TMRamFootball/status/1707050758921707561
