Will Black Has Tools To Be Next Great Notre Dame Offensive Tackle
Notre Dame received a massive commitment last week when 2025 Wallingford (Conn.) Rosemary Choate offensive tackle Will Black opted for the Irish over finalists Michigan, Alabama and Penn State. Originally from Canada, Black has seen a massive rise as a recruit since last offseason.
He brings a tremendous all around skill set to the table, which is very attractive to develop as a part of the proud Notre Dame tradition. Let’s give into Black’s junior film, which shows a player who can be stellar in all areas down the road if developed properly.
RUN GAME DIVERSITY
As a run blocker, Black has all of the tools to develop into a diverse asset in the run game. It begins with the physicality Black already possesses. Despite being just a junior, he already stands at 6-7 and 290 pounds, having an impressive frame to continue to add mass and power.
There are plenty of reps of Black as a drive blocker. He plays mostly with a very sturdy base, easily showing the ability to stay compact and create some movement at the point of attack. As he continues to add more mass, he should become an even bigger asset as a people mover in the run game. You love the tenacity Black plays with, consistently finishing opposing defenders on the ground.
As a sophomore, Black was a very toolsy offensive tackle but the technical side of the game needed a massive step forward. That side of his profile did take a big step, showing more control and consistent approach as a blocker. That includes framing in the run game.
As Black fires off the ball, he keeps active feet and frames the defender well. He fits inside of his frame, establishes good leverage and begins to work them off the ball. As is usually the case, Black shows the ferocity to finish his block on the ground. He plays with a nasty temperament consistently.
Black is also a very smooth mover when navigating space. That is especially true when working up to the second level, having the knack for locating and striking linebackers and defensive backs. An offensive lineman needs to play with good angles and possess the requisite foot quickness and flexibility to redirect in space.
The best part about Black, he doesn’t just locate and make solid blocks on the second level. He tries to make a statement and finish his blocks emphatically. There is an easy power profile to see, showcasing the pop in his hips to finish blocks and spring big plays.
Black’s game is also not solely built off of power. He also brings really nice foot quickness to the table, excelling in reach block situations. You can see Black has a comfort moving laterally, having a deep understanding for how to use angles and his foot speed to his advantage.
He is patient, letting the defensive end declare to the outside shoulder. Once he does, Black torques his hips and rides him outside. This makes an easy lane for the running back to work underneath of him.
ELITE PASS BLOCKING SKILL SET
As a pass protector, Black has some big time skills to build off of. There is no question that he has the temperament and power profile to play inside on the next level if the need is there but quite simply, he’s an offensive tackle. He possesses good length and exceptional foot quickness to stay on the outside.
You can see that foot speed coming out of his pass set. His kick slice is smooth and explosive. What you love to see is how balanced and controlled Black is. There is no rush to get too far outside, staying true to his track and not having to overset. That smoothness and foot quickness should allow him to match even the more explosive outside track rushers. If a defender is going to win, they are going to have to cross his face, which isn’t an easy thing to accomplish.
The core strength that Black plays with in pass protection is really exciting to see. He plays with good overall bend on his lower half. You will see that when defenders try to play him down the middle, good things tend not to happen.
Black is easily able to sit down on power, and shut reps down quickly. That ability is very translatable to the next level. The crazy part is that Black is only going to get stronger as his body develops. He should be able to work against power rushers very successfully on the next level, especially if they don’t have the outside explosion to affect the outside track.
The snatch trap is a technique that is becoming more and more common in pass protection, even on the high school level. That is a technique where a defender works his hips back and allows the defender to play too far forward. When they do, the offensive lineman snaps them to the ground with their momentum. Black has implemented that a ton on film.
Things you need to successfully utilize this technique are a flexible lower half and strong hands. You can see both of those things from Black. Those are the building blocks for a great pass protector long term.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There really is no tool that Black lacks as an offensive lineman on the next level. Whether he ends up at offensive tackle or on the interior, he brings tremendous upside to develop into an elite fixture up front.
Talent wise, his best fit is on the outside. Black’s combination of foot quickness, flexibility, length and core strength scream dominant offensive tackle on the next level. This is a massive get for the Irish early on in the process.
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