Recruiting class of 2016 position analysis: Offensive line
The race to National Signing Day has begun. Sports Illustrated andScout.com have partnered to provide complete coverage of college football recruiting. Over the next two weeks, SI will roll out breakdowns of the top-ranked players at each position. Today, we’re looking at offensive linemen. We've already broken down quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs. Follow along daily with conference-by-conference recruiting shows featuring analysis, breaking news, prospect breakdowns and much more all leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 3.
1. Greg Little
High school: Allen (Allen, Texas)
Height/Weight: 6’6’’/290 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 3
Status: committed to Ole Miss
Scout.com scouting report: "Shows that he has the athleticism, the frame, and the footwork to become a true college tackle prospect. Has that long arm looking frame that could handle additional strength easily as he matures. No surprise to find out that he is a basketball player as well, because of his lateral range. Flashes the ability to knock defenders back with his initial contact and shows balance by being able to keep good leg drive and finish consistently."
The latest: Little committed to Ole Miss on Wednesday, choosing the Rebels over Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and more.
2. Michael Menet
High school: Exeter Township (Reading, Penn.)
Height/Weight: 6'5’’/273 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 24
Status: committed to Penn State
Scout.com scouting report: "Menet is everything you want in an offensive lineman. He gets off the ball very quickly, plays with a low pad level, has a nice initial punch, is athletic and can pull, is tenacious and once he engages the defender, he finishes it off nicely. Menet has very good and quick feet, and he has good strength. He plays with leverage and to the whistle."
The latest: Menethas been committed to Penn Sate since May. He also played defensive line in high school.
3. Ben Bredeson
High school: Arrowhead (Hartland, Wisc.)
Height/Weight: 6’4.5’’/293 lbs
Offensive guard
National rank: 36
Status: committed to Michigan
Scout.com scouting report: "Outstanding overall prospect with good technique and ability to bend. Has good flexibility in his lower body and has no issue winning leverage battles even against shorter defensive linemen. Plays with a mean streak and finishes his blocks strong. Can still polish up his pass pro, and add more strength up top, but has all the tools and the intangibles to develop into a top flight college lineman. Could play tackle or guard as well."
The latest: Bredeson has been committed to Michigan since June. He was recently named the Gatorade state player of the year and will participate in the Under Armour game and U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He will enroll at Michigan in the summer.
4. Tommy Kraemer
High school: Elder (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/310 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 37
Status: committed to Notre Dame
Scout.com scouting report: "Big, physical lineman who plays with a mean streak and finishes his blocks. Technically sound, understands leverage and already has good footwork. Can still get quicker with his feet, which will help him in pass pro. As a run blocker, he's already among the nation's best. Fits likely as a right tackle, but is a kid who could potentially slide inside if need be."
The latest: Kraemer has been committed to Notre Dame since October 2014. He will join four-star Liam Eichenberg along the Fighting Irish offensive line. He chose Notre Dame over in-state powerhouse Ohio State.
5. John Raridon
High school: Valley (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Height/Weight: 6’4’’/270 lbs
Offensive guard
National rank: 40
Status: committed to Nebraska
Scout.com scouting report: N/A
The latest: Raridon has been committed to the Cornhuskers since September of last year. He was an all-state selection after his senior season. Raridon chose Nebraska over Iowa, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
6. Patrick Hudson
High school: Silsbee (Silsbee, Texas)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/320 lbs
Offensive guard
National rank: 42
Status: committed to Baylor
Scout.com scouting report: "Mountain of a prospect, dominating the competition on the 4A level. And because of his enormous frame and power when Hudson gains the leverage advantage it’s over. He is raw as a prospect from a technique standpoint in pass pro, but for his size and frame he has good explosion and runs the field and pulls well—at times clearing lanes 10-15 yards away from the line of scrimmage. He is likely strong enough to compete at the college level early."
The latest: Hudson was originally committed to Texas A&M, then flipped to Baylor in July of last year. In high school, Hudson played multiple positions on offense and defense.
7. Jonah Williams
High school: Folsom (Folsom, Calif.)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/280 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 56
Status: committed to Alabama
Scout.com scouting report: "Williams is a versatile lineman who plays tackle but could easily slide inside and move to guard in college as well. He has a great frame and moves very well for a big man. He's a physical kid who plays through the whistle and loves to punish opposing linemen. He plays in a pass happy offense and is an advanced pass blocker already but really thrives as a road grader in the run game. Also solid on defense but upside is best on the OL."
The latest: Williams is moving to Alabama in January, according to the Folsom Telegraph. He has been committed to the Crimson Tide since April.
8. Jean Delance
High school: North Mesquite (Mesquite, Texas)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/270 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 63
Status: uncommitted
Scout.com scouting report: "He is a true offensive tackle prospect who can project out as a left tackle or a 'blind side' tackle. He moves well and is light n his feet in pass protection and shows true aggression as a run blocker. Finishing to the whistle and securing blocks down the field of the second and third levels. He has a long and lean frame and looks e=light for a 280-pounder. He will be able to add good muscle and weight as he matures giving him high upside."
The latest: Delance is deciding between Alabama, LSU, Michigan and Texas. He will make his decision during the broadcast of the Under Armour game on Jan. 2.
9. Landon Dickerson
High school: South Caldwell (Husdon, N.C.)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/306 lbs
Offensive guard
National rank: 75
Status: uncommitted
Scout.com scouting report: "Dickerson is a big, physical offensive lineman, who is very good at run and pass blocking. He gets off the ball quickly and moves well. Dickerson has a strong initial punch and once he's engaged with his opponent, he shows good power and plays until the whistle blows. He can play too high, so he must continue to work on his technique and flexibility. But there's no doubt he has the potential to be a big-time player in college."
The latest: Dickerson has a top five of Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Texas and Virginia Tech. Alabama and Texas A&M are just outside his top schools.
10. Liam Eichenberg
High school: St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio)
Height/Weight: 6’5’’/283 lbs
Offensive tackle
National rank: 76
Status: committed to Notre Dame
Scout.com scouting report: N/A
The latest: Eichenberg has been committed to the Fighting Irish since April. His high school team went 5–4 in his final season. Eichenberg will particpate in the Under Armour game.
