Notre Dame Signs OL Rocco Spindler
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have signed guard Rocco Spindler
ROCCO SPINDLER PROFILE
Hometown: Clarkston, Mich.
High School: Clarkston
Height: 6-5
Weight: 290
IB Grade: 4.0 (Top 150 caliber player)
Upside Grade: 4.5
Offers: Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma, Florida, Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Nebraska, West Virginia, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Northwestern, Kentucky, Minnesota, Arizona State, Syracuse
Recruited By: Jeff Quinn
ESPN: 4-star - No. 66 overall
Rivals: 4-star - No. 67 overall
247Sports: 4-star - No. 94 overall
Composite: 4-star - No. 59 overall
FILM ANALYSIS
Spindler spent most of his prep career playing guard, and ultimately that is where his game projects best. As a senior, however, Spindler got a chance to play tackle, and he handled the position well. At the very least he could move to tackle if it meant getting him on the field, and that versatility only enhances his ranking. A case could be made that Spindler has the combination of skills to play at four different positions along the offensive line.
When you pop on the film the first thing you notice about Spindler is his physicality. Also a standout high school wrestler, Spindler plays with good pad level and he has powerful hands. More importantly, he knows how to use his hands and he shows an advanced feel for leverage and angles. He bullies opponents at the line of scrimmage, and Spindler plays with the kind of edge and aggressiveness you want in a big-time blocker.
Spindler is a strong finisher thanks to his combination of strength, powerful hands, good technique and leg drive. As he improves his knee bend you'll see him become even more dominant with this part of his game.
The Clarkston standout shows the athleticism needed to be a dominant college player. His initial burst is outstanding, he fires off the line, he is quick getting around on pulls/traps and he's comfortable working in space. There is work to be done, but his unique skillset could give Spindler a chance to make a push up the depth chart early in his career.
NOTRE DAME FIT
Spindler played guard for much of his career, and he projects to be an outstanding guard at the next level. As a senior, however, he spent a lot of time at tackle, and he looked good. He wasn't quite as sound at tackle from a technique standpoint, but he showed the comfort level in space and the foot quickness to play that position.
Spindler still projects better at guard, especially at Notre Dame, which wants guards that are athletic, physical and nasty, and Spindler is all of those things. His ability to work on the second level, pull and trap are all things that he must do at guard, and he projects to do all quite well at the next level.
The ability to play tackle only enhances his status as a recruit, and it gives the Irish coaches greater flexibility when it comes to finding a role for him as quickly as possible.
JOHN GARCIA, SI ALL-AMERICAN ON SPINDLER
"In the verification business outside of football, wrestling is often among the most desired in the trenches and Spindler both looks and plays the part of an elite prospect that with in his foundation. There's just a better understanding of leverage, among other nuances, than most battling in close quarters. It shows up on tape from his ability to work with good power and get under his opponent’s pads at the point. He has a good movement skills to produce in space and on level 2 as the scoop player. His short set can stymie pass-rushers and throw off their timing while he lands and stout punch and trigger his anchor. Spindler likely slides inside at the next level, though he has a right tackle floor."
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