3 OT Recruits Pitt Fans Should Know
The offensive tackle position has become a sought-after position of need in recent recruiting cycles for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Since 2008, Pitt has produced offensive tackles in the NFL such as, Jeff Otah (1st Rd/19th overall to the Carolina Panthers in 2008), T.J. Clemmings (4th round to the Minnesota Vikings in 2015), and most recently, Brian O'Neil in 2018 who was drafted in the second-round to the Minnesota Vikings.
According to 247Sports, the Panthers have offered 28 offensive tackles in the 2023 class, and five of those have already committed to schools.
Let's take a look at a couple of uncommitted offensive tackles that fans should keep an eye on throughout the 2023 recruiting cycle:
Chrisdasson Saint-Jean 6-7 315 Evans High School (Orlando, FL.)
An athletic tackle that displays great length and the ability to move well in space, confident in his steps in the run game. In pass pro, shows to be confident in his pass sets, does not overstep and mirrors the defender with ease.
He does play tall at times but shows the ability to recover and reset with good hand placement and body position.
He holds 10 offers which such schools such as Purdue, Maryland, Marshall and Liberty that highlight his offer list.
Lucas Simmons 6-7 300 Clearwater Academy International (Clearwater, FL.)
An absolute physical force who is rated 4 star by 247Sports, calm and precise with his movements in pass pro. He does not get rush his mechanics and allows the defender to show his hand in the rush and combats with heavy hands for the strike and a strong lower body to anchor.
His play in the run really defines his physical mentality, locks on to defenders and drives them out, demonstrates the footwork to be balance and not over extend when reaching the second level.
He holds 25 offers which include Florida, Florida State, USC and West Virginia to name a few.
Anwar O'Neal 6-6 260 Middletown High School (Middletown, DE)
The first thing that jumps out when watching his film is that the sheer power in his strikes, whether it's in pass pro or in the run game. The upper body strength he posses defiantly jumps off the film, along the ability to lock onto defenders and clear them out with ease.
He does have a frame that will allow him to add 30-40 pounds, while still having the athletic ability to be a focal point at offensive tackle. I do think he does have the traits to bump inside to offensive guard, the ability to play in tight quarters and the nasty play style that will translate well while playing the interior of an offensive line.
His offer list includes schools such as Boston College, Duke, and Wake Forest.
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