2008 Austin OL holding first offer
Another junior offensive lineman is emerging in the state of Texas and this time it's Austin (Texas) High School offensive tackle Mark Buchanan.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder is being hailed as a "definite Division I prospect" by his coaches and his getting the recruiting interest to prove it. In fact, the first written scholarship offer appears to be on it's way from a Big 12 school.
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"Oklahoma State is who I think will come first," Buchanan said. "They told my coach an offer was coming. That's big because it's my first and it's from a Big 12 school. I like them but I still want to investigate other schools."
There will certainly be more than one option for the talented lineman. Mail is coming in heavily from schools such as LSU, Virginia, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Purdue, and Kansas to name a few.
Growing up in Austin, Buchanan says that his early favorite is the hometown school.
"UT is definitely my favorite," Buchanan said about the Longhorns. "Living here, I've always liked Texas and I would like to stay in Texas. They've got pretty good academics as well, so that's definitely something I'm looking at."
Buchanan has also been on the road this fall to take in some college games. Some of those games included LSU and Texas A&M. Oklahoma State and Virginia were also possibilities but he was unable to make it.
He's also been invited to junior days at LSU, Oklahoma State, and Virginia. Texas A&M, according to Buchanan, should also been inviting him as well.
The interest is no surprise as Buchanan has been a starter since his sophomore season and says that he brings a lot to the tackle position.
"I'd say I'm pretty versatile," Buchanan said. "I've got some speed, so I'm a really good down-field blocker. I've got quick feet. I think the thing I need to work on is having more power and explosive finishes."