2009 PA lineman has versatility

Offensive tackle Tahir Basil did not have a starting role at Philadelphia (Pa.) Roman Catholic last year but he got plenty of experience moving from position to position up and down the line. The 6-foot-2, 250 pound prospect should be a staple at tackle this year and he's making a strong push to see time on the defensive line as well.

Since the National Underclassmen Combine, Basil has spent most of his time working out. His freshman year he suffered a knee injury playing basketball that sidelined him, but he performed at 100-percent last season and that is no longer an issue.

"This year I'm going to be starting at offensive tackle," Basil explained. "I would still like to play defensive end too, and I'm working hard to do that. Last year I was just a sophomore and there were some seniors in front of me, so I didn't start. The coaches did move me around and had me play pretty much everywhere on the line.

"Down the road if I grow some I might like to even play tight end. I might have played there last year but there was a guy just a few hundredths of a second faster than me."

As an offensive lineman Basil excels as a pass blocker and his coaches have been impressed by his ability to pull. He played defensive line as a freshman and proved to be quick off the ball and a solid pass rusher.

Basil said he was recently clocked at 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and he knows he will need to consistently post numbers like that to show college coaches that he's the real deal.

Several schools have taken an early interest in the versatile lineman.

"There was a Penn State recruit that came down to our school and he was talking to some of my teammates. He invited me to their camp but I couldn't make it at the time. He also sent me a letter telling me all about what it's like there. He recommended it pretty strongly.

"Rutgers, Temple, Boston College and West Virginia have been in touch too. I know they're looking at me. Illinois has shown some interest too."

When it comes to what he wants in a college, Basil said he would like to attend a large school. He plans on majoring in either accounting or engineering.