Meet The 2019 Class: Offensive Line
The 2019 class is officially on the clock and with the early Signing Period just about nine months away and the first opportunity for prospects to take official visits coming this spring, it’s time for recruiting fans from across the country to start familiarizing themselves with the class of 2019.
We at Rivals.com are here to help. Over the next two weeks, we will introduce the top five players at each position in the class. Today we take a lot at offensive line, with the top two offensive tackles, top two offensive guards and the No. 1 ranked center.
MEET THE 2019 CLASS: PQBs | DTQBs | AP RBs | RBs | WRs | TEs
Early contenders: West Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Alabama, among others
Breakdown: Wright is one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the nation, regardless of position, so it’s not a surprise to see many of college football’s heavy hitters jockeying for his attention. Ohio State is believed by many to be the early favorite for Wright, but schools like Alabama and Georgia are also hoping to get him on campus soon. Virginia Tech and Tennessee are viewed as dark horse contenders for Wright and his visit schedule for the spring could be telling as both try to stay near the top of his list.
Early contenders: LSU, Texas A&M, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, among others.
Breakdown: A one-time LSU commit, it’s clear the Tigers are still heavily involved in the race to land Green. But the Tigers change at offensive line coach opened the door for several other programs, including in-state schools Texas and Texas A&M. The Aggies and Longhorns both feel good about their chances, especially with Green headed into several visits over the next few months. When and where he pops up will be worth watching, especially if Oklahoma and Alabama are going to stay in the picture.
Early contenders: LSU (committed), Alabama
Breakdown: Thomas has been committed to LSU since his freshman year and despite many flirtations with the Tide and other programs, has kept that commitment intact, even declaring in January that he was shutting down his recruitment for good. Despite that decree, other schools remain in the mix, with Alabama the only real threat to the Tigers. It seems very unlikely that Thomas will spurn his hometown school to play for the Tide, but don’t expect Nick Saban and company to give up anytime soon.
Early contenders: Florida, Florida State, Miami, Texas, Alabama, among others
Breakdown: A South Florida native who transferred to IMG Academy last year, Neal’s recruitment is shaping up to be a classic battle between the Big Three is the sunshine state. All three programs have felt good about their standing at different times and the race will likely continue into the spring and summer. Neal has also flirted with Alabama and took a recent visit to Texas, so out of state schools aren’t conceding the race for Neal just yet.
Early contenders: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Clemson among others
Breakdown: As a five-star from the state of Alabama, it’s not surprise that an Iron Bowl battle between Alabama and Auburn for Webb’s services is fully underway. But Georgia and Clemson are also in the mix and Webb recently named the quartet of schools as his top four. Can the Bulldogs or Tigers actually steal him away from the in-state powers? It’s an uphill battle for sure. Don’t expect Webb to drag his recruitment out for long, with a decision likely to come by mid-summer.