One vs. One: Comparing top OLs from 2017, 2018 classes
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
With Signing Day in the rearview mirror and our national rankings shut down, we thought it would be fun to compare the top players at their position in 2017 to the top players at their position in 2018. We call it One versus One and today we look at the offensive linemen.
MORE ONE VS. ONE: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Receivers/Tight Ends
OFFENSIVE TACKLE -- ALEX LEATHERWOOD VS. NICK PETIT-FRERE
The skinny: Leatherwood committed to Alabama before his junior year of high school and never seriously wavered despite a pair of unofficial visits to Auburn and Florida. In his true freshman season, Leatherwood appeared in seven games for the Tide, mostly as a reserve at left tackle. However, it is his performance during the second half of the National Championship game that has people excited. With starter Jonah Williams leaving the game with an injury, Leatherwood stepped in and performed like a veteran.
Petit-Frere, who was quiet throughout his recruiting process, committed to Ohio State over Michigan, Alabama, Florida and Notre Dame on the February National Signing Day.
Farrell’s take: I love Petit-Frere’s upside and in the long run he has the potential to be the better of the two, but at the same stage Leatherwood was far ahead of him when it comes to strength, size and physical dominance. Both have a great future and could be first-rounders, but I’ll take Leatherwood at the same phase of development by far.
Farrell’s verdict: Leatherwood
OFFENSIVE GUARD -- WYATT DAVIS VS. JAMAREE SALYER
The skinny: Davis committed to Ohio State in June, a few days after taking visits to Columbus, Michigan and Notre Dame. He also seriously considered Alabama at the time of his decision. Davis redshirted during the 2017 season and will spend the spring and summer battling for playing time in 2018.
Salyer committed to Georgia over Clemson on the December National Signing Day. The Bulldogs were thought to be the favorite leading up to his decision.
Farrell’s take: Davis was a talented kid coming out of high school and an excellent run blocker and solid pass blocker but Salyer is far more advanced at the same stage. The difference? Salyer is equally impressive in run blocking but he’s also one of the best pass blockers as a guard I’ve seen in years. He’s much more well-rounded than Davis overall.
Farrell’s verdict: Salyer
OFFENSIVE CENTER -- CESAR RUIZ VS. JUSTIN DEDICH
The skinny: Ruiz committed to Michigan after his senior season over offers from North Carolina, Florida, Auburn and Oklahoma. After enrolling for the spring semester last year, Ruiz started five games at right guard. He initially started due to an injury on the line, but then his performance earned him increased playing time. Since he was recruited as a center, it will be interesting to see if Michigan keeps him at guard or moves him to his more natural position in 2018.
Dedich committed to USC over Washington, UCLA, Utah, TCU and San Diego State in June.
Farrell’s take: Dedich is a tough kid and very physical but he lacks great size and doesn’t have the same feet as Ruiz. Ruiz can be an absolute star at the next level and is one of the best centers I have scouted in my near 20-year career. This one is easy.
Farrell’s verdict: Ruiz
