Rival Views: Who is the top OL prospect in Texas?
The Rivals team of analysts doesn’t always see eye to eye. In today’s Rivals Views, Southeast Recruiting Analyst Chad Simmons and South Central Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman debate on who the top offensive lineman is in Texas.
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SIMMONS' VIEW: Donovan Jackson
Jackson is an elite offensive lineman. He is currently ranked as the No. 9 offensive tackle in the country, but may have a higher ceiling as an offensive guard. Jackson has slimmed down some over the last year, gotten stronger and is still very nimble on his feet. The Ohio State commit could line up anywhere across the line of scrimmage and be elite. Jackson has great balance, shoots his hands, can pass set and can bend. He impressed me at the Rivals Camp Series in Houston recently.
When looking long term, Jackson is someone I would stand on the table for as the No. 1 offensive lineman in the Lone Star State. There are several names that could be in this discussion here, but Jackson is the complete package. He has that quiet confidence about him and that business approach that is leading to a lot of success in the trenches.
SPIEGELMAN'S VIEW: Bryce Foster
Foster, the No. 1 guard in America, is the aggressive, powerful force in the middle of the offensive line that every offensive coordinator is looking for in today’s game. He’s a blend of overwhelming strength, quickness and plays with a chip on his shoulder.
Foster lives inside the weight room and his work ethic is legendary and, most importantly, it translates to the field. That same ferociousness applies in the run game as he paves holes for backs and gets to the second and sometimes third level, and he’s equally as dynamic in pass pro, strong enough to contain some of the best defensive tackles and ends and still agile enough to slow down linebackers.