Rivals Rankings Week: Breaking down the 2020 offensive linemen
The 2020 prospect rankings have been updated and Rivals.com continues its release with a position-by-position look at how things shook out. Here, we examine the headlines on a group of talented offensive linemen that will shape the college football landscape for the next few years.
2020 RANKINGS: Offensive tackles | Guards | Centers
TEAMS WITH THE TOP COMMITS: Clemson, Ohio State, Texas A&M
Who has the top OL class so far? Clemson and Ohio State could make arguments — strong ones. We know the Tigers and Buckeyes are the top two with Texas A&M coming in third at this stage.
Clemson has a big need on the offensive line and they are off to a big start. Two Peach State offensive linemen, John Williams (tackle) and Paul Tchio (guard) lead the way. Both committed during their junior seasons and each seems very happy with their decisions. Walker Parks is a swing guy out of Kentucky that could play inside or outside.
The Buckeyes have Paris Johnson on their commitment list. Johnson is a five-star offensive tackle and the top prospect in the state or Ohio. New head coach Ryan Day is off to a great start. Luke Wypler is a four-star offensive guard out of New Jersey that could project as a guard or center.
The Aggies have four commitments already. Their names may not stack up yet with ones on Ohio State’s or Clemson’s in terms of stars, but this is a strong quartet. The leader is Akinola Ogunbiyi, a four-star tackle from their home state. The other three are also home-state guys — three-stars Smart Chibuzo (tackle), Joshua Bankhead (guard) and Jordan Jefferson (guard).
TEAM TO WATCH: Georgia
Georgia already has a commitment from Broderick Jones, the highest ranked four-star in the updated Rivals100 with a real shot to add that fifth star down the road. The Bulldogs are far from done. With Sam Pittman leading the way, there is no doubt that the Bulldogs will sign a top group, so who will they add? Five-star Justin Rogers is one to keep a close eye on. Georgia flipped his teammate, Dwan Mathis, in December and he is already in Athens. Tate Ratledge is another Rivals100 target from the home state and this one could come down to Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. There are a lot of other big names out there that are considering Georgia. Chris Morris, Marcus Henderson and Sedrick Van Pran are three four-stars to know and other names will emerge.
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Tate Ratledge
This is one you have to follow, and follow closely. Ratledge likes to keep to himself. He is not big on social media about his recruitment. He does very few interviews. He is not one that is likely to make a big showcase when he makes his decision, so while he plans to make a decision before his senior season, he could sneak up and make one earlier in the spring. Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee are the main schools viewed as contenders right now. He will be back in Athens this weekend.