Rivals Rankings Week: Updated 2021 offensive line rankings
Rivals continues to roll out its updated rankings for the 2021 class and our focus turns to the prospects on the offensive line. Below is a brief overview of the biggest storylines coming out of the latest update.
2021 RANKINGS: Offensive tackle | Guard | Center
*****
RIVALS RANKINGS WEEK
Monday: Five-Star Countdown | Making the Case for No. 1 | How things stand with the uncommitted players in the Rivals250 | The top five-star candidates
Tuesday: New Rivals250 released | Breaking down the new five-stars | Biggest movers in new ranking
Wednesday: Offensive position rankings released | Schools with the most R250 players
Thursday: Defensive position rankings released
Friday: State rankings released
*****
TEAMS WITH TOP COMMITS: Alabama, Georgia, Clemson
Alabama's star-studded 2021 recruiting haul is tops in the nation, and a key reason why is the impressive offensive line additions. The Tide's 2021 class features two of the nation's top three offensive tackles, including the nation's No. 2 overall player in JC Latham as well as fellow five-star Tommy Brockermeyer, the No. 1 prospect from the Lone Star State.
Clemson pulled a big surprise earlier this month when five-star Virginia offensive lineman Tristan Leigh not only revealed his commitment to the Tigers but also that he in fact signed with the team during the Early Signing Period. Throw Leigh, the nation's No. 7-ranked tackle, into a haul that includes the nation's top center, Ryan Linthicum, and Rivals250 guard Marcus Tate.
In the first year without Sam Pittman courting talent to Athens for Georgia, the Dawgs continued to reel in some of the top trench bullies in the nation. The SEC team inked five-star in-state tackles Amarius Mims and Micah Morris, who rank as the No. 2 and No. 9 tackles, respectively. Georgia also signed Dylan Fairchild, a late riser among guards that finished inside the Rivals250.
*****
PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Remington Strickland
Much of the attention on Texas A&M's talent-laden 2021 class falls with five-star offensive guard Bryce Foster and Rivals100 tackle Reuben Fatheree, who is a gifted pass protector with size and exceptional feet.
However, the Aggies also won the sweepstakes for Remington Strickland, a four-star lineman that projects inside at either guard or center. The Houston-area lineman was a late riser after a breakout senior season. Texas A&M edged out Oklahoma for Strickland's signature in December.
*****
PROSPECT TO WATCH: Kimo Makaneole
Kimo Makaneole was a longtime commitment to Florida State out of Niceville (Fla.) High School but opted to press reset on his recruitment in December after the early signing window came and went. LSU landed his pledge on New Year's Day as offensive line has surfaced as a major position of need for coach Ed Orgeron and Co. at the back end of the 2021 cycle.
LSU edged out not only the Seminoles, but Ole Miss, Utah, Mississippi State and Texas A&M for his commitment.