A team can sign as many outstanding quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers as it can get its hands on, but without an at least solid line, the offense isn’t going the thrive. The offensive tackle, either left of right, depending on which arm the quarterback throws with, can be the second-most important position on the field.

It’s no wonder SEC coaching staffs look all over the country for the best lineman to join their teams. When the big guys up front are doing their job they not only give the backs a wall to run behind, they stop the pass rush and keep defenses from getting a pass rush. Championships have been won and lost based on the ability to keep the quarterback healthy.

You can never have too much depth on the offensive line, and with many of the top high school tackles yet to choose a college you can bet ACC coaches are practically beating down doors trying to get them to head down South.

Here’s a look at the five of the best offensive tackles already committed to play for SEC schools.

1. Jonah Williams (Folsom, Calif.) — Alabama commit

  • The skinny: At 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, Williams is already close to big enough to play at the major college level. He could add 15 or more pounds of muscle to that frame fairly quickly once he arrives in Tuscaloosa. Rated the No. 2 tackle in his class by Rivals.com and the No. 3 prospect overall in California, this is a nice pickup from Pac-12 country for Nick Sabin and his staff.

2. Landon Young (Lexington, Ky.) — Kentucky

  • The skinny: The Wildcats picked up a huge commitment from the local product as Mark Stoops tries to rebuild the Kentucky program, starting up front. The 6-foot-7, 298-pounder from Lafayette High School is rated the No. 1 recruit in the state by Rivals and chose UK over offers from Alabama and Auburn among many others.

3. Bryce Matthews (Brentwood, Tenn.) — Ole Miss

  • The skinny: The son of former Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans lineman Jason Matthews, Bryce is yet another big recruiting victory for Rebels coach Hugh Freeze, who got the 6-foot-6, 275-pound tackle to choose Ole Miss over Alabama, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and his father’s alma mater, Texas A&M.

4. Ryan Johnson (Brentwood, Tenn.) — Tennessee

  • The skinny: Jason Matthews is coaching some outstanding linemen at Brentwood Academy, including Johnson who has chosen to stay in the state with the Volunteers. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound Johnson had an offer to join his teammate at Ole Miss, as well as offers from Alabama, Clemson and others, but said he was ready to become a Volunteer.

5. Brodarious Hamm (Griffin, Ga.) — Auburn

  • The skinny: Hamm’s recruitment has been widely discussed since he received a scholarship offer from Georgia at age 15. Now the mammoth 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle has settled on Auburn after visiting the Tigers this summer. His size got him noticed early on, but he’s developed enough skill since to become a four-star prospect and the No. 27 player in Georgia according to 247Sports.