Instant impact offensive linemen are rare.
In the past, players like Laremy Tunsil and certainly Cam Robinson have been elite enough to break into the starting lineup, at left tackle nonetheless.
It usually takes offensive linemen a year or two in the system to get bigger and stronger before they can even sniff the starting lineup, but some guys are just different.
We look at five offensive linemen who could be assets right away in 2015:
Martez Ivey, OT, Florida
Skinny: Are you looking for the Cam Robinson or Laremy Tunsil of the 2015 recruiting class? Try Florida’s Martez Ivey. He runs like a tight end in an offensive tackle’s body. Watching him block downfield is something that makes scouts giddy. So, the question becomes: what position will Ivey play at Florida? While his future is at left tackle, Ivey could start at right tackle in lieu of sophomore David Sharpe. Florida hopes Ivey pans out better than DJ Humphries, who had a decent impact at Florida but his best days are ahead in the NFL. Ivey is a little lean, and that’s what makes him suitable for right tackle until he’s ready to protect the quarterback’s blind side.
Drew Richmond, OT, Tennessee
Skinny: Outside of perhaps Martez Ivey, Drew Richmond may be the second best choice. Richmond is a mammoth human being, listed at 6-3, 310 pounds. The Memphis native has tremendous size and athleticism and is an excellent pass blocker and run blocker. He’s the total package, and he’s more ready to play left tackle than Martez Ivey at this stage of their careers. Richmond will be in the mix with tackles Coleman Thomas and Kyler Kerbyson during fall camp.
Jack Jones, OT, Tennessee
Skinny: Jack Jones is another elite offensive linemen for the Volunteers, but he’s getting a leg up on the competition as an early enrollee. Jones will go through spring practice, and he’ll try and prove he’s worthy to start game one in 2015. Like Richmond, Jones is ready to play now, size-wise. He’s listed at 6-5, 290 pounds, but he’ll pack on a few pounds once he gets into Tennessee’s meal plan. Jones has excellent footwork, and he’s very athletic for his size. It wouldn’t surprise me if both Jones and Richmond broke into the starting lineup by 2015’s end.
Javon Patterson, OG, Ole Miss
Skinny: Like Jack Jones from Tennessee, Javon Patterson is already enrolled at Ole Miss. Although the Rebels have many players along the offensive line, they still need impact trench players in the worst way. Patterson could be that guy immediately. He’s 6-3, 317 pounds, and he looks like a ballerina on the football field, displaying tremendous footwork and quickness. Although Patterson may not start game one, he should work his way into the lineup and become a big asset for the Rebels in 2015. He’s certainly a cornerstone Hugh Freeze can build around in the future.
George Asafo-Adjei, OG, Kentucky
Skinny: One of the Pied Piper’s of Kentucky’s 2015 recruiting class, Asafo-Adjei looks like an NFL player right now. He’s listed at 6-5, 315 pounds, and he’s probably a little bigger than his listing. Plus, he’s already enrolled at Kentucky and will go through spring practice. Asafo-Adjei is very raw overall, and he’s already one of the strongest players on the team. The Wildcats need help badly along the offensive line, and Asafo-Adjei could be that player to emerge this fall. Participating in spring practice will be huge for both Asafo-Adjei and Kentucky.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
