Dominating in the trenches is about a lot more than just strength and size. The best offensive linemen in the nation are also incredible athletes that rely just as much on their technique as they do sheer power. The early portion of the top 100 recruits for 2017 is absolutely loaded with offensive lineman and that’s important for the college football programs looking to rebuild. When you take a look at how the game has gone, there is a bigger emphasis on passer now more than ever before. That means quarterbacks need more time to throw, which means that they need stronger protection, which means that you better have the best talent at the five offensive line positions or your team isn’t going to be competing for much. With that in mind, we decided to narrow our focus to the best of them. Here is a look at the top five offensive linemen for the class of 2017.
Josh Myers, Offensive Tackle
Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 3 overall prospect for 2017 is the top-rated offensive linemen in the country for 2017 in Myers. The five-star tackle has the mentality of a guard and the athleticism of a tackle, which makes him an absolutely dominant run blocker that has no problem getting to the second level and making plays. Myers is also a steady pass blocker and his quickness and athleticism should help him improve in that area at the next level. The top overall prospect from Ohio should fit in just fine with the Buckeyes where he has the potential to make a major impact from the outset.
Calvin Ashley, Offensive Tackle
Auburn Tigers
The top overall prospect from Florida will leave his home state to play at Auburn. Ashley is a powerful offensive tackle with an extremely strong base and he does an excellent job of setting the edge with his athleticism and mobility. Ashley still has some work to do in terms of the technical aspect of the position, but he is a tremendous raw talent. The No. 2 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall prospect should thrive at Auburn. One of the reasons he decided to go there is because the Tigers should have prolific offense and if he’s one of the cornerstones of that unit, he’ll get much more recognition from the NFL scouts.
Foster Sarell, Offensive Tackle
Undecided
The No. 3 offensive tackle and No. 8 overall prospect in the country has not decided whether he will sign with Alabama, Oregon, Stanford, USC or Washington, but he is bound to make a tremendous impact wherever he signs. Sarell isn’t as powerful as Myers or Ashley, but he is arguably the most fundamentally sound of the three and he has more than enough size, strength and athleticism to star at left tackle. A well-rounded offensive tackle that is just as good protecting the passer as blocking in the run game, it is pretty obvious why so many teams have pushed hard for Sarell.
Austin Jackson, Offensive Tackle
Undecided
Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, Texas A&M and USC have all pushed hard for the top overall prospect from Arizona and No. 4 overall offensive tackle in this year’s class. Jackson is fairly light for an offensive tackle at 260 pounds, but he has incredible athleticism and solid footwork that will translate well at the next level. Jackson will have the opportunity to put on some size once he commits and he could really develop in to a star once he adds some size.
Isaiah Wilson, Offensive Tackle
Undecided
The No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 22 overall prospect on the board has been pursued by Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia and Michigan as one of the most coveted prospects from the state of New York. Wilson is still very raw, but he is extremely powerful with the sheer size and athleticism to absolutely dominate at the college level. Wilson is already an outstanding run blocker and with improved technique he will absolutely thrive as a complete left tackle moving forward.
