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| Parker (CO) Ponderosa offensive tackle Chris Fox |
Fox is a 6'6", 297 lb. offensive lineman who looks to me like a right tackle, but he could also move inside to guard. He claims a 5.5 forty.
Ratings:
ESPN: 4-star OT
Rivals: 4-star OT, #46 overall
Scout: 4-star OG
247 Sports: 4-star OT, 95 grade, #8 OT, #48 overall
Fox's recruitment was considered to be a two-horse race between his home state Buffaloes and the Wolverines, but Colorado isn't really considered to be a hot destination these days. This is a big loss for the home state team, because Fox was generally considered to be the state's top recruit. At least Fox won't have to adjust to the cold when he arrives in Ann Arbor. He was offered in June 2011, visited campus last summer, and obviously made a return trip this weekend. When kids travel to Michigan a second time from somewhere as far away as Colorado, you can assume they have serious interest.
Most of Fox's highlight film comes on the defensive side of the ball, so it's hard to get a great feel for him as an offensive lineman. He is a very aggressive defensive tackle who flies around the field more than most 297 lb. kids do. Aside from his attitude, I also like the fundamentals of how he plays defense. He stays low, uses his hands well, flies to the football, gets his hands up to disrupt throwing lanes, etc. If that discipline and those fundamentals also apply to his offensive skills, then he has a lot of upside.
Fox should presumably start out at the right tackle position in college. He shows good athleticism as a defensive player, but I'm not certain he has the lateral quickness to play left tackle; I won't rule it out without seeing more film of him, though. I also think he has the body to move inside and play guard. His body type reminds me quite a bit of 2012 commit Kyle Kalis, whom Coach Funk plans to start out at right tackle.
This is Michigan's first recruit to come out of Colorado since tight end Steve Watson in the class of 2007.
This is more what I like to see in a highlight tape (compared to my comments about Taco Charlton's). He is always double-teamed and he's still making plays.
ReplyDeleteI think Fox's defensive highlights are more impressive than Charlton's, but Colorado isn't really known for its football talent...and Ohio is. I wasn't very impressed with the players Fox was destroying.
DeleteI agree with that. I don't think too many states can match the talent that's in Ohio (Texas, Florida, and California come to mind) but at least the other teams are accounting for Fox. I felt like Taco Charlton never saw a block, and certainly no double-teams, in his highlight tape.
DeleteDefensive tackles (like Fox) have to be accounted for on every play. There's not a standard play in anyone's playbook that leaves a defensive tackle unblocked. Defensive ends are often left unblocked if the play's going the other way, and if he lines up outside the offensive tackle, the block will often be left to a high school running back (who either sucks at blocking or may not understand the protection). I don't think you should read too much into whether these guys are getting blocked or not.
DeleteAnd wow on the block he makes at about 3:15
ReplyDeleteIn your opinion has Michigan brought in any LT prospects in 2012 or 2013? Seems every player under 6'6" is destined to be a guard, and those 6'6" and up are all more suited for RT. Would LTT be a LT? Or will Michigan have to play someone at LT who is more suited for RT?
ReplyDeleteI think Logan Tuley-Tillman is a left tackle prospect. I also think Erik Magnuson could play left tackle. The other guys I see on the right side or at guard.
DeleteMagnus, this might be a dumb question but I am going to ask anyway...
DeleteWhat does is mean, to be a "Right Tackle" versus a "Left Tackle"? Because if it has anything to do with protecting a right-handed QB's blind side, that will all be reversed with a Left-handed Shane Morris, right?
This guy plays defensive in high school. He's probably a bit tall for your taste when that position is considered, but could you see him playing there in college?
ReplyDeleteHigh-end "difference makers" seem to be rare at that position in college.
http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1333215 free rivals junior year highlights... he seems nasty to me
ReplyDeleteRivals has free video of his junior highlights. Every play ends with a pancake.
ReplyDeleteFree Offensive tackle Junior highlights on Rivals:
ReplyDeletehttp://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1333215