I have no choice but to start this article with the same sentence I started yesterdays with, “The Fran Brown recruiting machine is at it again!” Earlier today, Zach Rice, an offensive tackle who spent the last three years with North Carolina, announced his commitment to Syracuse. Rice is the second offensive lineman with ACC experience to join the ‘Cuse in this Spring Transfer Window after guard Austin Collins who played at Louisville, committed to the Orange last week.
What makes this signing so splashy is how highly rated Rice was out of high school. Hailing from Lynchburg, Virginia, the big man was the top rated offensive tackle and a top 15 player in the nation. This is a guy who was thought of as a program-changing offensive lineman. He hasn’t played up to that level through three years in college, but the talent is there.
Here’s how 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Brian Dohn evaluated him in high school, “Big frame with shoulder width. Ideal left tackle size with strength. Multi-sport athlete played on state class 3A semifinal team as junior. Agile and high-level athlete. Moves well in space. Plays with attitude and nastiness. Strong at point of attack and uses his lower body strength well. Initial punch is forceful and plays with heavy hands. Once engaged remains locked on and drives legs. Finishes blocks well. Effective down blocker from right tackle position. Shows ability to pull and move well in space. Can scrape and get to second level. Has body control to pinpoint second-level defenders. Has agility to cover the edge against speed rusher. Is patient in pass pro and does not lung often. Consistency with hand placement needed. Has to continue to work on bend to be more consistent with sinking hips and winning leverage battle. Has to refine kick step. Multi-year starter at top 10 program. NFL first round potential.”
The trenches are so important if SU wants to compete against its extremely tough schedule next year. Fran Brown has gotten the job done and brought in the size and talent this team needs.
