Just like with the 2019 class, Tennessee’s coaches will make offensive line a big focus for the 2020 cycle in recruiting. The Vols are already in on a lot of linemen in this cycle, and they recently sent out an offer to a four-star offensive lineman out of Texas.
Jaylen Garth is a four-star offensive tackle out of Port Neches, Texas. He holds offers from over a dozen schools, and he recently added one from Tennessee.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/hrRvnmAK56
— Jaylen (@JaylenGarth) February 16, 2019
Garth picked up his offer from the Vols, then he ended up committing to Texas just a day later. But that doesn’t mean the Vols are out of the race by any means. There’s still 11 months till next National Signing Day, after all.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Garth is the No. 294 overall prospect and the No. 33 offensive tackle in the 2020 class. The regular 247Sports rankings have him listed much higher, rating him as the No. 191 overall recruit and No. 28 offensive tackle in this cycle. Along with Tennessee and Texas, Garth holds offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Texas A&M, LSU, Nebraska, Arkansas, Houston, and many others.
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Garth has racked up offers since the start of 2019, with six different Power Five programs (including Tennessee) extending an offer to him since this year has started.
A lot of times, high school offensive linemen have a habit of using their strength to mask a lot of unsound technical work when they play. Garth is definitely strong, but he also has a lot of good skills in both his footwork and hand placement that many high schoolers struggle with. He may not have the quickest first step in pass blocking, but overall he absorbs impact well and can redirect pass rushers effectively. Watching his film, I almost think he might be a better fit as a guard with the way he blocks in the run game, but you need to block the run as a tackle, too. He’s very physical and aggressive, and effort doesn’t seem to be a problem with him.
Pulling highly-rated players out of Texas is always difficult, but if the Vols’ coaching staff is dead set on getting Garth, expect them to make him a big priority. Tennessee does already have a lot of highly-rate linemen high on their board, so it will be interesting to see what happens with Garth, especially now that he’s committed to Texas.
