Meet Collin Sadler, the next linchpin offensive tackle at Clemson

CLEMSON — Collin Sadler is an in-state blue-chip prospect with strength, power and a mean streak. A ton of schools wanted the four-star prospect but Clemson was able to secure an early commitment.

It certainly helped that Sadler was located in Clemson’s backyard.

Who is Collin Sadler?

Sadler is ranked No. 144 in the current 247 Sports Composite rankings coming in as a top-five player in the state of South Carolina and a top-20 prospect at the offensive tackle position. Greenville (S.C.) High is located just 30 miles from Memorial Stadium as this is the definition of a homegrown player.

Last season, Sadler helped the Red Raiders to a 5-2 record in the COVID-19 shortened season, while starting at offensive tackle.

What does Collin Sadler add to Clemson?

The tape never lies and Sadler possesses some big-time traits at offensive tackle. At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, the prospect consistently buries opponents at the point of attack and collects a ton of pancake blocks. Combined with a motor and mean streak is some brute force that should only improve once in Clemson’s strength and conditioning program.

However, the athleticism of the young player is what jumps out.

Greenville routinely asks the tackle to pull and lead plays going the opposite direction as a lead blocker. Sadler excelled in these actions flashing some top-notch positional athleticism. The prospect seems to be a prototypical tackle prospect who could play on the right or left side.

How did we get here?

The Salder recruitment was very active from the jump. Thanks to good work in the classroom, there was an Ivy League offer. Northwestern also threw a hat in the ring. Blue bloods Florida, Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Notre Dame, LSU and Georgia all extended offers to the offensive tackle. In-state South Carolina was also in the mix.

The ability to play close to home for one of the best programs in college football was just too good to pass up.

A few campus visits before the COVID-19 shutdown allowed Sadler to get acclimated with the players and coaches. After a flurry of offers, the blue-chipper was ready to end his recruitment. The commitment came on November 2, 2020, scoring a big win for offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell.

Big Picture

Offensive tackle is a very difficult position to play immediately. The speed of the game takes a major jump up, while the technical aspect must be razor-sharp. There’s a reason most offensive line players redshirt before being slowly worked into the lineup.

The same may be true for Sadler, but the skillset cannot be ignored. Size, power, nastiness and athletic ability are all there. This is the type of prospect that succeeds at tackle more often than not.