2025 OT Juan Gaston’s emerging as a national recruit

Atlanta Westlake offensive tackle Juan Gaston recently concluded his sophomore season. Colleges have already noticed the talented 2025 recruit.

The 6-foot-7, 330-pound prospect received his first offer from Middle Tennessee around the start of his freshman year. Now, he’s approaching 20 with offers from the likes of Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas.

“A great coaching staff, a team to bond with and bonding with the coaches,” Gaston told On3 about what he is looking for in a program.

The Longhorns, Nittany Lions and Volunteers are some of Gaston’s more recent offers. Programs including Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Maryland extended ones in the middle of his ninth grade campaign.

Gaston believes the down block and pulling are two of his biggest strengths on the football field. He also plays basketball, which helps with stamina, flexibility, movement and footwork.

“It’s to keep me in shape for the football season,” Gaston said.

Gaston, the son of former Georgia Tech athlete Juan Gaston, took an unofficial visit to Tennessee on Oct. 15 for the Volunteers’ win over Alabama. It marked his second visit to Knoxville.

Before the game, he got a chance to speak with Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Ellarbee. Following the conversation, he recognized that Ellarbee is “a really good coach.”

“It was pretty loud,” Gaston said of the game. “Fans (were) crazy and the food was good, too.”

Gaston plans to visit other schools that have offered him, including Arkansas, Maryland and Penn State. He already visited Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee this season.

Right now, the offensive tackle believes it is “too early” for any favorites. There is a good chance more schools enter the picture in the coming months.

Georgia did so recently. Gaston announced an offer from the Bulldogs on Wednesday night.

“They have a great coaching staff,” he said.