Film Room: Jermiel Atkins

Tackle was a significant need for Kentucky in the 2025 high school recruiting cycle. New offensive line coach Eric Wolford needed to help the program find more true tackle prospects that could get developed in the program. A third commitment at the position on Thursday capped off a huge last month for the program.

Trotwood (Ohio) Madison senior Jermiel Atkins became the third offensive tackle to commit to Kentucky picking the SEC program over Minnesota and Virginia Tech.

The Wildcats are addressing their offensive tackle need in a big way as Atkins will join Darrin Strey and Bryan Auguste in the class. What will the Dayton area native bring to Kentucky’s Big Blue Wall? Atkins is a traits-heavy prospect who owns a potential high ceiling as a pass protector.

Physical traits show up in protection

Jermiel Atkins is one of the bigger tackle prospects in the 2025 high school cycle. The top 30 player in Ohio checks in at 6-foot-8, and that size stands out on tape. The three-star prospect will need to develop improved striking skills at Kentucky, but this was not a player added to be a mauler first and protector second.

It stands out immediately that Atkins has a high ceiling as a protector on tape.

Atkins flashes some good get-off on the snap and is a smooth mover climbing to the second level, but his biggest addition at the next level is what he can become. Atkins oozes with potential as a pass protector and that shows up on tape.

The right tackle can cover a ton of ground on a pass set thanks to his large frame and length. Atkins flashes the ability to recover and flashes good feet in his drops making it even more difficult to work around him in protection.

Developmental Prospect

Jermiel Atkins is Kentucky’s third tackle commit, and he will bring a high ceiling to Kentucky’s offensive line room. The pass protection traits are real, and the raw size will give him a chance to add some power after spending time in a strength and conditioning program.

The three-star prospect shows some positional athleticism on tape both in the run and pass game. Atkins will need to clean up his striking and show that he can play with true power against bigger competition, but those are all things that can be improved.

Atkins will need some developmental time before seeing the field in the SEC, but the massive recruit gives Kentucky another huge tackle prospect with some physical traits that can still be developed. You cannot teach size and if some fundamental improvement is made you can picture Atkins becoming a quality tackle in college football thanks to his size and movement skills.

The Wildcats have officially addressed a position of need by adding three true high school tackle prospects in the class of 2025. Jermiel Atkins gives Eric Wolford another young prospect to plug into the one of the tackle spots on Kentucky’s roster.