His name is Austin Blythe

Quote

C / OG AUSTIN BLYTHE, #63 (Sr-5) IOWA GRADE: 5.21 Ht: 6-2 ⅛ | Wt: 298 | 40: 5.36 | Arm: 31 ½ | Hand: 9 ½ History: Married. Iowa native who also competed in track and field and wrestling — won three state wrestling titles. Had his right knee scoped prior to his junior season in high school. Redshirted in 2011. Started 9-of-10 games played at right guard in ’12 — sat out two games while nursing a high left ankle sprain. Shifted to center in ’13, when he started all 13 games. Showed versatility in ’14 when he started all 13 games — first six at center, one at ORG and the final six at left guard. Was a Rimington Trophy finalist in ’15 after starting all 14 games at center. Team captain graduated with a communications degree. Strengths: Experienced, four-year starter. Excellent feet and initial quickness off the ball to zone off areas. Explosive climbing to the second level and sealing linebackers, with good body control to adjust to moving targets. Runs his feet through contact. Very efficient pulling and operating in space. Extremely intelligent and football smart — makes all the line calls and is a very quick study. Versatile — has played all three interior line positions. Works hard, is highly competitive and respected as a team leader (four-year member of the leadership council). Can power clean 400-plus pounds and is a weight-room phenom, bench-pressing 225 pounds 29 times at the Combine, more than any other center. Weaknesses: Undersized with small hands and extremely short arms that create some issues engaging and sustaining blocks. Lacks bulk and can be overpowered by big-bodied nose tackles and walked back in pass protection. Has some lower-body stiffness and could stand to play with more consistent knee bend in-line. Limited punch. Future: Feisty, explosive zone-blocking center who compensates for his lack of mass and length with exceptional quickness, grit and work habits. Is wired to quickly earn a starting job and make a living overcoming his physical limitations. Draft projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.