Observer Position Review: Carolinas' OLs

Each day this week, The Observer will rank the top five prospects in the Carolinas by position as we track their recruiting. Today brings us to the guys that really make things click, the offensive linemen. All are members of their state’s Observer Top 25 prospects list. If you have a question or think of a player we’ve missed, email me at solson@charlotteobserver.com

OFFENSIVE LINE

1. ROBERT CRISP, Chapel Hill: Crisp is a 6-foot-8, 300-pound beast of a tackle. He’s a strong pass protector with great reach and excellent quick feet. Although he was being recruited by almost everyone — he had offers from all 12 ACC schools, for instance — he cut the crush short by committing early to N.C. State.

2. ERIC MACK, St. Matthews (S.C.) Calhoun Co.: A pretty good year for the big boys in the Carolinas. Mack, who can play guard or tackle at the next level, has stirred up intense interest. He’s 6-4 and 315 pounds with quick feet and good technique, and can already bench-press 335 pounds. Being recruited by Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, UNC and South Carolina, among others.

3. T.J. LEIFHEIT, Wilmington Hoggard: An earth-mover of an OT who can be finessed on occasion but will mash you if you try to bull-rush him. Rapidly moving up recruiting lists, the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Leifheit’s current favorites are North Carolina, Tennessee and California. He also has offers from Southern Cal, South Carolina, N.C. State, Duke, ECU and Wake Forest. A combination of great height, length and desire. And he hasn’t allowed a sack yet.

4. A.J. CANN, Bamberg (S.C.)-Ehrhardt: The fourth nationally-recruited OL in the Carolinas, Cann, who also plays defense (14 sacks last year) is a likely G or C in college. His list of offers is a who’s who of southeastern powers, including Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

5. TAYLOR HUDSON, Mauldin (S.C.): The smallest member of this list — just 6-5 and 290 pounds. Hudson is quick and rapidly developing. His favorites include Clemson, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Coming Wednesday: Wide Receivers

--Stan Olson