Duke Blue Devils National Signing Day: Offensive Linemen

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Duke fans can follow National Signing Day with live updates and video on GoDuke.com. GoDuke.com’s 2012 Signing Day Central will feature biographical sketches and video highlights of Duke’s signees. Tune in here to keep up-to-date with all the signings and get over to the Washington Duke from 5:30-7 for the Signing Day event with Coach David Cutcliffe!

With National Signing Day upon us, the Duke Football program has earned commitments from a number of quality athletes to keep the pool of talent on the roster filled. Unlike basketball, it’s unusual for freshmen to make a large impact in college football but last year a number of them made valuable contributions for the Blue Devils. Out of the 30 players listed as freshmen on Duke’s roster for 2011: Jamison Crowder, Blair Holliday, Britton Grier, David Helton, and Jonathan Woodruff all took some snaps.

During the 2012 season you will definitely see some new faces hitting the field as the players who took redshirts last season will step into roles left open by departing seniors. On the offensive side of the ball, departing seniors like Cooper Helfet (David Reeves will get more time), Jay Hollingsworth (Josh Snead, Dez Scott, etc.), Kyle Hill (Lucas Patrick, Cody Robinson, Marcus Aphramian), Donovan Varner(Holliday, Brandon Braxton), Alex King (Will Monday) leave big shoes to fill.

A look at Duke’s 18-man 2012 recruiting class shows a strategic effort to supplement the departing players with talented prospects from all over the country. Duke is still waiting to hear from North Carolina native Keilin Rayner tomorrow. He will make his decision known live at 11 AM Wednesday. Earlier, we profiled the offensive skill players. Now, let’s look at the two offensive linemen recruits, Casey Blaser (pictured above) and Tanner Stone.

Offensive Tackle

• Casey Blaser — Status: Committed
• Height 6’5″ | Weight 260 lbs
• Rankings — 2-Star  (Rivals) | 3-Star #105 OT (ESPN) | 2-Star #130 OT (Scout)
• From South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC
• Scouting Report from ESPN:
• Blaser has the playing strength to dominate as a run blocker at his present level, flashing initial quickness and explosion. Has the height and athleticism for the offensive tackle position at the major level of competition. His frame appears capable of adding the body mass he will need as his collegiate career begins. We detect some hip and ankle stiffness however this doesn’t appear to affect his ability to play on his feet in space. Comes off the ball aggressively from a three point stance but his initial pad level in consistently too high; flashes the ability to roll the hips on contact with the base and leg drive to win the battle and eventually get movement. Shows potential when pulling; stays tight to the line, demonstreting the ability to locate defenders on the move with positive finishing results. Although his pad level is too high we see the potential to consistently get a hat on active 1st and 2nd level defenders. With added bulk and improved playing strength this prospect should have the tools necessary to make all the required run blocks at the next level. His arm length and nimble feet should be assets in pass protection; will need to improve his set quickness and blocking base. Plays to straight legged; must improve his bend and ability to side the feet. All areas of hand use will need attention, especially initial punch and location. Blaser is a developmental size prospect who will need some time and perhaps a red shirt year to grow physically while improving his technical skills.
• Video:

 

• Tanner Stone — Status: Committed
• Height 6’6″ | Weight 255 lbs
• Rankings — 2-Star (Rivals) | 3-Star #163 OG (ESPN) | 2-Star #136 OG (Scout)
• From Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas
• Scouting Report from ESPN:
• Stone is an offensive line prospect who displays a good frame to develop. He lacks ideal bulk and will need to add additional mass and improve strength, but with time in a college weight program he should be able to add some of the needed size. As a run blocker he flashes the ability to deliver a solid initial pop and will get hands on, but needs to watch pad level. He can play tall and at times lean on defenders and needs to play lower and work to derive power from his lower body and generate better leg drive to help create push. Does an adequate job of climbing up to second level and playing on his feet and getting a piece of moving targets. As a pass blocker needs to play with better bend and not voluntarily give up too much ground. Displays adequate ability to slide and mirror rushers. Stone comes across as a bit of a raw prospect that needs to keep developing aspects of his game as well as his frame. A prospect who we feel will benefit from and need at least a red-shirt to allow him to get to a point where he can get the most from his abilities.