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Chuck Martin and the Miami RedHawks landed a pair of big time linemen on this week.
Deciding to continue his playing days and education at Miami over scholarship offers from fellow Mid-American Conference programs such as Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Ohio, and Toledo, class of 2018 offensive tackle Bennett Clark was the first senior-to-be to verbally commit to the RedHawks coaching staff Wednesday evening.
I'm excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic careers at Miami of Ohio!! pic.twitter.com/Pqqd96roKy
— Bennett Clark (@bwclark99) March 30, 2017
Named to the All-State team for his play on the field, the future RedHawk showed why he locked up double digit scholarship offers time and time again. Leading his Zionsville High (IN) squad to an overall record of 6-6, Clark helped block the Eagles offense to nearly 450 yards a contest last season as a junior.
A three-star rated prospect, he’s currently considered the 73rd offensive tackle, and 913th overall prospect in the country, according to the latest 247Sports Rankings.
Highlights
Meanwhile, the ‘Hawks shored up the other side of the offensive line on Thursday as Andrew Todd, the offensive tackle hailing from Vinton, Iowa, announced his commitment to the program. Among Todd’s ten offers were Ball State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan.
Very excited to announce my commitment to Miami of Ohio! ⚪️ Go RedHawks! pic.twitter.com/eKEqmxH0pf
— Andrew Todd (@Andrew_Todd4) March 31, 2017
The 6’4”, 270-pounder is highly touted (#1 OG in Iowa per Scout, top ten at his position in the Midwest), and for good reason. He plowed Washington’s way to the semifinals of the Iowa Class 4A state playoffs before falling short against Iowa City West.
Highlights
Analysis
Miami hit the ground running for the 2018 class with a couple of keepers up front. Clark is a very solid player at tackle while Todd’s athleticism and physicality gives him the ability to play either tackle or guard at the next level. Both need to develop a stronger upper body, and time will tell how they handle college-level pass rushers. The hard part for the coaching staff comes next: keeping such prodigious linemen.