The Texas offensive line class features a little bit of everything in 2016. Jean Delance is the athletic tackle, Tope Imade is an inside mauler, and Denzel Okafor is the versatile player with a high ceiling. Texas got a cherry on top today when Belton (TX) lineman Zach Shackelford committed to the Longhorns. Shackelford flipped his commitment from Kansas State after officially visiting Texas this weekend. The central Texas lineman received an offer from Texas in November and really began to consider the Longhorns after Matt Mattox was hired from Tulsa. Shackelford also held offers from Arizona State, Houston, Oklahoma State, Purdue, and Tulsa. Shackelford is the fourth commit of the Texas offensive line group for 2016.
Coming into the season, Shackelford was unheralded as a prospect. In a recurring theme for Texas recruiting, Shackelford had a big time senior season and really started to see his profile explode. Shackelford projects as an inside player that could possibly play center at the collegiate level, and his recruitment became all the more important when Jake Raulerson transferred out of the program. Shackelford is an early enrollee who will move his things to Austin this week and begin classes.
Film Analysis:
Shackelford has a sturdy frame at 6’4 290 lbs., which is nearly ideal for the center position. He features a lot of strength including good functional strength, which allows him to bully the opposition at the point of attack. He plays with a good base of power and is at his best when he utilizes his violent hands properly. He is a bit slow footed which is why he looks like more of an inside prospect at this point, but his size and toughness make him an ideal interior player. He has experience pulling and shows a good ability to engage defenders in the open field. Shackelford’s best quality is his ability to finish and high motor. Both tools allow him to work second level and clear big running lanes in the middle of the defense. Shackelford’s senior film was strong including a great performance against Killeen Shoemaker that features a defensive line of Rahssan Thornton and Kendell Jones. Those players are committed to LSU and Alabama respectively, so it’s encouraging he was able to put it on film against strong talent. Shackelford hasn’t played center during his career, but he does have an advantage as an early enrollee that will give him time to learn the position.
Final Verdict:
Shackelford’s rating on major recruiting sites won’t look like a big coup, but this is another eval that developed late in his high school career. Shackelford gives Texas much needed interior depth and a possible answer at the center position. He has some technique issues to clear up, but his strength, size, and motor will play up in a power spread. Many prospects with Shackelford’s makeup have excelled at the college level and made their way into the NFL. He has a chance to play early, and could be a multi year starter and all conference performer.
