Mack Brown turned recruiting into a game played February through August and was among the best in the nation at wrapping up early classes. As a result he rarely had prospects choosing Texas at the major all-star games. Charlie Strong on the other hand, is making a living of his own late in the game. That tradition continued Saturday at the Under Armour All-American game when North Mesquite (TX) offensive lineman Jean Delance announced his intention to attend school in Austin. The Longhorns top offensive line target picked Texas over offers from Michigan, LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and many others.
Delance was committed to Oklahoma during his junior season, but he re-opened his recruitment in the spring and the Longhorns have been on his trail ever since. Delance joins an offensive line class that includes two high upside athletes in Tope Imade and Denzel Okafor. Delance represents the most technical of the trio and tops off a nice group of prospects. Texas coach Brian Jean-Mary took the lead on this one and forged a great relationship with Delance and his family, which ultimately sealed the deal for the Longhorns. Offensive line has been a huge priority for Texas and Delance’s athletic ability and size make him a perfect option for the new Texas offense. Delance checked in at number 18 on the final HornSports 2016 Top 50.
Film Analysis:
Delance has prototypical size at 6’5 270 lbs., with long limbs and plenty of room to add quality weight. Delance is built a little thin right now, but he will have a chance to develop into an elite lineman. Delance plays with a great power base and understands balance, footwork, and leverage. He’s explosive out of his stance and moves well when pulling. He’s agile in space and shows an ability to engage at the second level against moving targets. Delance is an effective run blocker in both zone and power looks showing good reach and hand placement along with the coordination to stay in front of his man and keep him engaged. Delance does have a tendency to over extend and at times and open inside rush lanes, but this results more from lapses in technique. His true potential will be realized when he develops a better punch which derives from added functional strength. Delance has a tendency to allow defenders too far inside of him, which negates his reach and technical ability. Delance shows great intelligence on the field and is known as a leader for his high school team.
Final Verdict:
He’s got some developing to do, but Delance is a great starter kit for your prototypical offensive tackle. He could probably use a redshirt year to add strength, but the need at Texas might force him into action early on the right side since Connor Williams has the left side locked down. If he works hard in the weight room, his technical ability will allow him to succeed early. He shares a similar build and level of technical ability with former USC offensive lineman Tyron Smith who was selected in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys. Delance has a ceiling that suggests the same type of ability, and the Mesquite tackle could be an early round pick in the future.
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