Newcomers In The CFB Saturdays College Football OT Rankings: 2021 Preseason

March 9, 2021 CFB Saturdays Staff

With the 2020 season in the books we have removed the offensive tackles who have moved on and updated the College Football OT rankings. A few notes before we discuss the rankings themselves.

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football OT Rankings here.

Here is a look at a few of the offensive tackles that have debuted in the rankings after a promising 2020:

Jamaree Salyer – Georgia

Jamaree Salyer started at left tackle for the majority of the 2020 season. He was asked to step in after the Bulldogs lost both starting tackles from 2019 to the NFL and did so admirably. He adjusted well to playing on the outside of the offensive line and became a steady performer for the Bulldogs. Salyer led the way for a young offensive line and was effective both as a pass blocker and in the running game. He will be one of the key contributors on the offensive line for the Bulldogs going forward and can play a number of spots effectively.

Salyer is a bit shorter than most tackles at 6’4″, but plays at a powerful 325 lbs. He has quick feet and is able to handle quicker pass rushers. He has enough flexibility to remain on the outside and is a good tackle. He is powerful at the point of attack and can drive defenders off the ball. He is quick off the ball and can pull to lead block for the running game. Salyer could play inside or outside for Georgia in 2021, but will excel in either spot.

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Kellen Diesch – Arizona State

Diesch transfered to Arizona State last year and started all four games at tackle for the Sun Devils. Unfortunately the Arizona State season was only four games and Diesch decided to return for an extra year of eligibility. It was a small sample, but Diesch was very good in those four games and showed he can be a key component on the offensive line. With a few games under his belt he should have the confidence to lead the way up front for Arizona State in 2021.

Diesch fits the mold at the tackle position. He is listed at 6’7″ 300 lbs and has the length and size to match-up with top pass rushers. He is athletic and can get into his set efficiently and neutralize good pass rushers on the edge. Diesch plays with good power and leverage in the run game, sealing off the edge effectively on outside run plays. Diesch will take advantage of an extra year of eligibility in 2021, meaning Arizona State will have a big advantage at the tackle position.

Arizona State Sun Devils Gear

Luke Tenuta – Virginia Tech

Tenuta was a solid starter at right tackle for the Hokies in 2021. He was playing opposite potential first round pick Christian Darrisaw on the offensive line but was a strong performer in his own right. Tenuta was excellent as a run blocker on the right side of the offensive line and helped pave the way for star running back Khalil Herbert. He was solid in pass protection, but will need to continue to improve their if he is going to replace Darrisaw on the blind side in 2021.

Tenuta is a prototypical tackle at 6’7″ 315 lbs. He is a strong run blocker who attacks defensive linemen in the run game and can be overpowering at the point of attack. Tenuta has improved his ability to get out of his stance and into his pass blocking sets quickly so he is not reaching for defenders. He still needs to work on getting better balance to handle better pass rushers. With another year to improve, Tenuta will have a chance to be the next great tackle at Virginia Tech.

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DeVontae Love-Taylor – Florida State

Love-Taylor transferred to Florida State for the 2020 season and was one of the few bright spots on the Seminoles’ offense. The offensive line was still a work in progress for Florida State, but Love-Taylor was solid as a run blocker and was strong is pass protection. Love-Taylor played both tackle spots and guard in 2020, but was consistent in his performance, despite changing positions several times. As the talent around him improves, Love-Taylor should be even better when he can focus on one position.

At 6’4″ 315 lbs, Love-Taylor isn’t quite as tall as most top tackles. He is a strong player who delivers a good punch at the point of attack. He is a good athlete who has the quickness and balance to play inside our outside on the offensive line. Love-Taylor appears to be more comfortable in pass protection where he gets into his sets quickly and is able to play with balance and punch. He is a solid run blocker, but is not as comfortable here as he is protecting the quarterback. Love-Taylor is a versatile player who will be a leader for the Seminoles in 2021.

Sean Rhyan – UCLA

Rhyan has been a starter at UCLA since his arrival on campus in 2019. He started 12 games in 2019 and all 7 in 2020. Rhyan and Alec Anderson make a strong pair of bookend tackles for the Bruins. Just a sophomore in 2020, Rhyan did a good job of protecting the quarterback’s blindside and was a strong blocker in the run game. The Bruins allowed just 1.7 sacks per game in 2020 after allowing over 3 per game in 2019. The running game also improved it’s production by over 80 yards per contest.

Rhyan is a solid tackle prospect at 6’5″ 318 lbs and has proven he can play on the outside of the offensive line. He is a well put together prospect who has quick feet and lateral mobility. He can handle quicker players on the edge and has the power to dominate at the point of attack. Rhyan is an athletic blocker who can get downfield and make key blocks at the second level to spring a big play. Rhyan will be the left tackle for UCLA again in 2021 and should be even better with another season to hone his skills.