The 6’7″ 260 lbs left tackle out of Sterling is transitioning very smoothly from the TE position. Lucas shines in the run game. He fires out of his stance, uses his elite length to make first contact and clamp his hands onto his man. His ovearll strength allows him to overpower DL and get them off the line of scrimmage. Austin also showed off the range, both moving down the line to reach block or get up to the second level to block an LB. Lucas is looking solid in pass protection too. He again uses his length to his advantage and trusts his athleticism to keep him mirroring his man. It was a good start for the rising OT.

Lucas has clearly been putting in the offseason work these past few months. The 6’7″ athlete played at 235 lbs in 2022, but he is currently listed at 260 lbs. A lot of time, coaches are forced to project how much or if a kid is able to add size. Lucas has shown he can do it and maintain his explosive athleticism. What else I love about Austin’s development is he previously played TE. I love seeing the big athletes eventually make the switch to OT because the athleticism jumps off the tape when they slide a position or two in. That superior size/athleticism combo stands out for Lucas. He has effortless range to get to the second level or reach down the line of scrimmage. Lucas also plays with very impressive knee and ankle flexibility that allow him to play low and with leverage so he can drive linemen off the ball in the run game. Lucas is just scratching the surface on his potential. If he goes into the season uncommitted, we could see him really take off with that added size, and more experience under his belt. Get on this kid now.

Our first offensive lineman on the list, Sterling High School’s 6’7, 260 lber. Lucas Austin Lucas Austin 6'7" | 250 lbs | OL Sterling | 2024 State IL  has P5-worthy size and brings an accomplished basketball background with a ton of accolades on the hardwood as a power forward. In 2023, Austin has earned offers from Dartmouth, MSU-Mankato, Army, Eastern Michigan, Yale, Eastern Illinois, Columbia, Northern Iowa, Air Force, Miami of Ohio, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, and Southern Illinois, with EMU receiving an official visit and the University of Virginia eyeing him, his progress, and his skillset closely.  The lateral agility and body control from his basketball game show up on his junior football film, and with a frame that provides length and a ton of room to fill in, he’s got the chance to really blow up in a collegiate S&C program. Additionally, he’s strong at the initial contact point as well as a finisher, is bendy in his stance and pad level, and is a high effort player as both a blocker and along the defensive line, where he can pursue out to the edge and run down ball carriers behind the LOS. Also shows some experience working to the second level, pulling and working laterally across the LOS, and in pass pro. Overall, there’s a noticeable amount of potential and athleticism in his frame and skillset and Austin is firmly on P5 watch this summer and into the fall.

Mr. Austin caught my eye as a high potential caliber prospect that could possibly end up at the D1 level having such a good frame standing at 6’7 235. This young man was already on my radar heading into this fall season and was able to showcase why he’s one of the top TE’s for his class. He’s utilized more as a traditional run blocking tight end that can wash the defensive line down and block in-line to create running lanes for the ball carrier to hit. Historically, this young man has flashes being able to slip on play action shots to the flat securing underneath routes for a solid gain as well. Be on the lookout for this young man as his potential is off the roof, could be a steal for a program. Currently holds no offers but does have some interest from the FBS level. Twitter