This spring, it seems like P4-worthy prospects from Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio were materializing in droves, and a sophomore offensive tackle who caught my eye out of The Mitten is North Branch’s 6’6, 260 lber. Eli Bickel. His recruitment got going in April of 2023 after the Central Michigan Chippewas became his first offer, but it took nearly a year for #2 to roll around when Miami (OH) offered around a month ago. Toledo followed, and then on May 7th, Bickel earned P4 offer #1 from the Cincinnati Bearcats!

A lean 260 pounds with room to fill in, as well as a four-sport background where he competes in basketball, wrestling, and track & field, not to mention his 3.8 GPA. Bickel has already posted good track numbers (46’4″ shot, 149′ discus), and as an LT is a strong, flexible 6’6, 260 lber. with a notable amount of reps of him lining up out of a four-point stance and a really bruising blocking style, especially in the run game. Displaying a wide build, broad shoulders, and a lean frame that still carries some mass in his upper body, Bickel uses good pad level and fires off the ball well, and his strength at the contact point and crushing finishing ability made DL and LB lives hell in 2023. He demonstrates good leg drive and does a good job of staying engaged with an opponent, a good base in pass pro that absorbs and redistributes contact well, and some change of direction ability and body control in space. I like his leg drive, and his feet are never inactive, and the 260 lber. can capitalize on and take advantage of defenders when he gets them off balance or out of position. The physical tools and play style, not to mention the size, are getting a good foundation for Bickel to continue to improve, develop, and broaden his ability as an offensive tackle. Good move by the Bearcats getting in early.

This spring, it seems like P4-worthy prospects from Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio were materializing in droves, and a sophomore offensive tackle who caught my eye out of The Mitten is North Branch’s 6’6, 260 lber. Eli Bickel. His recruitment got going in April of 2023 after the Central Michigan Chippewas became his first offer, but it took nearly a year for #2 to roll around when Miami (OH) offered around a month ago. Toledo followed, and then on May 7th, Bickel earned P4 offer #1 from the Cincinnati Bearcats!

A lean 260 pounds with room to fill in, as well as a four-sport background where he competes in basketball, wrestling, and track & field, not to mention his 3.8 GPA. Bickel has already posted good track numbers (46’4″ shot, 149′ discus), and as an LT is a strong, flexible 6’6, 260 lber. with a notable amount of reps of him lining up out of a four-point stance and a really bruising blocking style, especially in the run game. Displaying a wide build, broad shoulders, and a lean frame that still carries some mass in his upper body, Bickel uses good pad level and fires off the ball well, and his strength at the contact point and crushing finishing ability made DL and LB lives hell in 2023. He demonstrates good leg drive and does a good job of staying engaged with an opponent, a good base in pass pro that absorbs and redistributes contact well, and some change of direction ability and body control in space. I like his leg drive, and his feet are never inactive, and the 260 lber. can capitalize on and take advantage of defenders when he gets them off balance or out of position. The physical tools and play style, not to mention the size, are getting a good foundation for Bickel to continue to improve, develop, and broaden his ability as an offensive tackle. Good move by the Bearcats getting in early.