When diving into the offensive lines of the Big Ten, there is a ton of elite talent, but at the bookends at offensive tackle there is not as much depth. When diving into the interior and especially guard, the Big Ten has a ton of elite talent.
This list was hard to narrow down to just three guys as five players come to mind when discussing elite interior linemen. When talking about tackles, Ohio State didn’t have any talent that made the list, but the Buckeyes have a monster at guard that could make some serious noise.
Let’s dive into our top three guards in the Big Ten.
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Why the Pick
Donovan Jackson is already an elite talent and was named second-team All-Big Ten last season after starting 13 games at left guard, but if he can become more polished from a technical standpoint, he can be an All-American.
Former 5-star prospect from Texas, #OSU LG Donovan Jackson, looked dominant at times in his first career start for the Buckeyes.
Active hands in pass pro, road grading in the run game, cleaning up the pocket in protection as well. Just a true sophomore.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 5, 2022
Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland
Frostburg State transfer offensive lineman Gottlieb Ayedze has committed to Maryland, per his Instagram.
6-foot-5, 300-pound player out of Germantown, Maryland. Huge grab for the Terps, who have replenished their offensive line through the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/DnTLk2bnnJ
— Ben Dickson (@bendickson__) January 18, 2023
Why the Pick
Gottlieb Ayedze is a transfer from Division II, Frostburg State and was an elite tackle at that level and was even invited to the Senior Bowl, but opted to transfer to Maryland instead.
Congrats to Gottlieb Ayedze from @FrostburgFB on being named to the @D2Football Elite 100 list! #BobcatPride #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/8poOuRllXy
— Frostburg State Athletics (@frostburgsports) August 30, 2022
Zak Zinter, Michigan
Why the Pick
Zak Zinter is an absolute beast with incredible size at 6’6″ and 315 pounds and has the elite feet to never get beat and the top-notch balance to maintain his footing against most moves.
.@Zak_zinter is nasty 👀 pic.twitter.com/o1ygyuzxE0
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) November 8, 2022
