Ethan Pocic

It goes without saying that exceptional talent at running back played a critical role in LSU's developing its reputation for the ground game throughout and since the Les Miles era. Massive maulers along the front line - like future NFL standouts La'el Collins (Dallas Cowboys) and Trai Turner (Carolina Panthers) - were more than just simple bystanders, however. Similarly, while he has been relatively overshadowed in comparison to the star running backs he's blocked for, Pocic has been a catalyst for an LSU rushing attack that averaged an eye-popping 234 yards per game on the ground over his three seasons as a starter. Pocic was hardly unheralded as a first-team All-SEC pick in 2016 after getting Second Team all-conference accolades from coaches a year earlier. Some at LSU, in fact, believe he is among the best blockers in the program's history. Highly recruited out of high school, Pocic received offers from just about every major program in the country, committing to LSU over Alabama, Ohio State and others. He saw playing time as a true freshman before becoming the starting right guard as a sophomore in 2014. He moved inside to center as junior and has spent most of his time there the past two seasons, starting 37 games over his career (27 at center, nine at right guard, one at left tackle) during that time.

like the 6-foot-6, 315 pound britt, pocic possesses unusual size for center. each will occasionally struggle with pad level as a result but their surprising quickness, power and tenacity will endear them to offensive line coaches, as will their positional versatility and experience against top competition.

--Rob Rang (1/23/17)

in our view

Like most LSU linemen, Pocic has a reputation as a mauler and there are times in which he lives up to this description. His unusual frame could lead to a position switch in the NFL with guard or even right tackle perhaps a fit, as well as center. Battle-tested, powerful and potentially offering positional versatility, Pocic is one of the favorites to be the first center selected.

strengths

Pocic possesses rare size for the position, including unique height and long arms. He flashes impressive initial quickness and speed overall. Pocic plays with good snap-to-step quickness and does an excellent job using his hands and feet in conjunction to control interior rushers and shield the pocket. He jumps out to the second level and shows surprising agility and acceleration while pulling. Perhaps even more exciting, Pocic shows impressive recovery quickness, often coming through with a late push on defenders who would appear to have a clear shot at the ball-carrier. Pocic's long arms and strong hands make him difficult to break free from once he has latched on. He blocks with a brawler's mentality, fighting to and through the whistle. Though his height can sometimes be a detriment in the leverage battle, Pocic shows good core flexibility to anchor when he keeps his knees bent. With starting reps at tackle, guard and center, Pocic has the experience, body type and football intelligence to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Voted a permanent team captain in 2016.

compares to

Justin Britt, Seattle Seahawks

weaknesses

Pocic's height and relatively (at least for the position) thin thighs too often have him on skates against bull rushers, especially when his pad level rises. When he stays low, he can drive opponents off the ball but too often defenders are able to create a stalemate at the point of attack and even drive him backwards. While surprisingly quick to the second level, Pocic struggles adjusting to the moving targets once there. Given his experience in LSU's pro-style attack, Pocic shows only average awareness of stunts and blitzes, often relying upon his recovery burst to get a shove in on hard-charging opponents.

A strong and physical offensive lineman known for his run-blocking abilities

First team Parade All-American as a senior

Graduated from high school in December and enrolled at LSU in January

Will take part in spring practice

Named a 2013 Under Armour All-American and first-team USA Today All-American

Given five stars by PrepStar and named to the Top 150 Prep Star Dream Team

A four-star prospect according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com

Rated as the No. 3 offensive lineman in the nation by Rivals.com

Ranked as the No. 35 player overall and No. 2 offensive tackle in the nation by Prep Star

Named to the IFCA 6A All-State team

Rated the No.3 prospect in Illinois by ESPN.com

Led Lemont to a state semifinal appearance as a senior

Coached by Eric Michaelsen.

Parents are Kim & Gary Pocic

Born Aug. 5, 1995

Brother Graham played at the University of Illinois.