There is adding size to your offensive line, and then there is adding real size. The Oklahoma Sooners did the latter when they got the letter of intent from offensive lineman Savion Byrd out of Duncanville, Texas. Byrd made his announcement on tv, via streaming, this morning.
Byrd is an elite level tackle and a big addition to offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh’s unit. He is a 4-star recruit on the 247Sports Composite as well as the 247 Sports stand-alone ranking. They have him ranked as the ninth-best offensive tackle in the country in this class.
Byrd is still growing into the offensive line position after spending last year as a defensive lineman. In 2020 he was an offensive line throughout the season. That is a major growth curve he has already accomplished in just one year as a tackle.
Watch his game films and you immediately notice the size. At 6-7, 315 pounds he already has the size to compete at the next level. He also added muscle mass from his junior to senior year in high school. He is quick off the snap, has good lower body control, and good body strength.
Having played offensive line for only one year, he still needs technical improvement on the handwork and the drive on his blocks. But put him in the strength and conditioning program as soon as he gets on campus and the ceiling is very high for him. After the roster has settled in and some of this year’s lineman have decided if they are taking the NCAA free year of eligibility and staying for 2021, Byrd’s place will be more clear. Regardless of what happens in front of him, the potential to see some snaps as a true freshman is definitely there.
He had 21 offers, including from much of the SEC and the Big XII. His choice though seemingly came down to Oklahoma and SMU.
(Photo courtesy SI.com)
