:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49879949/26422222654_3eb7ddab47_o.0.0.jpg)
Recruiting rankings aren't the entire story for high school football players. To get a better feel for the entire picture, Len Fuller will be watching film of Fighting Illini football's recruiting targets and verbal commitments. Today he'll begin with a quick scouting report of new Illinois commit Vederian Lowe (Rockford, IL).
*****
There’s a combination of factors that I use for offensive line evaluations. The first aspect includes the prospect’s physical tools — speed, quickness, burst, strength, power — and how they translate onto the field. Positioning is also taken into account by watching hand placement, waist bend, and activeness of the feet. Lineman often shuffle around when transitioning to the next level, so a prospect’s body type (i.e. arm length) may be used to help determine the best home position. Intangibles like effort, positive/negative disposition, and physicality are also noted.
Here’s the grading scale:
10.0 = Five-Star
8.0 - 9.5 = Four-Star
7.0 - 7.5 = High Three-Star
6.0 - 6.5 = Middle Three-Star
5.0 - 5.5 = Low Three-Star
Under 5.0 = Two-Star
RT Vederian Lowe (IL) | 6'5, 337 lbs.
Offer List: Illinois
The 247Sports composite rankings have Vederian Lowe listed as a three-star prospect in the class-of-2017. He's the No. 1066 overall player (down 231 spots since his decision), and the No. 103 offensive tackle in the country. According to my scale, though, Lowe is quite a bit better than these rankings suggest.
HUDL Highlights
Scouting Report
I really liked what I saw from Lowe. First, I love his mean streak; he has highly controlled aggression and a desire to dominate his opponent. The weight loss (about 30 pounds) shows that his commitment to the game is getting better, and it showed on the tape. I'm not sure if he needs to shed any more weight because a year of strength and conditioning could do wonders for his movement and feet, but he'll probably aim to get down to around 330 pounds.
I may be nuts, but with hard work it may be possible for Lowe to play left tackle at the next level; he's already more fluid and has better technique than most defensive lineman. Plus, he plays hard till the whistle and is extremely physical.
Lowe has excellent strength and power with very good quickness, burst, and speed. If he puts in the effort, a four-star evaluation by the end of the year wouldn't be a surprise.