Florida high school offensive tackle Reilly Gibbons is quickly becoming one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the Class of 2014. Gibbons plays for St. Petersburg Catholic High, where he spent two years as a tight end before transitioning to tackle. He stands 6'6 and weighs 275 lbs., with plenty of room for growth.
Gibbons has received four-star initial rankings from Rivals and 24/7, with a three-star rating from Scout. He ranked #174 in the first edition of the Rivals 250 and #135 in the 24/7 rankings, and Scout places him as the nation's 28th-best offensive tackle. As of February, Gibbons had already received offers from 26 programs, including Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Clemson, Nebraska, West Virginia and South Florida.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: Gibbons is a prospect I have followed for several years. In spring of 2011, I saw him at a combine in Orlando. He was playing tight end, and was OK. But he had the built at 15 years old (hips, shoulders) to grow into an offensive tackle.
Gibbons made the move to offensive tackle for the 2012 season, and played the position well, considering it was his first season.
Gibbons time at tight end shows in his play at tackle. He shows good feed, and is able to mirror somewhat well in pass protection. In run blocking, he is able to quickly climb to the second level, take good angles, and adjust to quicker linebackers and defensive backs.
Of course, for a player in his first year at the position, there is still much to improve. It starts in the weight room. Gibbons needs to add 25 pounds to play offensive tackle in college. This will allow him to anchor against bull rushers in pass protection. And in the run game, he'll be able to take advantage of his ability to bend by bringing his legs and hips and driving defenders.
Gibbons profiles as a player who will need a redshirt year and perhaps a learning year as well. But as he bulks up and becomes more acclimated to the position, he could become a multi-year starter at the BCS level.
You can follow Gibbons' recruitment on his Twitter account at @reillygibbons.
Look through SB Nation's many excellent college football blogs to find your team's community.