Trevor Darling, an offensive tackle prospect from Miami Central High School (Fla.), is one of the best offensive linemen in the class of 2014. Darling committed to play for the Miami Hurricanes in April 2012, and has offers from plenty of other schools as well.
Trevor Darling scouting report: Talented 2014 offensive line recruit
Darling is one of the top overall prospects at his position and one of the best players in the state of Florida.
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Darling, who is 6’5 and weighs 300 pounds, is considered a four-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports. He is ranked as the No. 14 offensive tackle prospect in 2014 by 247Sports and the No. 134 overall prospect. Rivals ranks him similarly, as it has him at No. 161 overall. Scout considers him the 25th-best player at his position.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: Size, athleticism and projectability. That’s what makes most great offensive line recruits. Almost all offensive line recruits are a projection from high school to college. Only a few have the ability to play as a high level as a freshman.
Darling is not yet a great high school offensive lineman, though is is pretty good. His best qualities are his size (either 6’4 or 6’5 and 300 pounds) and his feet. There just aren’t many people who are that size and that athletic. Darling shows the ability to get out on edge rushers and mirror, without over-extending himself and giving up the inside rush. He plays almost exclusively from a two-point stance in Central’s spread offense.
In run blocking, Darling is quick out of his stance and climbs to the second level quickly. He’s agile enough and has the balance to block smaller defenders in space.
Darling still has a “young” look about him, and though he is big, is definitely still maturing physically and becoming accustomed to his large body. He does not yet show great power or punch. And while he does have the ability to bend, play low and roll his hips on contact, he needs to become much more consistent in doing so. The assumption, as it is with many offensive line recruits, is that he’ll be able to do that as he matures.
Some believe Darling profiles better as a guard, which could be the case, but I imagine he’ll first start out at tackle.
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