Texas powerhouse Euless (Texas) Trinity is no stranger to producing FBS talent, and four-star guard Patrick Vahe only be the latest in their long line of next-level players.
Patrick Vahe recruit scouting report: Mobile, aggressive offensive guard
The four-star prospect is one of the top guards in the state of Texas.
It goes without saying that the evaluations will change drastically over the next year, but as of right now, the 6’3, 280-pounder ranks out with the country’s best -- 120th overall. The February 2014 247Sports Composite rankings have Vahe as the 17th-best player in the state, and 5th among all guards. Five-star Jalin Barnett out of Lawton, Oklahoma leads the way in this group, while Javon Patterson from Petal, Mississippi, Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga’s Richie Petitbon, and Oklahoma City (Okla.) Casady School’s Josh Wariboko round it out.
For all his talent, though, the programs have yet to truly come calling -- as of February 2014, Vahe had only three reported offers from Baylor, Texas, and LSU.
As a junior, Vahe moved between the right and left tackle positions after playing guard as a sophomore, but his destination in college will surely be the interior because of his height.
The first task for Vahe will be to continue to add weight to his frame, as he probably needs to gain around 20 pounds to anchor consistently against bigger defensive linemen.
In high school, Vahe is at his best on the move, whether pulling from his guard spot as a sophomore, combo blocking to the second level, or getting outside on screen passes. His quick feet and natural ability to bend and role through his hips allow him to get underneath the pads of smaller defenders in space and his quick and powerful hands consistently result in knockdowns.
Acquiring defenders isn’t an especially difficult task for the Trinity product, as his ability to redirect is excellent for his position.
There’s not a lot of film on Vahe in pass protection, as with many high school offensive line prospects, but there is some evidence that he can sit in his cylinder, aided by his flexibility, and his fast punch and strong hands will benefit him in that regard as well.
The question is whether he can withstand bullrushes since he’s on the lighter side for an interior prospect.
The high-level athleticism of Vahe is what makes him a special prospect and should translate well to college, where he projects as an asset pulling on Power, getting to the second level, and in the screen game.
