Five-star offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes on National Signing Day, picking them over Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Florida.
5-star Nicholas Petit-Frere, the country’s top-ranked OT, commits to Ohio State
Petit-Frere was the highest-ranked available player on offense after the Early Signing Period.
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The 6’6, 270-pound lineman, a five-star player and top-20 national recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, will bring elite size and arm length to the Buckeyes’ offensive line that could press him into action as early as next fall.
The Tampa, Florida native had offers from powerhouse programs like Georgia, Penn State, Oklahoma, and Southern California. He narrowed his search down to six candidates — Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, and Auburn — this summer before pledging to coach Urban Meyer.
What’s special about Nicholas Petit-Frere?
At 6’6, he’s got a tremendous frame that projects all the way to the NFL. Petit-Frere will have to add some mass to his 270-pound body, but his ability to stay low in his blocks and use the leverage created by his size and length makes him look like a top-level left tackle. He’s got quick feet and good lateral movement that allows him to keep opposing pass rushers in front of him and keep his quarterback’s jersey clean.
Petit-Frere’s long arms help him keep defenders at bay, giving him the upper hand against quicker assignments. He’s also capable of clearing space in the run game, engaging tacklers low and driving them out of harm’s way. The biggest question now is if he can gain the 50-60 pounds college programs are expecting while retaining the athleticism that’s helped make him a five-star recruit.
