Local OL candidate

[Lotus]

I resisted posting about this guy, because I couldn't believe what I'd read was accurate. His name is Grant Garner, and he's an offensive lineman from Mesquite (North Mesquite), Texas. Scout.com lists him as 6-2, 240, 5.2 -- not the most jaw-dropping numbers in the world. I'd figured maybe he was really 340 pounds, or much quicker than reported, or something. A lot of stories on scout lately are written by one James Hale, whose reputation is not exactly that of a slave to detail and accuracy.

Now there's a new report out on him, and they give the same height, weight and 40 time. Apparently he was named second-team all-district as a junior. Now scout.com is reporting he has offers from Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, SMU and Tulane.

What's missing here? If you're not quick, and he doesn't appear to be exceptionally quick, shouldn't you be a mountain of a guy? Or, if you're only 240, shouldn't you be 8 feet tall, giving the impression that you could add a ton of weight?

Something just doesn't make sense with this guy. Anyone know anything more?

[Stallion]

Rivals has him at 6-3, 260 with an offer from Mississippi St and interest from some other big programs, but all of these heights and weights are unverified. Until proven otherwise, don't believe them. Until PROVEN OTHERWISE, assume a kid who gets interest from schools but not an offer from that school are really not the targets of those schools-at least yet. The way these services get Schools of Interest from many of these kids is simply based on info filled out by a prospect on a questionaire. Interest in a school means JACK-only if a school is willing to offer or at least extend an official visits does any of that stuff mean anything.

[Rosebud]

You're right, I think, but I saw the same report (I assume) that Lotus saw. It claimed he had official offers in-hand from those four, and "interest" in two others - which, like you said, might mean nothing more than the fact that he likes the school colors or something.

[Rosebud]

Just watched the videoclips on rivals. I'm no coach, but he looks pretty quick and light on his feet. Wonder if he could keep that if he added 30 pounds.

[me@smu]

There is definitely a story with this kid, but seriously 260lbs isn't that horrible for a junior center either. If his technique is solid, right now he has at least two years before he would be on the field for the stangs.

[me@smu]

Found this on ESPN recruit tracker:

Garner is a good center prospect but will need to add bulk to his frame. He is going to need some time to properly get up into that 280-290 lbs. range. He looks to have a strong quick snap and can also adequately handle shotgun responsibilities. Once he snaps the ball, he does a good job of bringing his off hand and making good contact. He drives his feet and keeps a good base. Due his size, he is best when he can block down and get an angle on a defender. When asked to base block, he makes good initial contact but can struggle to get movement and at times be pushed back. He is a fighter and will work to hold his ground and maintain position. Added strength and size should help him improve in this area. Does a good job of quickly getting up to the second level and taking good angles. He displays the ability to adjust to moving targets and get good hand placement. He can get up to the second level and cut. He has a motor and works to finish blocks. He is a solid pass blocker who displays the ability to mirror defenders and adjust to pick up blitzers. Once again a concern is his ability to handle bull rushers. The major drawbacks of Garner's game are correctable things. He is going to need some time to continue to develop and should benefit from a red shirt year.

[Dark Horse]

Just saw a report (on scout.com) that has him up to 270. More than likely, he's somewhere in between rivals' 260 and scout's 270.
With another year of physical maturation, lifting and eating, he'd be what .... 280? 290? by the time he gets to college?