ForumsMoultrie, GA.- Top Georgia offensive lineman Xzavier Ward has been pretty active in his recruitment in the early stages. He has been pretty public with who some of his favorites are early in the process. He’s been pretty public with a top ten list for over the last month, but due to odd timing the schools that make up the top ten have been slightly mixed. Ward has often had a difficult time remembering the ten schools which could lead some to believe that a few are ahead in the race. Here’s the latest with the 6’7″ 260 pound athletic big man, including an upcoming visit to Alabama.
“I’m up to about 20 or 22 offers now. The most recent ones are Notre Dame, East Carolina, and North Carolina. I made a top ten in late May and I’ve been keeping the same ten since. Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee. And also North Carolina, South Carolina, and Louisville are some of the others. Stanford is recruiting me pretty hard but hasn’t offered yet. Out of the schools that have offered, Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn are coming real hard.”
Ward has offers from the top schools in the country. He’s been taking just a handful of visits so far and has one more coming up soon.
“I’ve been to Georgia last month and going to Alabama in mid July. I’ll be at Alabama on July 23rd and 24th. I’m going to bring my family with me on the trip. I’m going to come back after the trip and try to narrow my list down to a top 5. I might do it in September right after season starts.”
Even the top players in the country have areas they can improve. Ward is no different and has several things he’s focused on improving.
“Coaches like my aggressiveness and my don’t quit attitude. My pass protection is improving quite a bit. I’m just working on my conditioning and trying to get ready.”
At the end of the conversation, Ward also mentioned that he would not hearing a little more from the University of Miami. He spent time watching them growing up with a cousin who favored the Hurricanes.
ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:
Ward is a very athletic guy with a tough, aggressive attitude. His size is what we like to see for the offensive tackle position at the major level of competition. Shows very good flexibility in a three point stance; comes off the ball with a flat back and good initial first step. Is quick and explosive on initial contact with good flashes of 1 on 1 playing strength; must work to maintain a wide base but works to finish blocks well. Possesses the quickness and agility necessary to block quick 1st and 2nd level defenders; can handle movement and plays on his feet well in space. His playing strength and explosion shows up vs. linebackers. This player is capable of making all the necessary run blocks required of an offensive tackle at the major level. We like his pass protection skills although a little inconsistent when quick setting. His athletic ability shows up well; can bend, slide and play flat footed; has a good feel for the deep set point vs. edge rushers; initial punch will improve as he grows into his frame. Good arm length and quick hands are evident as he is able steer defenders up field and beyond the QB. His ability to react to change of direction moves and stay in front of pass rushers displays his balance and foot quickness. At this stage of his development it appears left tackle is a good fit. Ward may not be an immediate step in and start guy however playing time is very possible. This will allow for physical growth along with the necessary time to polish his technical skills.
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He lists a top two favorite of BAMA and UGA.
Don’t rule out the Vols, Coach Dooley is a living room closer, Tennessee has a huge need at this position which means immediate playing time for top recruits!
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