Name: Andrew Mike
Height: 6-6
Weight: 280
Position: OL
Why did he redshirt?
Mike was a long, lean prospect out of Arizona last year. He needed time to get in the weight room to grow bigger and stronger. Offensive line is one of the hardest positions to project because it’s one of the hardest positions to transition to from high school to college.
Mike has his weight above 280 now and the added size and strength is precisely what he needed.
Depth at the position?
Mike played tackle at the high school level and began there last season before moving inside. Florida has a log jam at tackle with David Sharpe and Rod Johnson expected to start this season as well as incoming freshman Martez Ivey hoping to be able to come in and make an impact this season. However, with Trip Thurman moving to center to replace Max Garcia, the Gators need to find an answer at guard this spring.
Mike can be that answer for one of the two positions. At guard Florida has Travaris Dorsey and Antonio Riles vying for playing time but Mike should be able to slide in at right guard and earn a starting spot.
Player Evaluation:
Mike is tall at 6-6, but he showed good hip and ankle flexion down in his stance. Having played tackle in high school, Mike was asked to kick step and slide, something he did successfully at that level. Moving inside will be a little different, but the weight and mass that he has put on since arriving on campus will help him hold up against the bigger defensive tackles in the SEC
2015 prognosis:
The offensive line is thin and although Florida was able to sign six offensive linemen last recruiting cycle, offensive line is still a very tough position for a freshmen to come in and start right away. Mike is in a good position to earn a starting job based on the depth chart around him and due to the progress he made in the weight room the past year.
People close to the program have raved about Mike’s potential and believe that he is the best offensive linemen that Florida signed in 2015 after David Sharpe — who was able to play right away.