Film Don't Lie | Sam Pendleton
The dominos are starting to fall now and it’s only getting started for Notre Dame’s 2023 recruiting on offense. They recently landed a big time receiver in Braylon James and they’re now on the board on the offensive line after a commitment from Sam Pendleton.
Pendleton is a bit under the radar compared to some other prospects, but he shouldn’t be. He’s a very good prospect with the versatility to play either tackle or guard for the Irish.
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 290
Projected Position: Swing candidate at guard or tackle
ISD Grade: 91 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 89.7 (4-star)
What he does best:
It’s a cliché to say an offensive line prospect is a finisher when they are so much bigger than most of the players they are blocking. Even though Pendleton is a player who wants to put defenders on the ground and works to sustain blocks, it’s more than that which makes him a very good prospect.
He plays with natural knee bend and it shows in pass protection. He’s an easy mover with a strong punch.
I look for balance when I’m watching an offensive linemen in pass protection because so much of what makes a player competent is being able to adjust to movement and counters. Pendelton shows that balance and the ability to mirror pass rushers.
Pendleton is not going to be limited by scheme. He shows functional power in a phone booth, but has the athleticism to get out and reach block on the edge as well.
He does a nice job of getting to second level and locking up with linebackers and he arrives with violence.
What he needs to improve:
He can pop out of his stance too high on certain plays and won't be able to bully defensive linemen in college when that happens.
Can he anchor? He’s likely going to be playing as an interior player going against defensive tackles and that’s one thing I would like to see from him that I haven’t yet.
What’s his ceiling?
My question with him about possibly playing tackle is arm length and whether or not he is long enough, but I think he has the feet to play just about anywhere on the line.
I actually bumped him up after watching him again and think he might be someone who could rise up quite a bit with his ranking as the process continues. I think he has the potential to be a multi-year starter at guard and develop into a very good one.
Who he could be:
Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Robert Hainsey
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