Film Don't Lie | Grayson McKeogh
Just when you thought Notre Dame was out, they pull in a coveted target on the offensive line. Grayson McKeogh was thought to be leaning towards Penn State, but he flipped the script and committed to Joe Rudolph and the Irish.
Inexperienced at the tackle position, he previously played tight end before his junior season. He gained plenty of recruiting interest since then with offers from heavyweights like Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Florida.
A two-way player who also plays defensive line and a multi-sport athlete who also play basketball, McKeogh has the tools to develop into a great player at offensive tackle.
Height: 6’8”
Weight: 285
Projected Position: Offensive tackle
ISD Grade: 90 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 89.5 (4-star)
What he does best:
Despite being 6-8, he plays with good leverage at the point of attack as a run blocker.
He can move really well and will get out to the second level with ease. He can be a weapon as a puller.
It’s rare to call an offensive lineman a reactive athlete, but that’s what McKeogh is. There are plenty of examples of him doing a solid job of handling stunts with his lateral movement.
He’s a unique athlete for the position. How many left tackles can pull off a backflip like this?
What he needs to improve:
He only has one season of experience of playing on the offensive line after moving from tight end. He’s raw with his footwork and it will be interesting to see how much progress he makes with it during his senior season.
He’ll play with good leverage at the point of attack, but needs to do a better job of fitting his block at the second level.
What’s his ceiling?
McKeogh is only scratching the surface of his potential as an offensive tackle and will only improve with more reps and experience. He hasn’t come close to filling out his frame either and should be able to carry another 30-40 pounds once he’s further into his college football career.
I think he has the skill set to play left tackle and while everyone will be thinking of the comparison to Joe Alt as a former tight end who made the switch seamlessly to tackle, the player I would compare him to is former Pitt OT Brian O’Neil. He took a little bit longer to refine his footwork and game, but eventually became a first team all-conference player in the ACC and a second round pick.
There will be plenty of competition at the tackle position, but McKeogh should have the time to develop into the player he can become at Notre Dame.
Who he could be:
Former Pitt OT Brian O’Neil
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