Published Jan 6, 2023
Pro Comparison: Offensive Tackle - Samson Okunlola
Steve Kraning
Rivals Contributor
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Miami's offensive line struggles in 2022 are well documented. The O-Line's depth and overall talent leave a bunch of room for improvement. Head Coach Mario Cristobal went on the trail and injected top-tier talent into the position group by signing five-star offensive tackle Samson Okunlola via Thayer Academy.

At 6'5" and hovering right above 300 pounds "Pancake Honcho" is a different breed of offensive linemen Canes fans are used to and will look to compete for a job immediately.

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Okunlola is built like a prototype left tackle with excellent feet, long arms, and well built as he does not have a gut hanging out even at 300 plus. His physicality is what sets him apart from even other top-tier tackles, he earned his nickname "Pancake Honcho" for pulverizing players and serving up all-you-can-eat pancakes on Friday nights.

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While some may question the level of competition he faced at Thayer Academy, you cannot deny his physical ability to be a franchise left tackle with his power in the running game, ability to kick-slide vs speed rusher,s and lastly the strength to anchor down vs a bull rush which went viral at the U.S. All American bowl practice.

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Cristobal had this to say about his two five-star tackles in Okunlola and Francis Mauigoa:

"It doesn't get better coming out of high school with those guys and I've been fortunate over the years. Penei Sewell, Cam Robinson, Jonah Williams, Alex Leatherwood. These are elite guys...These guys are elite monstrosities. They are ginormous human beings that don't move like big guys. They move like linebackers. They play with power. They have an exceptional football IQ. Relentless work ethic. They are as mean and nasty on the field as you can imagine."

Pro Comparison: Terron Armstead

Terron Armstead flew under the radar as a high school recruit. The NFL pro has a very similar frame at 6'5" and 306 pounds to Okunlola's 6'5 300. Their very long arms allow both to strike defensive ends and keep up with any speed rush with their quick feet.

The HBCU star Armstead heard the same concerns about his level of competition from NFL scouts, but quickly put those concerns to bed with his performance on the field leading to multiple pro bowls. Their main similarity on the football field is their mean attitude in the running game as they both serve pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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