The class of 2012 is teeming with quality offensive linemen, a rare and highly valued commodity on the recruiting trail.
"It's an outstanding year for offensive linemen," said Tom Lemming. "I've got five in my top 25, which is really good."
John Theus
Photo courtesy of Lori Theus
Topping that group is
Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.) tackle
John Theus.
"He's legit, reminds me of Tony Boselli but bigger," Lemming said. "He's got great movement skills and can turn his hips. He's not stiff."
In Bolles' run-heavy offense, Theus has experience at both tackle positions. At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, he's got a great build and is well-proportioned. He explodes off the ball and uses his flexibility to maintain balance and finish blocks.
Theus assesses his tenacity as one of his biggest strengths.
"I get after it every play. I try to give every play my all," he said. "I've been blessed with good size and I think I use it well."
He can stand to get stronger and add some weight, something that should not be challenging given his frame.
Theus has been on the varsity roster since his freshman season. He's also the younger brother of future Georgia center (and class of 2011 recruit)
Nathan Theus, from whom he learned much from both on and off the field. However, the recruiting process is where Theus has learned the most from his brother.
"I saw how he dealt with it," Theus said. "I've been able to go on multiple visits with him. I was able to start early with him, just seeing what to look for. That really helped a lot."
Spring football for Bolles begins in May, and Theus hopes to continue to take visits until then. According to his father Paul, Theus may try to narrow his list of schools down to around five by September.
That won't be easy, since Theus is now approaching 20 offers, but the current plan is for Theus to announce his decision in January at the U.S. Army All-American game.
Because of Theus' obvious tie to the University of Georgia, many people suspect he'll end up picking the Bulldogs in January. Theus insists that is far from a foregone conclusion.
"I'm very open-minded. I'm not a Georgia lock," he said. "People assume that just because my brother goes there, but they don't know what they're talking about."
Theus is heading to Athens this weekend, but also recently visited Florida, where he encountered another top offensive lineman in this year's class, D.J. Humphries.
Despite all the attention he's already received from colleges and media members alike, Theus said that being named the nation's top offensive lineman is still a special recognition.
"It's very humbling and it's a great honor," he said. "It's always something that every kid works for. It's just a great feeling."
