They say everything is bigger in Texas and new football recruit J.B. Shugarts is no exception. His 6-foot-7-inch, 300-pound build, combined with a 5.1 time in the 40-yard dash, make for an offensive lineman who can hit hard and fast.
The Klein High School graduate committed to Ohio State in late April and is already attending classes.
During his three-year career with the Klein Bearkats, Shugarts dominated the opposition with his size and quickness. His senior season he had 121 pancakes and never allowed his quarterback to be sacked. Not only did Shugarts play offensive tackle, he briefly played defensive end and was even quick enough to play tight end for some of his junior season.
"A good athlete like J.B. that is (6 feet 7 inches), 300 pounds is always going to be a big influence on your football team," Klein coach Stan Labay said.
During his senior season, Shugarts helped the Bearkats to a 7-5 record and a trip to the playoffs where they lost in the second round.
After the season, Shugarts was awarded numerous accolades including 5A Unanimous First Team All District Offensive Lineman of 2007 and was asked to play in the Army All-American Bowl with other high-ranking recruits. Shugarts is also ranked No. 56 in the ESPN top 150 recruits.
However, Shugarts is not the only highly ranked offensive lineman in the OSU recruiting class. Dublin Coffman's Mike Adams and Orlando Edgewater's Michael Brewster will also be playing on the line in future seasons.
"This definitely has all the makings to be one of those special offensive lines," said Kevin Noon, managing editor of ohiostate.rivals.com.
Because of Brewster's and Adams' high rankings by other recruiting analysts a lot of attention has been going toward them. Although the incoming trio has been dubbed the "Brew Crew," most tend to overlook Shugarts' potential.
"For a class that's been called the 'Brew Crew' and with Adams from our backyard, I think J.B. gets a little forgotten coming from Texas," Noon said.
Noon said he believes Shugarts has just as much, if not more, potential than the other linemen. He also said that along with his ability, Shugarts plays with a fiery, competitive attitude.
"He plays with a mean streak and that's what you want. He really is a mean son of a bitch out there," Noon said.
Michael Bestic can be reached at bestic.6@osu.edu.
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