Hey all, I play lineman in HS and I've been thinking about potential colleges. I was wondering, what colleges send the most linemen to the NFL?
There's definitely a strong correlation between college success and the number of players that make it into the NFL, so it's not surprising that some of the top schools for sending linemen to the NFL are also football powerhouses. If you aspire to play in the NFL, it's not a bad idea to consider schools known for their football programs.
As a starting point, you might want to consider teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which is the highest level of collegiate football.
- University of Alabama: Since coach Nick Saban's arrival, Alabama has consistently excelled at developing linemen for the NFL. They have numerous first-round NFL Draft picks and championship successes under Saban, including standouts like Jonah Williams and A'Shawn Robinson, both currently playing in the NFL.
- University of Iowa: For a school that isn't always in the national championship conversation, Iowa churns out a notable number of NFL linemen. The Hawkeyes' remarkable track record includes players like Bryan Bulaga and Brandon Scherff, both top-tier NFL linemen.
- University of Notre Dame: Notre Dame is notable too, with successful examples such as Zack Martin and Ronnie Stanley. The Fighting Irish's line has been particularly strong in recent years.
- University of Wisconsin: Known for their run-heavy offense, the Badgers frequently turn out NFL-grade linemen. Travis Frederick and Joe Thomas, both successful with the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns respectively, hail from Wisconsin.
While these colleges stand out, it's essential to remember that the NFL Draft is a complex process and being successful in the draft doesn't solely depend on the college one attends. You'll also need to consider lifestyle factors, your comfort and fit with the college environment, and the quality of academics.
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