From ISD
COLIN MCGOVERN, OL, 6-6, 285, NEW LENOX(LINCOLN WAY-WEST)IL
EARLY OFFERS: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Northwestern, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin
COACH D’S EVALUATION: If we are ranking the four linemen on this list right now McGovern would be behind both Pocic and Bosch in terms of dominance at the high school level. But what I love about McGovern as a prospect is the fact he is just now tapping into his potential. He has as much upside and raw tools as either Pocic or Bosch, who are two of the nation’s premier offensive line prospects. If he continues to work he could be outstanding, making McGovern a player that could see his national profile takeoff as more people start to see him on film. McGovern is a very good athlete for such a big and long player. He has good open field speed and quickness off the ball. McGovern has great feet for a lineman and takes small, quick, fast steps out of his stance. He also does a good job driving his feet on contact, which allows him to dominate players off the ball despite the fact he lacks ideal strength at this point. McGovern has good hips for a big guy and is a natural knee bender when his technique is correct. His technique causes him to lunge and lean at times which causes him to bend at the waste more than I would like, but it is a technique issue and not an athletic issue. McGovern has extremely long arms and quick hands. He tends to stick his hands onto defenders rather than shoot them with more force. This is more of an issue in pass protection, but again this is a technique issue. Once his technique improves his hands will likely become a significant weapon for him at the next level. One area where McGovern shows good fundamentals is the great base he plays the game with. He is not an overly strong player but his base and length allows him to play stronger than he is. With his great frame I expect him to make huge strides in the weight room at the next level. That is where his upside truly comes from. McGovern is very good now but has yet to really tap into his strength potential. He will never be a Jake Long-type power player, but once his strength catches up to his athleticism and size McGovern could be special. He is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
WHERE THINGS STAND: McGovern’s recruitment is still in the early stages, largely due to the fact most programs have just recently learned about him. McGovern transferred programs this past season and this past year was his first as a varsity starter. With his name and film starting to get out programs are starting to line up with offers for the late-bloomer. Notre Dame has reached out to McGovern and informed him that as long as his transcripts are in good shape an Irish offer will be coming his way. Other programs like Iowa, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State could soon follow suit. When it is all said and done expect McGovern’s offer list to be long and impressive. The Lincoln Way-West tackle has been to Notre Dame on several occasions, but he has yet to visit as a recruit. He is hoping to make his way to South Bend in March for his first visit as a prospect. McGovern is still in the very early stages of his recruitment so there are no real early leaders. If Notre Dame makes him a priority they will likely be seriously in the mix, but until an offer comes that cannot be determined. McGovern would like to make his decision before his senior season but also has said he does not want to rush making what is a big decision about his future.
