By Jake Hamilton-NEFJ Contributor 

Offensive linemen love their pancakes: which is why it was only fitting for five-star recruit Samson Okunlola to be served some before making his decision.

The 6’5″, 305lbs Thayer Academy offensive tackle committed to the University of Miami on Thursday, December 14th, surrounded by family, coaches, and friends.

Prior to his commitment, Rivals ranked the Brockton native as the 17th-best recruit in the nation, the second-best tackle, and the number-one recruit in Massachusetts overall. Among the other schools to make offers to Okunlola were the University of Alabama, the University of Florida, Michigan State University, Penn State University, and the University of Michigan.

During his time at Thayer Academy, Okunlola was a three-sport athlete, competing in wrestling, the shot put, and discus in track and field. Okunlola is no stranger to hard work, which will serve him well at the next level. And while the competition will be ratcheted up in Coral Gables, where he will compete next season, Okunlola’s good technique, aggressive playstyle, and athleticism demonstrate how the sky’s the limit for him at the tackle position in the NCAA.

His large frame puts him well within the ideal size for a collegiate tackle and already puts him on track to becoming a high NFL draft pick. Okunola’s tape shows great hustle, a willingness to finish blocks, and a nastiness that offensive line coaches covet. He will be of help to a Miami Hurricanes offense that only mustered 3.3 yards-per-rush and 112 rushing yards per game in 2022.

And as for Miami, their program adds a potential replacement left tackle for John Campbell Jr., who plans to enter the transfer portal for his sixth and final year of eligibility. And Miami could use the help.

After finishing a disappointing 5-7 in 2022, Miami fell one win shy of becoming bowl eligible and finished their season with a sub-par 3-5 record in ACC play. But entering his second season in 2023 with the Hurricanes, Head Coach Mario Cristobal strung together quite the recruiting class. In addition to Okunlola’scommitment, Cristobal recruited Rivals’ 3rd-ranked tackle Francis Mauigoa from IMG Academy in Florida. Needless to say, Cristobal has secured two elite offensive tackles and shored up an offensive line in great need of reinforcement.

It is not often that Massachusetts is in the news for high-profile football commitments, but Okunlola is a sign that the future of football could be bright in the Bay State. We will just have to see.