If you were starting to think it's odd to see a Jeff Quinn Class get this late into the season with just two offensive linemen, you weren't alone. Coach Quinn remedied that today with the, still rumored, verbal commitment of Robert Riche.
Name: Robert Riche
Position: Offensive Line
Ratings: Scout (***), Rivals (**), ESPN (76)
High School: Plymouth High School
If he holds, he would be one of the best recruits to verbal to Buffalo this season. The recruiting service MAC preps has him as the seventh best prospect in Michigan and he is a three start prospect on ESPN and Scout.
So far none of the services have him giving anyone a verbal commit, but he tweeted, and UB Nation noticed.
So he goes up on the map, hopefully he will remain there.
Excepert from ESPN Evaluation:
Riche is a developmental size prospect needing to improve his explosion and playing strength as a run blocker. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive tackle position at the major level of competition. Will need to add body mass over time and it appears his frame can handle it.
The average UB Lineman put on more than 20 pounds this off season, I don't think Coach Duval will have any issue helping Riche fill out his frame.
Pass protection is a strong part of his game; flashes the ability to short set and play stout against the power rush. Although he plays to tall at times we see the ability to bend and slide to the deep edge without crossing his feet; demonstrates the ability to stay in front and handle inside change up moves.
Seems like a great prospect for development, and Buffalo was not alone in thinking that. According to Scout he was sitting on offers from nine other mid major programs. Seems like half the MAC (CMU, EMU, Toledo, Bowling Green and Ball State). He also had an offer from Army along with some otherBowl Subdivision schools.
Available on scouts pay site: Here