Advanced Scouting: Penn State finds another great fit in lineman Deryc Plazz

Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein is leaving no stone unturned in the search for a complete offensive line class in 2024. Despite having a nearly complete class and several high-quality offensive linemen taking official visits, Trautwein sent out more offers in recent months. One of those was to Florida offensive line prospect Deryc Plazz. Plazz gained attention this spring with offers from Florida State and Virginia Tech, among others. He earned his Penn State offer on April 7.

Plazz will take his first official visit of the summer, starting in Happy Valley this weekend. So before he travels north to Penn State, let’s peek at his highlight film and see what we can discern.

Penn State finds another quality swing tackle

With two true tackles in the class already, Plazz has the profile to fill the swing-tackle position on the 2024 recruiting roster. He’s 6-5, and it looks like he has the length to play outside at the next level. Additionally, he’s an explosive athlete with a great first step out of his stance and is very light on his feet. Overall, Plazz is a clean prospect with no physical limitations to his game. He’s a high-upside prospect with easy movement skills and natural strength, explaining his quick rise this spring.

However, Plazz’s first visit to Penn State this weekend to get accurate measurements will be critical to know where he plays. While he’s got the skills to play outside and can provide depth and competition at tackle, he’s also a great candidate to move inside and play guard.

Aside from his movement skills, Plazz’s pad level and first step are excellent. In addition, he’s exceptionally flexible and has almost zero upward movements at the snap, giving him a leverage advantage in the run game. When you add in what looks like quality length, he could be an excellent left guard for Penn State.

Rough around the edges

Plazz isn’t raw in terms of his confidence or execution as a player, but some parts of his game will need work at Penn State. Sometimes, his stance looks unnaturally low, as if he’s compensating in some way that’s difficult to tell off of highlight film. Additionally, his hand usage as a pass protector, kick step cadence and technique, and other aspects of his pass blocking need refinement.

Interestingly, Plazz told Blue White Illustrated’s Sean Fitz that he’s looking for a place that develops talent.

“I want a program that develops the guys that are three or four-stars,” Plazz told On3. “Not just a school that brings in the best offensive line class every year. I want a school that actually takes time to develop guys across the field.”

Trautwein is known for his detailed approach to technique and attention to detail. Players Penn State stars Olu Fashanu and Juice Scruggs have bought into that approach and, so far, have reaped the benefits. With few apparent physical limitations, Plazz could become a well-rounded lineman with few holes to his game under Trautwein’s tutelage. At 280 pounds, there’s also much less speculation about his size and strength potential than some of the other players in this class.

Final assessment

When you consider Plazz’s attitude toward coaching, his 6-5 tweener frame, and his tools, he makes an exceptionally good fit for Penn State’s current class. Of course, the team still needs to check some vitals in size and arm length, but overall he would give Penn State a hedge against the upside of the team’s tall and lean tackle commits. Yet if Eagan Boyer and Garrett Sexton hit on their upside, Plazz has the skills to be a great interior player with exceptional athleticism and length. For Penn State, that’s an embarrassment of riches on the offensive line.

The post Advanced Scouting: Penn State finds another great fit in lineman Deryc Plazz appeared first on On3.