From the road: Thoughts on Michigan OL commit Jake Guarnera

*** Michigan offensive line commit Jake Guarnera and Ponte Vedra (Fla.) High opened their season against a stacked Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin team. While Ponte Vedra fell just short in a 19-17 loss, Guarnera had a strong start to his senior campaign. Mandarin’s interior defensive line was extremely large and formidable, but Guarnera was able to excel in both pass pro and run blocking, helping spark a couple of big plays. It’s often hard to evaluate center prospects from the field level, but Guarnera flashed the ability and physicality that makes him a high three-star prospect. Remember, centers aren’t usually graded too high, so it’s important to keep in mind that Guarnera is one of the best center recruits in the country.

*** This was actually Guarnera’s first game as the full-time starting center for Ponte Vedra. If you look at his junior season film, you’ll see him mostly playing tackle. Guarnera didn’t have as many ‘highlight’ blocks in this game as he did on his Hudl because of the move. Right now, Guarnera is still getting adjusted to playing the center position. But as mentioned, I do believe he’s one of the nation’s top center prospects. Guarnera plays with a good base and really excelled in pass pro on Friday night, which is no surprise considering his experience at tackle. I really loved some of his hand techniques, including slapping down an extension from the nose while bull rushing and using his feet and athleticism to keep him at bay. Guarnera also has good length for an interior offensive lineman.

*** Guarnera is technically sound on film, which is no surprise considering his father, Jim, was a college defensive lineman at Rutgers and had a short stint in the NFL. For Guarnera, it’s about becoming more of an expert in the intricacies of playing center as well as getting more comfortable snapping, which he mentioned was a big point of emphasis this offseason. Guarnera’s pass pro was the biggest highlight, but he’s also willing to get physical in the run game. He had a couple of impressive reps, including a pancake and a clip, where he drove a defender back a good 10 yards. I’m sure he’ll finish more blocks with authority like he does on his junior film once he gets fully adjusted to playing center.

*** You always want your centers to be smart and great leaders, and that’s definitely what Guarnera is. He’s very intelligent both on and off the field and has a deep understanding of the game. He’s also a team captain and very well-respected by those around him. A few of the second and third stringers talked to me on the sideline, and all were so happy Guarnera was getting some media coverage. While not a big name on the trail, Guarnera has also taken a leadership role for Michigan this cycle, helping the Wolverines pitch other top targets.

*** Overall, Guarnera actually reminds me of a better version of Michigan center Greg Crippen. While I didn’t love Crippen as a recruit, I praised his technique and high floor at the center position. Guarnera also checks those boxes but excels where Crippen didn’t. He’s more athletic, more physical and has more of a captain mentality. Guarnera is in the running to pick up his fourth star on On3. I’ll be curious to see how Charles Power grades him after a full season at his future position.

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