Most incoming college freshman football players need time in school’s strength and conditioning program to develop the size and strength to go from high school level competition to collegiate competition, specifically offensive and defensive linemen, and especially in the SEC. But of course there are some exceptions to this rule. I give you example “A” and “country strong,” Georgia’s Ben Cleveland.
Just how strong is “Big Country?” The imposing 6 foot 6.5 and approximately 330 lbs freshman offensive lineman just bench presses 425 lbs is all.
When you have a Mastiff pup on the team, load up the bar and love weight. #425 #ATD @coach_sinclair @BenCleveland74 pic.twitter.com/ctNXmDWszH
— Aaron Feld (@coachfeld) April 6, 2016
And who says you have to workout to hip hop and heavy metal music? For some folks, just put on a little country music as Mr. Cleveland shows us how it’s done in this clip.
Sometimes you just want to lift heavy things with country music in the background. Am I right @BenCleveland74? #ATD pic.twitter.com/C6DPgqlNgF
— Aaron Feld (@coachfeld) February 11, 2016
While there is more to playing on the offensive line that pure, sheer strength, for Offensive Line Coach Sam Pittman and the strength and conditioning staff to have the size and athletic ability of Cleveland to work with, to mold and develop, “Big Country” could see playing time sooner than later.
And Ben Cleveland wasn’t the only player showing off his strength. Junior defensive lineman John Atkins got down to business on Monday, squatting 535 lbs.
My dude @John_Boy77 #squatting 535lbs for cluster set of 2 for the mastermind @coach_sinclair #ATD #CommitToTheG pic.twitter.com/o4zqiggX1G
— Aaron Feld (@coachfeld) April 4, 2016
Yes, but Nick Chubb does things that most people, even other football players, cannot do.
Atkins squatting 535. Didn’t Nick Chubb squat 600 or over?
Greg Poole rugbydawg79 lol. Both he and Isaac Nauta looked like grown men playing high school football, even as 9th graders.
Need 10 more just like him get it done Kirby.
Greg Poole Aye. I agree. I think he physically is probably the most ready out of any incoming freshman offensive lineman that I have seen in a long time, but it is learning pass protection and some of the finer details when it comes offensive line play and the technique where he could use a good redshirt season to get under his belt.
Add to that that he could also get stronger, and he has the potential to be a beast on the o-line.
Ben ” Da Freak” Cleveland!
rugbydawg79 17 going on 45 ;-}
Dang -and he is only 17
Sure will be nice if he can contribute in 2016, but it may be better for his career if he redshirts.