By Adam Aniba
This year's draft class boasts depth along the offensive line, particularly in the interior. Some IOL prospects even displayed the ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line, during their collegiate career and at the Senior Bowl.
TCU's Steve Avila is viewed as one of the top G/C prospects in the entire draft and is a plug & play prospect at guard or center.
Steve Avila
6'3 1/2" 332 lbs | G/C | TCU
Proj 2nd Rd Grade
Background
Avila grew up in Arlington, TX and played football for South Grand Prairie View HS. He lined up at guard and was ranked as the #9 OG in Texas, additionally he was the #42 ranked guard prospect in the nation. Named a 4-star recruit by ESPN, Avila was highly recruited by Kansas State, Utah and TCU.
Avila ultimately chose to play for the TCU Horned Frogs for the '18 season. He would redshirt his first season, not seeing the field. Fast forward to '20 and Avila started at 3 different positions (six at center, two at right tackle, one at right guard) in a 9 game span.
During his junior season in '21 Avila startd 11 games at center (saw time at RG vs Texas). Pro Football Focus rated Avila as the nation's highest-graded center (87.2), after allowing zero pressures (on 25 blocking snaps) and had a run blocking grade of 84.8.
In '22 Avila started all 15 games at left guard. He was named a Team Captain and helped lead TCU to the College Football Playoff National Championship. The Horned Frog's senior was named an All-American (first since WR Josh Doctson in '15), after not allowing a sack for the second straight season. Avila led all TCU players on offense with 1,044 snaps.
Accolades
2022 Consensus All-American
2022 First-Team All-American
2022 Associated Press First-Team All-Big 12
2022 Honorable-Mention Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year
2022 Outland Trophy Semifinalist
2022 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Semifinalist
2021 First-Team AP All-Big 12
2021 Second-Team All-Big 12
2020 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12
PROS
Displays impressive strength and a strong punch when facing the bull rush, often led to pass rushers thrown to the ground
Impressive when asked to pull, frequently seeking out contact on the second level
Natural knee/waist bender
Displays a meanstreak with a finisher mentality
Versatile prospect who lined up at every o-line spot except LT
CONS
Overall footwork needs refinement
Struggled with blitz pickup at tims when lining up a center
Needs to work on counters/hand placement
Change of direction can be a bit labored at times
Some struggles when facing stunts & twists
Outlook
Avila is extremely aggressive in the run game and his strength is evident in every rep he takes. His ability to create gaping holes for his running backs stands out. Avila is a headhunter with a mean streak, he seeks out contact when blocking downfield.
The TCU lineman was just as impressive in pass protection, not allowing a single sack in 515 pass-blocking snaps last season. Avila is able to match power with power, when facing aggressive bulrushers. He also dIsplays the ability to mirror defenders during their rush.
Avila is a well seasoned offensive lineman with over than 30 games of experience. He also has starting experience at both center and left guard (over a season at each position). The Horned Frogs O-Lineman has been one of the best interior lineman in the Big 12 over the past two seasons and has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.
*Games Watched- 10/1/22 vs Oklahoma,10/15 vs Oklahoma St., 11/12 vs Texas,12/2 vs Kansas St., 12/31 vs Michigan & 1/9 vs Georgia
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