Player Profile: Nathan Niehaus
Nathan Niehaus is an Offensive Tackle in the 2016 class who could make some explosive blocks for the Vols front line.
Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. Courtesy of creative commons.org.
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Biography
Nathan Niehaus is an offensive tackle from Colerain High School out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has the ability to block defenders until they are on the ground, letting his size play into the blocks to pave the way for rushing advances. At 6’6″, 259 pounds, Niehaus could become a key tackle on the offensive line.
Rankings
247Sports: No. 88 OT and No. 1067 overall player in the class of 2016
Rivals: No. 62 OT and No. 43 ranked player in the state of Ohio
ESPN: Not ranked in the ESPN300 for the class of 2016
Offers
Receiving 9 totals offers, Niehaus was offered to become a part of some impressive teams within and around Ohio, including Cincinatti, Bowling Green, Louisville, and West Virginia. He committed to Tennessee on Jan. 1.
Film Review
Niehaus is a powerful force on the offensive line, blocking and pushing defenders until they are on the ground. While his tall stature does add to his play-making skills, it could be beneficial for him to bulk up a little more. Although he is quite lean, some added muscle and weight could help him to become even more powerful on the front line for the offense.
With his powerful blocking, Niehaus has the ability to open up lanes for the running game. Whether he is defending man-on-man or teaming up with another lineman to block, he makes sure to block at all costs (examples found at 28 seconds and 42 seconds of his film). This would prove to be helpful for the Vols newfound rushing duo of Alvin Kamara and Jalen Hurd, both expected to make an even bigger return this season. The Vols are looking for depth at the offensive line in this recruiting class — depth that will work to not only open up the running game more, but alos protect the quarterback at all times. Niehaus could gain star potential in the coming years.
Edited by Nathan Odom
Danielle is a senior studying Journalism and Electronic Media. Before coming to UT, she was a student intern for 106.3 ESPN Radio where she assisted in the broadcasts and productions of Pigeon Forge High School football and basketball. She is also a former sports correspondent for The Mountain Press and worked as a promotions assistant for the Tennessee Smokies. If she's not busy with the Triple Play podcast or writing sports stories, you'll most likely find her at St. John XXIII Catholic Center on campus or watching sports somewhere while she sips on an Arnold Palmer. Follow her on Twitter: @Dani_Marie_15
