Jake Springfield, OT, Oklahoma State
Size:
Height: 6’5” (v) | Weight: 314 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Burlsworth Trophy semifinalist (2023)
“Jake Springfield is a powerfully built lineman who showcases good short-area explosiveness and a physical approach to the run game."
Strengths:
Starter’s experience at both left and right tackle
Wide-frame coiled with strength
Good footwork to keep pass rushers inside frame
Concerns:
Athleticism
Length
Will occasionally cross feet in pass sets
Film Analysis:
Jake Springfield is a powerfully built lineman who showcases good short-area explosiveness and a physical approach to the run game. The former high school wrestler began his career in Stillwater at left tackle and has spent the last three seasons on the right side.
As a run blocker, Springfield is best in a gap scheme where his strength inside of a phone booth pops on occasion. Gets off the snap well but does not have the necessary length to establish and relocate defenders after contact. Will instead rely on his body mass and leg drive to move defensive linemen away from gaps. Is more of a sealer, not a man-mover, at this point in his evaluation. Given his frame and how he wins, Springfield could make the move to guard down the road.
In pass pro, Springfield allowed minimal pressures in 2023 (15 in 440 snaps) and has allowed just two sacks in the past two seasons in the Big 12. Springfield is a subtle mover who has limitations as an athlete that will ultimately hamper his potential as a tackle at the next level. Does well to get out into his set and his wide upper body presents a large amount of mass for opponents to work around. Length is below average along with his utilization of his upper half. He will allow rushers into his frame, and edge threats with even average power/length can gain depth in the pocket. Has flashes of high-level reps where he marries his footwork, hands, and body positioning very well (Oklahoma).
Concerns remain about his overall athleticism and his technique at tackle. In pass pro, Springfield has shown on multiple occasions to cross over his feet instead of kick-stepping and clicking his heels to gain depth. Any lateral movement from a countering defender once his feet are compromised can lead to trouble. His footwork is a coachable concern, however. While Springfield’s mass and balance showcase a floor for success at the position, snaps against more athletic and powerful edge rushers can quickly identify the soft spots in his game (BYU).
Overall, Springfield will enter the draft process as a mature and experienced lineman with more than 3,000 career snaps split at left and right tackle. While not the most technical or athletic lineman in the country, Springfield plays well behind his pads in the run game and will rarely put himself in precarious spots in pass pro.
Prospect Projection: Priority UDFA
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Oklahoma (2023), BYU (2023), Texas A&M (2023)
