SerpApi.Org
Offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo committed to Michigan Football’s 2027 recruiting class last week, and he looks like the prototypical Wolverine bully.
The 6-foot-3.5, 285-pounder from Oceanside, California is a force in the run game and earned solid recognition across recruiting platforms. Rivals Industry Rankings gave Mageo an 88.70 rating, good for 435th nationally, 32nd among interior offensive linemen and 33rd among players in California.
Here is what the film taught us:
Pros
Mageo is a complete mauler in the run game. Lining up typically at left tackle or left guard for Oceanside, it was no surprise they saw success on the ground when following Mageo’s path. For one, he does a great job of latching onto his man’s shoulders and chest. Once engaged, he dictates movement with his strong upper body and continues to drive them around the field with his legs churning.
Speaking of legs churning, even when his ball carrier is 20 yards down the field and Mageo seems removed from the play, he hustles to the action, always trying to have his skill players’ backs. That is no one-play instance, either. You will often see Mageo barreling into the second and sometimes third level, always looking to hit someone wearing the wrong colored jersey (many of which will be red during his Michigan days).
Mageo also seals edges very well. He is athletic enough to torque upfield, get that left foot nearly perpendicular to his man and prevent them from approaching the running back. He appears to have strong assignment recognition, too, as he can chip early before finding a linebacker to try and bury in the turf. This is the type of guy a coach can rely upon to open lanes until the defense proves otherwise.
Cons
Most of Mageo’s highlights come in the run game, and while he is no weakness in pass protection, he does not display the same dominance. Part of this comes from a tendency to rely too heavily on his upper-body strength, something he can get away with in high school, but he will need to improve those hips and lower body once he gets to college.
His kick step could use work, too. Mageo looks a little stiff at times — as to be expected with someone of his stature — but he looks more choppy than fluid.
Mageo is rightfully viewed as an interior offensive lineman for the Wolverines. Filling out that big frame and trusting his lower body more should make him an asset in the run game with potential to be a strong overall guard in the future.
