Gator Offensive Lineman Fletcher Westphal Named Virginia High School Player of the Year
Friday, March 1, 2024 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gators freshman Fletcher Westphal was recently recognized as the Virginia High School Player of the Year after his dominant 2024 campaign at Tuscarora High School. The DC Touchdown Club will recognize Westphal for his efforts at their annual Awards Dinner on Friday, April 19 in Bethesda, Md.
Westphal was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN as well as ranked as one of the top-5 players in the state of Virginia by the same three outlets. The two-way lineman made an impact on both sides of the ball and helped the Tuscarora High School Huskies to an undefeated regular season.
Westphal was a highly coveted offensive lineman during his recruiting cycle but ultimately ended up choosing Florida over countless other schools including, but not limited to, Arkansas, Clemson, Georgia and Florida State. He is one of four high school offensive linemen that signed with the Gators in 2024.
Below is Westphal's 247Sports scouting report:
A big-framed yet lean player who significantly increased his ability to bend and overwhelm high school defenders because of his size, length and athleticism. Has verified size with an 81-inch wing span to go with a build that looks like he is 300 pounds rather than 335. Has the traits colleges love for offensive tackles. Saw live on multiple occasions and attitude and desire to compete stand out. Sinks his hips and demonstrates and ability to win leverage battles despite his size. Increased his foot speed and foot work after his junior season. Two-way snaps showcase his endurance and athleticism. More physical and more compact in his movements as a senior. Uses his size well to dominate high school competition but shows quickness and body control. Once engaged, he engulfs the defender and easily win a rep. Fires off well at the snap, particularly given his size. Demonstrates ability to explode up and into the defensive player and his initial punch is solid. Can scrape and get to the second level. Blocks down well and with force. Understands concepts well and can handle stunts. Lateral movement is solid. Hands are quick but more consistent placement on the initial punch is needed. Sometimes gets hands outside rather than inside. Has length to handle speed off the edge in pass pro, but has to continue to develop kick step and ability to mirror. Strength development will take some time, especially given his length. Can be a left tackle in college but may be better suited for right tackle. Should be a multi-year starter at a Top 20 program. Mid-round NFL draft projection.
"Can look forward to me being accountable, hard working, and dedicated to being a leader for this team."
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 20, 2023
Welcome to The Swamp, @FletcherWestph1!
#2THESW4MP pic.twitter.com/cKyokeOmjS
Westphal was rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN as well as ranked as one of the top-5 players in the state of Virginia by the same three outlets. The two-way lineman made an impact on both sides of the ball and helped the Tuscarora High School Huskies to an undefeated regular season.
Westphal was a highly coveted offensive lineman during his recruiting cycle but ultimately ended up choosing Florida over countless other schools including, but not limited to, Arkansas, Clemson, Georgia and Florida State. He is one of four high school offensive linemen that signed with the Gators in 2024.
Below is Westphal's 247Sports scouting report:
A big-framed yet lean player who significantly increased his ability to bend and overwhelm high school defenders because of his size, length and athleticism. Has verified size with an 81-inch wing span to go with a build that looks like he is 300 pounds rather than 335. Has the traits colleges love for offensive tackles. Saw live on multiple occasions and attitude and desire to compete stand out. Sinks his hips and demonstrates and ability to win leverage battles despite his size. Increased his foot speed and foot work after his junior season. Two-way snaps showcase his endurance and athleticism. More physical and more compact in his movements as a senior. Uses his size well to dominate high school competition but shows quickness and body control. Once engaged, he engulfs the defender and easily win a rep. Fires off well at the snap, particularly given his size. Demonstrates ability to explode up and into the defensive player and his initial punch is solid. Can scrape and get to the second level. Blocks down well and with force. Understands concepts well and can handle stunts. Lateral movement is solid. Hands are quick but more consistent placement on the initial punch is needed. Sometimes gets hands outside rather than inside. Has length to handle speed off the edge in pass pro, but has to continue to develop kick step and ability to mirror. Strength development will take some time, especially given his length. Can be a left tackle in college but may be better suited for right tackle. Should be a multi-year starter at a Top 20 program. Mid-round NFL draft projection.
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