It’s hard to believe, but even 6’6, 300-pounders can go overlooked in the recruiting process. That’s exactly what has happened to Ferndale (Wa.) OL Nick Bartel.
Bartel played left tackle for the Golden Eagles as a junior this past season and he showed good aggression and strong blocking technique, however, he’s gone unnoticed by even small schools on the recruiting trail.
“So far I haven’t heard from any schools,” Bartel told Northwest Elite Index this spring. “I am probably heading down to Washington for their Rising Stars camp and I’m planning on going to a BYU camp and maybe I will hit another camp or two, but right now, that’s sorta where things stand.”
Bartel prefers to let his play do his talking, using his ideal size and surprisingly quick feet to fend off defenders in both the run and the pass.
“I want to work on getting lower and coming off the ball faster and harder,” Bartel said when asked to self-evaluate himself. “I’d say my footwork and my leadership are my best features.
“Right now, I lift five days a week and I also throw the shot and discus on the track team. I am probably better at the discus, but I do both.”
With Bartel and teammate Chris Hernandez, who is getting attention from some Pac 12 and Mountain West programs, the Golden Eagles will boast one of the better tandems along the line in the entire state of Washington and they have a chance to help their program get back on top in the Northwest Conference after posting a 3-6 record this past season.
