Max Garcia

After starting his collegiate career at Maryland, Garcia transferred to Florida and was the only Gator lineman to start every game the past two seasons. He has some clear athletic and range limitations, but he shows the core strength to match power with power and play mistake-free football, displaying a good understanding of his assignments. Although Garcia will never be a dominant trench player, he is tough and physical with the versatility at center or guard that will appeal to coaches. A three-star tackle recruit out of high school, Garcia narrowed his college choice to Maryland, Clemson and Vanderbilt, committing to the Terrapins due to his connection with head coach Ralph Friedgen and offensive coordinator James Franklin. Garcia saw limited time as a true freshman in 2010 and after the season Friedgen was fired and Franklin became the head coach at Vanderbilt. He started 12 games at left tackle as a sophomore, but requested a transfer following the 2011 season and wound up at Florida, sitting out the 2012 season due to transfer rules. Garcia was eligible to play for the Gators as a junior in 2013 and started all 12 games, splitting his time between left guard (seven starts) and left tackle (five starts). He moved inside to center as a senior and started all 13 games there, earning Second Team All-SEC honors.

good snap and step quickness and generates movement at contact, engaging and driving. flips his competitive switch on the field and won't take plays off. strong leadership traits and a positive influence in the locker room according to his coaches. improved work ethic and practice habits. already treats the game as a job. durable with a strong tolerance for pain, playing through injuries. versatile starting experience at tackle, guard and center - 37 career starts at maryland and florida (17 left tackle, 13 center, 7 left guard).

WEAKNESSES

balanced, but limited athletically and not as comfortable pulling or blocking in motion, taking false steps. not overly fluid and struggles to consistently redirect his momentum to pick up stunts or extra rushers. needs to maintain regular knee bend to play with leverage to help keep him from moving in reverse. bad habit of allowing his pads to rise and legs to lock up.

Needs to consistently use angles in the run game. Hip tightness shows in space, needs to play in tight quarters to hide his movement limitations. Room to improve his awareness and needs to better anticipate extra pressures. Still relatively new to the center position and had some errant snaps in 2014.

strengths

Solidly-built frame with good length and hand size for the position. Physical hands to control the point of attack, meeting rushers with bricks. No shock absorbers in his upper body. Rapid punch and functional strength to shock defenders. Nice job anchoring and positioning his body, keeping his feet moving after initial contact.

An explosive lineman with excellent quickness

An honorable mention Class 5A All-Georgia honoree as a senior

Ranked No. 58 on the SuperPrep Georgia 83

Rated as the 58th-best player in the state of Georgia by Rivals.com

Ranked No. 51 nationally among offensive tackles by Scout.com

Ranked No. 52 nationally among offensive tackles by Scouts, Inc

Competed in track (50-9 in shot; 120-6 in discus)

Traveled to Australia in the summer of 2009 to compete in World Track meet

Chose to attend Maryland out of high school while also considering Alabama, Vanderbilt, Clemson, Florida State, N.C. State and Wake Forest

Coached by Keith Maloof.