Austin Blythe

Kirk Ferentz continues to work his magic along the offensive line, with Blythe just the latest Hawkeyes blocker with a clear path to the NFL. The four-year starter personifies dependability, emerging as a starter at right guard as a redshirt freshman and splitting duties between this position, center and left guard in 2014, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from rival coaches. He was entrenched at center as a senior for the surprising Hawkeyes.

blythe plays with good knee bend to hold up to bull rushes, slides well laterally and carries dynamite in his hands to pop defenders, often surprising opponents with his power and knocking them to the turf. shows some nastiness in his play, looking to pancake and land on top of opponents. he isn't just a pile driver, however, showing impressive agility and understanding of angles to sneak ahead of opponents and seal them off, creating easy lanes for his teammates to exploit.

Reliable snapper with good velocity and accuracy in the shotgun as well as the typical center-QB exchange. Three-time state champion as a wrestler with an Iowa record 143 career pins.

in our view

Blythe may not come with the name recognition and length of some of the other top center prospects in 2016, but he's pro-ready, boasting the smarts, toughness and technique to project as a future starter who might still be available in the middle rounds.

strengths

Has the short, squatty frame so conducive to winning the battle of leverage, showing impressive leg drive and the aggression to simply knock defenders backward. Uses his natural leverage advantage and strength to lock onto defenders.

weaknesses

While scouts will appreciate the versatility Blythe has shown at Iowa, he projects best at center in the NFL. He lacks ideal arm length (30 1/4") and can be steered off course when pitted one on one against defenders with a significant reach advantage. Though quick in a straight line, Blythe shows some stiffness when changing directions, struggling to redirect in close quarters.

Named honorable mention on Parade all-America team

two-time first team all-state honoree

three-time first team all-district selection

Ed Thomas Award nominee

named High School Wrestler of the Year as a senior by Iowa City Press-Citizen

Career - - helped prep squad to state playoff appearances in 2008, 2009 and 2010, compiling 28-5 overall record

team captain as a senior

completed career with 123 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 14 QB sacks and three fumble recoveries

had 20 tackles, five tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries as a sophomore

collected 40 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and five QB sacks as a junior

had 63 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and nine QB sacks as a senior

earned three straight state heavyweight wrestling titles in final three years after placing second at state meet as a freshman

compiled 187-11 prep wrestling record and holds state record with 143 career pins

posted 50-1 record as a senior, becoming 72nd wrestler in state history to win three straight state titles and 43rd wrestler to reach state finals four straight years

earned varsity letters in football (3), wrestling (4) and track (4).

Born 6/16/92

communication studies major

member of prep Honor Roll and National Honor Society

parents are Mary and Curt Blythe

high school coach was Curt Ritchie.