Dill fits Terps Offensive Tackle Mold

Over the next couple of months, the recruiting process will begin to clear up for Camp Hill, Pa., (Trinity) tackle R.J. Dill. The massive 6-foot-8, 280-pound lineman will visit and camp at up to five schools, beginning with a swing through the Midwest later this week.

Dill currently holds one offer from Maryland, but more schools may join if he can impress at upcoming camps. Michigan and Michigan State —which Dill will visit on Thursday and Saturday—along with Florida, Syracuse, Virginia, Connecticut and Pittsburgh are showing interest in the tackle prospect.

Dill has visited Maryland twice, one of which was the Terps’ victory over N.C. State back in October. He was impressed with the facilities and their proximity to Byrd Stadium and remains in constant contact with the two coaches recruiting him—Wide Receiver Coach Bryan Bossard and Offensive Line Coach Tom Brattan.

The Terps’ have made a habit of recruiting a certain type of tackle—tall, athletic with room to fill out their frame. Last year’s tackle commits—Bruce Campbell, Maurice Hampton, Bearthur Johnson, Tyler Bowen and Stephen St. John—are all 6-foot-6 or taller. Jared Gaither and Stephon Heyer, the Terps’ starting tackles in 2006, were both in the 6-foot-8 range. Dill fits that mold.

Trinity runs the ball about 90 to 95 percent of the time, Dill estimates. He admits that parts of his game could use some tuning.

“I’m just basically a mauler, I like to run block and like to make contact down field,” he said. “I’ve been playing this game for three years now, so my footwork needs some work.”

As of right now, Dill claims no leader. He has plans to make several visits over the spring and summer, though he is not sure where yet. Though he has no timetable for a decision, he wants to take all five of his official visits.

“I’m just taking it all in,” he said.

With his size and potential, Dill will be an intriguing prospect to watch. Like many other hopeful prospects, the spring evaluation period is a crucial stage in his recruitment. Scout.com will keep you updated as Dill goes through the process.