[Bamabeachlivin]

NAME: John Michael Boswell
POSITION: Offensive lineman
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-6, 290
HOMETOWN/SCHOOL: Northport/Tuscaloosa County HS
SENIOR YEAR STATS: N/A
ESPN SCOUTS INC. GRADE/POSITION RANK: 79 (No. 19 OT)

LIKELIHOOD TO START IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2
LIKELIHOOD TO PLAY IN 2008 (SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 2

THE SKINNY
Like fellow signee Barrett Jones, Boswell isn't likely to play as a true freshman unless there is a massive rash of injuries on the offensive line. Boswell is projected as a tackle in college, but there is a chance he could move inside to guard. If so, he'd probably need a year or so to learn on the job. Alabama will lose at least two and perhaps three starters — depending on whether or not Andre Smith turns pro— from its line after this season, so Boswell should have a chance to climb the depth chart in the spring if he doesn't do so in his first semester on campus.

ESPN SCOUTS INC. EVALUATION
Boswell is a well rounded tackle prospect. He possesses good size and for a 6-foot-6 kid looks to have a thick build. He has room to improve in both areas, but displays the tools to be a good pass and run blocker. He is a good pass blocker, with the ability to develop into a strong player in this area. He works to get back and stay vertical. When he kicks back and plays with knee bend he can cut off the rusher and turn and push past the pocket. He displays the ability to get into position and shadow a rusher. He will use his hands to punch and displays the ability to stay under control and not chase the rusher. At times with wide edge rushers he will more pedal back than kick back. He will get up on his toes and get high hat. He needs to work on keeping knee bend, staying under control, and not getting his weight too much on his back foot. He displays the ability to anchor. He is a solid run blocker. He will play some out of a "two" point stance and will play a little high when he does that. He gets good hand placement and when he gets locked on he can be tough to beat. He moves his feet and can push a defender off the ball in the run game. When he plays out of a more traditional "three" point stance he displays the ability to get into a defender, generate power from hips, and knock a defender back. He has good feet and displays the ability to get out and reach. He does a good job of getting up to the second level and getting a piece of moving targets. He needs to work on the angles he takes, but shows he can get hands on and smother a defender. Boswell is a good line prospect. He does things well and shows room for improvement. If he can clean some technique things up could be a real nice college tackle.
Story

[Stoney]

I heard he really needs footwork coaching and needs more time in the weight room.