Recruiting Profile: Jonah Melton

The Heel Tough Blog Recruiting Profile series rolls along as we meet offensive guard Jonah Melton. Melton hails from just down the road in Mebane, NC, a thirty minute drive from Chapel Hill. Melton was the highest rated prospect signed in this past class by the Heels, rated No. 147 overall and the No. 9 offensive guard in this year's class. The Heels landed the commitment of Melton back in October of 2015 and held off charges from Virginia Tech and South Carolina to lock up one of the state's top prospects.

Watching Melton’s tape shows why he is rated as high as he is. Melton is

simply

a mauler as he overpowers opposing defensive lineman with his size and powerful hands. Just about every run play on Melton’s tape sees him driving the defensive lineman five to seven yards down the field. Melton’s footwork is also a very encouraging attribute that he shows on tape. His ability to keep his feet moving allows him to push defensive lineman around. Melton's ability to stay low gives him the edge against defensive lineman, especially defensive ends, giving him ability to push get them straight up out of their stance, a goal of every offensive lineman. Melton's good footwork allowed him to have success all over the offensive line, including at offensive tackle. Melton is a flexible option who is a run blocking specialist.

Melton is one prospect Tar Heel fans should be very excited about. He enrolled early, which means he will get in the weight room and go through spring camp over the next few months. If Melton shows enough in spring camp and then can take it to the next level in fall camp, he may very well have a shot to start at on of the guard spots.