One of best offensive lineman in the state of Illinois is getting a lot of national recognition from some of the top schools in the country. One of these programs is Michigan. Growing up as a Michigan fan, Goebel has some serious interest in the university and the football program. His family likes Illinois and Ohio State,( Geobel's cousin is a nose guard there) but they are big time fans of Michigan's wrestling program.

Colin Goebel(on the left) opening a running lane for his running back.

Goebel was once a linebacker, but was later converted into an offensive guard. Standing at 6'4 and 275 lbs., Goebel has enough athleticism to play guard or tackle, but he says most schools are recruiting him at guard because that's were they believe he has the most upside at. Goebel is extremely athletic and fast, so he can pull well and stay on guys when's he's run blocking. Goebel does a fantastic job at finishing his blocks, as well. One of his favorite hobbies is wrestling, were he became the varsity heavyweight this year earning the position over 6 other heavyweights including a returning varsity senior and Colin’s performance helped earn his high school team finish second in the prestigious DVC Conference.


I was able to get in contact with Goebel and he allowed me to do an interview with him.

SimplyComplex: What's your favorite thing about Michigan?

Colin Goebel: "I love their great winning tradition and experienced coaches."

SC: With your cousin(Garret Goebel; DT for OSU) enrolled at OSU, How does this affect your decision and recruiting process?

CG: "No, not really. I'm open to all possibilities. Having my cousin their helps OSU, but I will consider all my options and just go from there."

SC: Do you know when you'd like to make your college decision?

CG: "I'd like to do it before my senior season, but things could get hectic, so that timeline could change depending on the situation."

SC:  What are you looking for in a university?

CG: "Good relationship with all the coaches, great academic structure, and good food.(laughs)

SC: Do you have any idea on what you'd like to major in in college?

CG: "I'm not sure, but both my parents majored in business and they're pretty successful. So I'll probably follow in their footsteps and major in business."

SC: Is distance a factor in your decision?

CG: No, doesn't matter. I could go to the East coast, West coast, Midwest, or go down south."

SC: What schools besides Michigan have been recruiting you?

CG: "Oregon, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, Illinois, West Virginia, and USC."

SC: Who's your favorite Michigan player ever?

CG: "Dhani Jones. Great linebacker who's also a good leader."

SC: Would you consider yourself a run blocker or pass blocker?

CG: "I'd say that I'm a little of both. I'm better at run blocking,though."

SC: What can you bring to a college football team?

CG: "I'm definitely a hard worker, and I am very coach able.  I;'m willing to accept coaching suggestions and implement those suggestions into my workouts,practices, and games immediately.'

Goebel dominating a defensive end.

 Goebel is the third offensive lineman in the state of Illinois to be in contact with Michigan, the other two being Ethan Pocic and Kyle Bosch. Goebel is really good friends with Pocic and they talk with each other about their recruiting often. They also have discussed possibly attending the same university. Goebel is in attendance at the Purdue-Notre Dame game tonight. Goebel was named to Tom Lemming’s All Underclassmen Team for the 2010 season. Goebel should be a big time recruit in the next 14 months.

Even though Michigan is bringing in a great offensive line class in 2012, they are looking to add more "big uglies" to their 2013 offensive line recruiting class. Michigan is only planning on taking 3-4 offensive lineman next year, so they must offer prospects who they feel will help improve Michigan's rushing attack for years to come.

Ethan Pocic from Lemont, Illinois.

One prospect that Michigan has been in contact with is offensive tackle Ethan Pocic from Lemont, Illinois. Ethan Pocic stands at 6'6 285 lbs., and has great size for an offensive tackle. Pocic is very strong as he can squat 420lbs., and bench 305, respectively. Pocic comes off the snap with great quickness and generates a good push on the line. Pocic also has extreme toughness and isn't afraid to put players on their backs once he gets a hold of them. Even though Pocic has the ability to get to the second-level of the defense, he needs to gain more strength and get down to a healthier weight to become a better overall offensive lineman.

After Pocic's visit for the Notre Dame-Michigan game, I was able to catch up with Pocic for an interview regarding his recruitment.

SimplyComplex: How was your experience at the ND-Michigan game?

Ethan Pocic: "It was crazy. I've never seen an atmosphere like it."

SC: What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are at the OL position?

EP: "My strengths are-Toughness,Quickness, and getting to the second level of the defense.
Weaknesses-getting stronger and getting down to a healthier weight."

SC: Which schools are you recruiting you besides Michigan?

EP: "Illinois,Purdue,Michigan St.,Wisconsin,West Virginia, Arizona,and Notre Dame have all offered."

SC: Who are your favorite NFL and College player?

EP: "I like to watch Adrian Peterson and the Bears defense."

SC: On your visit, Did you meet with any of the coaches?

EP: "Coach Funk, but only for like five minutes."

SC: Do you have a timeline for when you'd like to make your decision?

EP: "Don't know yet."

SC: Who in your life inspires you?

EP: "My family inspires me the most."

SC: I's distance a factor in your decision?

EP: "No, not at all."

SC: What's your favorite thing about Michigan?

EP: "Everything!(laughs) My favorite thing is their rich tradition."

SC: Could you see yourself attending Michigan?

EP: "Yes, I could see myself attending any school that is interested in me."

SC: Do you think Michigan fits your style of OL play?

EP: "Yes, definitely."

SC: What are you looking for in a college?

EP: "The coaches and players[are important]. And a winning tradition,too."

Look for Michigan to offer Pocic in the coming weeks. Already a 4* prospect according to Scout.com, Pocic will likely be one of the best offensive lineman in the 2013 class. Pocic has already taken unofficial visits to Notre Dame,Wisconsin, and Purdue. All we can hope for is Pocic to visit, and commit to Michigan so he can become the next Jake Long.