Closer Look: Freshman Deontae Armstrong Has Future At Left Tackle

As a First-Team All-State selection last year at left tackle, Deontae Armstrong helped lead his Lakewood St. Edward team to its third-consecutive state championship. (His twin brother Devontae was part of that same offensive line and will be part of this feature later in the summer.)

Armstrong was ranked the No. 33 offensive tackle in the 2024 recruiting class and the No. 385 player overall. He was the No. 14 player in the state of Ohio per the 247Sports Composite. Armstrong signed with Ohio State over offers from Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, Florida, and others.

What To Like

One of the first things that stands out about Deontae Armstrong is that he looks how you want a left tackle to look. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 298 pounds, he also moves like you want a left tackle to move. He is very athletic and can run wherever you need him to run, but is also completely comfortable at the point of attack.

Armstrong’s physicality shouldn’t be overlooked when evaluating him as a prospect. He has no problem locking in on a defender and taking him out of the picture. He will block to the whistle. Playing in a very run-heavy offense, Armstrong is an experienced run blocker.

Ohio State freshman tackle Deontae Armstrong is a physical run blocker. pic.twitter.com/d7MDgNPfTJ
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) June 8, 2024

The Potential

The St. Edward offense didn’t afford many pass-blocking opportunities for Deontae Armstrong, so that will be something that he needs to continue to develop at Ohio State. The good news is that his athleticism hints towards the ability to pick it up quite well.

In the clips below, Armstrong shows the ability to pull as a lead blocker, or get upfield and find a linebacker, or carry a defender far enough that after a play he could ask for a tip. The mobility showcases the kind of quickness and athleticism that is needed when dealing with smaller and faster pass rushers.

Deontae Armstrong is also a very mobile offensive lineman. pic.twitter.com/rgQTZbwEGw
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) June 8, 2024

The Expectations

Deontae Armstrong enrolled early so he was able to participate in winter workouts and spring football. He may have done more pass sets this spring than during his entire high school career. There will be growing pains in that area, but he held his own just fine in the spring game.

This should be a redshirt year for Armstrong, as it is with most freshman offensive linemen. He was mostly with the threes at left tackle in the spring. They will keep him there as long as he can handle it — or until they need him somewhere else. He may be playing left tackle right now, but with his athleticism, he could end up anywhere.

Below are all of Armstrong’s snaps from April’s spring game. He is at left tackle.

A look at Ohio State freshman left tackle Deontae Armstrong (72) from April's spring game. pic.twitter.com/lKvY21Un2c
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) June 8, 2024

The Bottom Line

The Buckeyes should be set at left tackle for the next two seasons with starter Josh Simmons, but depth will always be a must. There are a number of veteran options to fill out the depth chart at tackle, and burning a redshirt for five or six games likely isn’t the way to go.

A true freshman year of gaining experience as a pass blocker will allow him to compete for a spot in the two-deep next season. Then in 2026 with Josh Simmons likely off to the NFL, don’t be surprised if Deontae Armstrong is the next in line at left tackle for the Buckeyes.