by Kevin Trahan (@k_trahan)
Leading up to the season Inside Northwestern will give you a preview of each of Northwestern’s 2012 recruits. Click here for previous entries.
Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
Position: Offensive Tackle
Star Rating: Three-star, No. 55 OT
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 270 pounds
Other offers: Cincinnati, Indiana, West Virginia
What's to like:
Playko is a solid offensive line prospect, one of many in what was a good class in the trenches for Northwestern. NU's offensive line struggled last year at times, and while there is still time to improve, it had a disappointing spring this year.
Playko and his classmates certainly have the tools to turn that around and give NU a very good offensive line to help improve the inside rushing game. NU's rushing game has been centered around its quarterbacks ever since Tyrell Sutton left, but the Wildcats have picked up some good young rushers, including rising sophomore Treyvon Green and incoming freshman Malin Jones.
Playko will give NU depth on the line and could become a regular contributor down the road for the Cats.
Prospects for next season:
Offensive linemen typically take more time to adjust to the college game than their counterparts at the skill positions, mainly because they have to bulk up and play against much bigger players than they did in high school. Expect Playko to redshirt, as he need's to bulk up and NU doesn't have a dire need on the offensive line in 2012. However, he has a big frame and certainly could see a lot of playing time throughout his career at NU.
What he's saying:
"I was 100% sold right at the beginning of practice," Playko told PurpleWildcats.com after he committed following NU's junior day. "When I saw how high-octane everything was, I knew I wanted to be there. Guys were having so much fun and getting so much work done.”
What they're saying:
"Kenton Playko is a perfect addition to Adam Cushing's offensive line. He has the size to play guard or tackle and has the athleticism to battle in the Big Ten," said Scout.com's Chris Emma. "Playko needs to add size in order to see playing time, but his future in a Northwestern uniform is bright."
Check out PurpleWildcats.com and Fox Sports Next/Scout.com for the latest in Northwestern recruiting. For more on Playko, check out his profile on Scout.com