The War Room: Shawn Andrews, OT, Arkansas 
Offensive Tackle
Shawn Andrews
College: Arkansas
Year: Junior
Height: 6’5"
Weight: 371
Birthday: December 25, 1982
Strengths: Shawn Andrews is an imposing figure. Seems most of college football’s defenses think so, too. Andrews’ Hogs led the SEC in average rushing yards per game, and Andrews is the biggest, literally, reason why.
Born on Christmas Day, Andrews is quite the package. Just a sophomore last season, in addition to securing all-conference first-team honors, Andrews was named a first-team All-American offensive lineman. He was the first Razorback to earn such a distinction in over a dozen years, and he was the first sophomore in school history ever to achieve the status. Andrews was selected for the prestigious Jacobs Award, given to the SEC’s top blocker, which was yet another first for an Arkansas football player.
With natural big man athleticism, Andrews has 5-flat speed and big feet, giving him ample quickness, balance, and agility. He uses his hands well and has the strength of a bull, making him fearsome as a run blocker. He led the Razorbacks as a freshman in pancake blocks despite not starting the first two games, then added another 68 pancakes last year.
Areas for Concern: Andrews might be the best offensive lineman in the college football this fall, but he has room for improvement as a pass protector. He’ll need to refine his technique and remain light on his feet in order to do so.
That may not be so easy for a guy with Andrews’ size, which is big even by big standards. Weight is a significant concern, and he’s maybe gained forty or so pounds since arriving at Arkansas. Andrews battled chronic ankle problems last season, and he strained his ankle again earlier this year during spring practice. Though never considered serious, it is possibly a sign that the ankle is under a lot stress carrying big ol’ Shawn around every day.
How Does He Look in Steel Blue? Andrews is known for bowling people over, but he’s not just doing it on the field. Andrews has an infectious personality and is quite talented at making others smile. In spite of the ankle sprain, Andrews had a great spring, even finishing off a scrimmage catching a tackle-eligible pass.
The Texans would love a guy like Andrews and his strong work ethic on their roster and in their locker room. There is a need to find and develop a young right tackle, and Andrews will make a career out of plowing defensive linemen for years to come in the NFL. As a junior, he could decide to wait one more season before beginning that career.
(profile written by Keith Weiland)
Shawn Andrews 
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