Pennsylvania’s Class of 2025 Top IOL Headed to Tuscaloosa

Tagged under: District 1, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Recruiting

Michael Pietrangelo | June 11, 2024

Central Bucks East‘s Michael Carroll Jr. who is also rated as one of the nations top Interior Offensive Lineman by all major recruiting services is headed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to play for the Crimson Tide. Known locally to most as “Big Mike” and justifiably so, as he stands slightly over 6’6” and weighs 310 lbs. is headed to his to play for newly hired head coach Kalen DeBoer and staff. Big Mike verbally committed via Hayes Fawcett on multiple social media outlets to  Alabama  his “Dream School” over Georgia, Michigan, & Penn State.  He joins a Crimson Tide class that ranks 5th nationally in 2025  and is the first line prospect committed to newly hired  offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic who has over 30 years coaching experience and is regarded as one of the top offensive line coaches in the nation. His size and athleticism will allow him to move around on the line for coach Kap. Consistency and the staff being very personable seems to have been what led to Mike’s decision to commit to the tide after returning from there this past weekend.  Fun fact about Big Mike: his dad, Michael Sr. played linebacker at Penn State and his mom, Letitia was a Hall of Fame basketball player for Michigan State. Big Mike checks all the boxes for just about every college coach when it comes to a prospect. Not only does he come from an elite pedigree but head coach John Donnelly says, “He’s dedicated and hardworking, always pushing himself to be the best.” He continued, “Michael’s journey as a football player is not just about the game. It’s about the relationships he’s built, the lessons he’s learned, and the impact he’s had on his community. His passion for the sport is contagious.” Needless to say Donnelly is excited to see Big Mike grow not only as a player, but leader within the program heading into his senior season at Central Bucks East. He will play guard on offense for the Patriots while playing the end position on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots return some top talent in the district to the gridiron this upcoming season in the Suburban One League-National and look to return to the district One 6A playoffs (2022-23 season) again.

Michael Carroll Sr’s honest advice to parents on the recruiting process, “Look at the size of the players on the roster. How tall, how fast are the players at your son’s position. Those 2 things are probably what colleges look for immediately, easier to develop strength and size than height and speed. Have them attend a college camp they know they can play at, one they can probably play at and then a reach school. Ask your high school coach for honest feedback, they are usually your best resource. Be a gym rat, get good grades and be a good teammate.”

Big Mike with Head Coach Kalen DeBoer

Big Mike with Philadelphia Eagles Pro-Bowl guard Landon Dickerson

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