As long as Mario Cristobal is the head coach at Oregon, the offensive line is almost assuredly going to be a specific point of emphasis in any given recruiting cycle.

If anything, the 2019 recruiting cycle has been a testament to exactly that. After signing five offensive linemen to the 2018 class, which doesn’t include Dallas Warmack as a grad transfer from Alabama, the Ducks will add three more highly-touted prospects to the offensive trenches heading into the upcoming season.

On Saturday, Lehi (Utah) Skyridge three-star prospect Logan Sagapolu became that third member of the Ducks’ 2019 O-line class, joining four-star recruits Jonah Tauanu’u and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu. Sagapolu publicly announced his decision at the Polynesian Bowl, choosing Oregon over finalists Utah and BYU.

With his commitment, Sagapolu is the 23rd member of Oregon’s historic 2019 recruiting class, which currently ranks no. 7 in the country per 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings. However, Sagapolu likely won’t find his way onto a football field until 2021, as he has indicated that he intends to take a two-year LDS mission following his graduation from high school.

Below we take a closer look at Sagapolu’s game, examining his weaknesses and strengths, as well as projecting how he may make an impact for the Ducks when he ultimately arrives on campus.

Notable weaknesses:

• Technique needs work: Sagapolu’s natural physical gifts also work against him to a degree. Because he is so physically imposing, he gets away with simply shoving opponents to the turf given his overwhelming size/strength advantage. He’ll need to work hard on refining the way he engages and defeats defenders if he’s to take the next step in his development.
• Will need to be weight-conscious: At 6-foot-3 and 340 pounds, Sagapolu possesses size you simply cannot teach, but it’s something he’ll have to be mindful of as he makes the transition from high school to college. This is particularly important given the fact that he won’t have anywhere near the same kind of access to weight training and nutrition as he would had he made the decision to not take his two-year mission.
• Lacks elite athleticism: For a player his size, Sagapolu moves about as well as one could reasonably expect, but he’s not a particularly great athlete, especially laterally. This is exposed some degree as he’s seen playing a lot of offensive tackle on tape, and though that’s not the position he’s expect to play when he gets to Eugene, the lack of athleticism could hold him back nonetheless as he ultimately works to find his way onto the field.

Notable strengths:

• Versatility: Though there are some legit knocks on Sagapolu’s athleticism, he is capable of filling in and playing virtually any position along the offensive line. An interior line position is where Sagapolu figures to excel, but he does have experience playing tackle as well.
• Great initial punch: Strong as an ox, Sagapolu can be a dominant player at the point of attack. His ability to practically eliminate defenders from a play with a single blow is impressive, making him an even more imposing obstacle for those lined up across from him.
• Plays with a mean streak: As if tremendous size and strength weren’t enough, Sagapolu is player who plays with a nasty streak. On film, he appears to be a player who takes great joy in burying his opponents when given the opportunity.

Overall outlook:

As previously mentioned, the Ducks likely won’t reap the rewards of Sagapolu’s commitment until 2021, and even then, it’s possible that Sagapolu’s priorities in life will have changed to the extent that playing football at the collegiate level is no longer a goal for him. After all, two years is a long time in the realm of college football. But assuming that Sagapolu’s commitment remains strong, the Ducks will be getting a player who has the potential to ultimately be a multi-year starter along the offensive line. Expected to player center when he arrives on campus, it’s even possible that Sagapolu will have an opportunity to be the outright starter should he be able to whip himself back into shape in relatively short order. The challenge, however, will be maintaining fitness while spending two years away from such a physically demanding game.