J.B. Shabazz

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-6, 315 lbs. Taller than 42% and heavier than 79% of 2026 Offensive Tackle prospects in the SEC Scouts database (182 with a listed size).

Play Style

An athletic, length-first tackle who wins mostly in pass protection by using his reach and feet to push rushers around the edge. His basketball background shows up in his ability to recover when beaten at the snap. In the run game he is more of a positional blocker, sealing and screening defenders, than a player who drives people off the ball. As his strength grows, he should become more physical at the point of attack. His scheme fit is broad: he has the movement skills for zone runs and the length for a pass-first offense.

Strengths

• Size and length: at roughly 6-7 with a long wingspan, he can engage edge rushers early and cover a wide area in pass protection, which is why power-conference staffs recruited him as an offensive tackle
• Footwork from basketball: two-way production on a winning varsity basketball team (8.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore) points to quick feet, lateral recovery and the ability to mirror, which should help his pass-set footwork
• Varsity experience at left tackle: he started at the blind side for an East Forsyth team with a high-profile passer (Bryce Baker) and made the HighSchoolOT All-Region team (336), so he has regularly faced opponents' best edge rushers
• In-demand recruit: he held around 20 offers, including Georgia, LSU, Ohio State and Penn State, and UNC offered first (September 2023). Top programs saw a starting-level tackle in him, not just a depth player

Areas to Improve

• Strength and anchor: he is still growing into his frame and needs a year or two in a college strength program to hold up against bull rushes and to move defenders in the run game instead of just walling them off
• Pad level and hand technique: tall tackles often play too high and let rushers get into their chest. Keeping his pads low, landing his hands consistently, and keeping his punch timing reliable over a full game are the main technique goals
• Refinement from a two-sport schedule: splitting time with basketball leaves fewer offseason reps focused only on the offensive line, so his pass-set sets, combination blocks and blitz pickup are likely behind his physical tools

College Projection

He is on UNC's 2026 roster as a true freshman wearing #73. Coverage of UNC's line expects most of its freshman linemen to redshirt unless injuries force them into action, so 2026 should be a development year with a chance at spot reps. A realistic path is to compete for the swing-tackle role in 2027 and start at tackle in 2028 once his strength matches his frame. Because he stayed in-state after flipping, and UNC is rebuilding its roster under Bill Belichick, playing time should be available at tackle if he develops on schedule.

NFL Outlook

His NFL potential rests on his traits. A 6-7 tackle with basketball-level movement skills is exactly the kind of player NFL scouts track, even though his high school tape is still raw. If he gets to about 310-315 pounds of functional mass and becomes a multi-year starter at tackle (ideally left tackle), he would project as a Day 2-3 prospect by around 2029-2030. If he can't anchor against power, a move to guard or a career as a college depth player is the more likely outcome.

Best Fit

A program with a patient, proven strength-and-conditioning staff and an offensive line coach who develops technique. That program also needs to be willing to redshirt him while he adds strength instead of rushing a thin frame onto the field. Offenses that use his mobility suit him best: outside-zone running schemes and spread passing attacks that need tackles who can handle speed rushers on an island. UNC, which recruited him first and landed him after the Tennessee commitment, fits well if its development program delivers.