Deacon Schmitt

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-5, 315 lbs. Taller than 74% and heavier than 74% of 2026 Interior Offensive Line prospects in the SEC Scouts database (207 with a listed size).

Play Style

Schmitt plays with a physical, downhill style that fits a run-first offense like Windsor's. He is at his best on base and down blocks, where he fits his hands inside, rolls his hips and moves defenders off the ball, and he is a willing finisher. He shows enough mobility to reach and seal on outside zone and to climb to linebackers at the second level. His pass sets look fundamentally sound against high school competition, but that competition rarely tested his range. His effort and toughness are consistent with his role as a team captain on a Windsor team that reached the state championship game.

Strengths

• Versatility across the line: he played right tackle in high school and took guard reps at Oklahoma's spring game after enrolling early, which gives the staff a backup at up to four spots from his first year
• Run-game physicality: he was a first-team all-state right tackle for a Windsor offense that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards at about 7 yards per play, and his tape shows him moving defenders off the ball and finishing blocks
• College-ready size: at 315-320 lb as a high school senior he does not need a redshirt year just to add weight, so his development can focus on technique instead of physique
• Proven recruitment: he chose Oklahoma over roughly 20 Power 4 programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee and USC, which matches his consensus top-40 ranking at his position

Areas to Improve

• Pass-protection technique against SEC-level edge speed: at Colorado 3A/4A level he rarely faced long, bendy rushers, so his kick-slide depth, hand timing and ability to recover after an inside counter move need a lot of refinement if Oklahoma keeps him at tackle
• Pad level and leverage against bigger defensive tackles: his size alone let him win in high school, but at guard in the SEC he will face 300-lb interior linemen every snap and must consistently win with hand placement, pad level and a strong anchor
• Conditioning and body composition: at 315-320 lb he needs to reshape his weight in a college strength program so he keeps his movement skills on zone-scheme and pull assignments over a full 12-game SEC season

College Projection

Because he enrolled early and took guard reps in the spring game, Schmitt is ahead of most 2026 linemen. A realistic path is swing depth and special-teams snaps in 2026, which keeps his redshirt available under the four-game rule. He would then compete for a starting guard spot in 2027 as a redshirt freshman or sophomore, with 2028-29 as his most likely multi-year starting window. Guard is his most likely long-term home, and his ability to play tackle makes him a valuable sixth or seventh lineman even before he starts. Oklahoma's line is top-heavy, so a strong fall camp could speed up his timeline.

NFL Outlook

As a four-star lineman with a pro-ready frame, Schmitt has a realistic chance to be drafted, most likely as an interior lineman. If he becomes a two- or three-year SEC starter at guard with dependable pass protection, a Day 2-3 grade (rounds 3-5) is a reasonable ceiling. Proving he can play tackle too would help his draft value, since NFL teams pay a premium for backup linemen who can play multiple spots. His chances depend mainly on developing his hand technique and keeping his movement skills at playing weight.

Best Fit

Schmitt fits best in a gap/power or inside-zone run scheme that uses his size and finishing ability at guard, with occasional duty as a swing tackle. Oklahoma's plan to use his position flexibility is a good match. An offense built on heavy personnel, duo/power and play-action, where interior linemen move people and have to protect against pressure up the middle, would get the most out of him.