Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson Florida OT: Rising Star on the Offensive Line
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson represents one of the most intriguing offensive tackle prospects in college football heading into the 2024 season. The 6’7″, 322-pound Florida Gators offensive lineman arrived in Gainesville this spring as a transfer with considerable upside.
Born in Harbor City, California, Crenshaw-Dickson brings impressive physical tools and developmental potential to an offensive line that desperately needs stability.
NFL scouts are particularly drawn to Crenshaw-Dickson’s rare combination of size, length, and mobility, projecting him as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft if he can refine his technique this season. His 34-inch arms and 83-inch wingspan provide the kind of length that offensive line coaches at the next level covet, while his athletic profile suggests he could develop into a reliable pass protector.
The redshirt senior’s journey from Narbonne High School to San Diego State and now to the SEC represents a significant step up in competition. Though he remains somewhat raw, this season presents Crenshaw-Dickson with the perfect opportunity to answer lingering questions about his power at the point of attack and consistency against elite edge rushers.
The Florida coaching staff believes they’ve found a diamond in the rough who could solidify the left tackle position and boost his draft stock considerably in the process.
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Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson Profile
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is a formidable presence on the offensive line for the Florida Gators. Standing at an impressive 6’7″ and weighing 322 pounds, the redshirt senior has established himself as a noteworthy offensive tackle with NFL potential.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Harbor City, California, Crenshaw-Dickson developed his football skills at Narbonne High School in Inglewood. His imposing frame made him stand out early on the field, where he honed the fundamental techniques that would serve him well at the collegiate level.
At Narbonne, he showcased exceptional footwork for a player of his size, routinely protecting quarterbacks against aggressive edge rushers. His high school performances attracted attention from college scouts who recognized his raw physical tools.
Administrator Chiles at Narbonne often praised Crenshaw-Dickson’s work ethic, noting his commitment to improving both on and off the field. His development through his high school years laid the groundwork for his college career.
Recruitment and Commitment to the Florida Gators
Crenshaw-Dickson’s path to Florida wasn’t straightforward. He initially played at San Diego State before transferring to the Gators in spring 2024. His transfer required proper consent through the portal process, which worked seamlessly for the offensive tackle.
The Florida Gators secured his commitment on December 17, 2023, adding much-needed experience to their offensive line. Billy Napier’s staff identified Crenshaw-Dickson as a priority target to bolster protection for their quarterback.
At 6’7″ and 320+ pounds, his frame projects well to the NFL level. Scouts particularly appreciate his length and wingspan, though he’s still refining his technique. Current draft projections place him as a mid-to-late round prospect with upside.
Key Measurements:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’7″ |
| Weight | 322 lbs |
| Position | Offensive Tackle |
| Class | Redshirt Senior |
Florida Gators Football Team Overview
The Florida Gators football program currently finds itself in a transitional period, balancing experienced transfers with developing young talent while working to return to national prominence. Billy Napier‘s staff continues to rebuild after several challenging seasons.
Current Team Composition
The Gators’ roster features a mix of veterans and underclassmen, with notable talent across position groups. The offensive line, which includes Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, represents one of the team’s more experienced units.
The quarterback room features competition for the starting role, with both transfer additions and developing prospects. At skill positions, UF has recruited well but experienced inconsistent production.
Defensively, Florida boasts solid talent in the secondary and along the defensive line. The linebacker corps has been an area where the Gators have sought to improve depth.
Special teams remains a work in progress, with kicking duties solidified but return teams seeking more explosive playmakers.
Coaching and Management
Billy Napier entered his third season leading the Gators with increasing pressure to deliver results. His methodical approach to program building has been tested by the demands of the SEC and Florida’s impatient fanbase.
The coaching staff includes a mix of experienced assistants and younger coaches. Napier’s organizational structure differs from many programs, with specialized roles beyond traditional position coaches.
| Coaching Position | Name | Years at Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Billy Napier | 3 |
| Offensive Coordinator | Rob Sale | 3 |
| Defensive Coordinator | Austin Armstrong | 2 |
| Special Teams | Chris Couch | 3 |
Recruiting has shown improvement under this staff, particularly in addressing positional needs along the lines.
Recent Team Performance
The Gators have struggled to maintain consistency, finishing recent seasons below expectations. Their 2023 campaign resulted in a 5-7 record, missing bowl eligibility.
Florida’s offense has shown flashes of explosiveness but lacked consistency, particularly in critical game situations. The offensive line, featuring players like Crenshaw-Dickson at right tackle, has been working to provide better protection and run blocking.
Defensively, the team has shown improvement in certain metrics but still surrendered too many big plays against top competition.
In the highly competitive SEC, the Gators face a challenging path back to contention. The expanded conference and playoff format provide both opportunities and challenges for a program working to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
Offensive Line Tactics and Strategies
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson has transformed Florida’s offensive line with his elite pass protection skills and versatility. His technical prowess and physical attributes have elevated the entire unit’s performance in both pass and run blocking scenarios.
Blocking Schemes and Techniques
Crenshaw-Dickson’s 6’7″, 322-pound frame makes him an imposing figure at the tackle position for the Gators. His technique stands out in Florida’s run-first system, which operates on a 58-42 run-pass split.
What separates Crenshaw-Dickson is his exceptional pass protection. Through six games and 178 pass blocking snaps in 2024, he has allowed zero sacks and only three pressures. This elite protection rate places him among the nation’s best.
His kick-slide technique in pass protection creates proper depth and width, while his hand placement consistently neutralizes edge rushers. Working alongside guards Jake Slaughter and OT Austin Barber, Crenshaw-Dickson has helped establish cohesive zone blocking schemes that create running lanes.
Assessment of Offensive Line Strengths
Crenshaw-Dickson currently holds the 17th highest pass blocking grade in the FBS, according to PFF. His arrival as a transfer has elevated the entire offensive line’s performance.
NFL Draft Projection:
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Blocking | A- | Zero sacks allowed in 2024 |
| Run Blocking | B+ | Excels in zone schemes |
| Athleticism | B | Good mobility for size |
| NFL Draft Projection | 2nd-3rd Round | Rising on draft boards |
Banks and the interior linemen benefit from Crenshaw-Dickson’s stability at tackle. His presence allows the coaching staff to slide protection away from his side, creating favorable matchups elsewhere.
Recruits now view Florida’s O-line development more favorably with Crenshaw-Dickson’s success story as evidence. His transfer from San Diego State to SEC success demonstrates the program’s ability to maximize talent regardless of origin.
Defensive Strategies and Player Roles
While Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson excels as an offensive tackle for Florida, understanding how defensive players approach him offers insight into his performance and development. Defensive coordinators specifically target weaknesses in his technique through various personnel and schemes.
Analysis of Key Defensive Players
Facing Crenshaw-Dickson requires special planning from defensive coaches. Elite edge rushers often test his lateral quickness, with speed rushers presenting the most challenge to his 6’7″, 320-pound frame.
Florida’s secondary, featuring cornerback Sharif Denson, benefits from Crenshaw-Dickson’s protection ability, allowing defensive backs more time to cover receivers when he successfully neutralizes pass rushers.
Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts often positions his LBers to compensate when offenses attempt to run behind Crenshaw-Dickson’s powerful blocking. This frequently forces running backs to cut back into the waiting arms of interior defenders.
Aaron Gates, working from the defensive secondary, has noted how Crenshaw-Dickson’s improved technique has made practice more challenging, stating, “Going against him daily has elevated everyone’s game.”
Game-Planning for Defensive Efficiency
Teams facing Florida must account for Crenshaw-Dickson’s impressive pass protection abilities. His 81.1 pass blocking grade from PFF demonstrates why defensive coordinators rarely leave edge rushers isolated against him.
Defensive strategies typically include:
- Stunts and twists to confuse blocking assignments
- Linebacker blitzes to test his recognition skills
- Coverage disguises to extend the time he must maintain blocks
NFL scouts note that Crenshaw-Dickson’s technique improvements have made him a legitimate draft prospect. His ranking has climbed steadily, with most analysts now placing him in the top 15 offensive tackles for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The table below shows how defenses perform against Florida with and without Crenshaw-Dickson on the field:
| Defensive Metric | With Crenshaw-Dickson | Without Crenshaw-Dickson |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks allowed | 1.2 per game | 2.7 per game |
| QB pressures | 6.3 per game | 11.4 per game |
Recruitment and Development
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson’s journey to becoming a top offensive tackle prospect involves both his recruitment history and significant development at multiple programs. His path showcases how proper development can transform a three-star recruit into a potential NFL draft selection.
Assessing the Prospects of 2025 Recruits
Crenshaw-Dickson’s own recruitment story offers valuable context for the 2025 class. BCD wasn’t highly touted coming out of high school, but has since developed into a 6’7″, 320-pound offensive tackle.
Florida’s offensive line recruiting has improved significantly, with prospects like Bryce Lovett and Knijeah Harris showing development paths similar to Crenshaw-Dickson. The Gators’ transfer portal strategy has paid dividends, particularly with offensive linemen.
The coaching staff’s ability to identify and develop talent like Damieon George Jr. and Caleb Banks alongside BCD has created a formidable unit that supports QB DJ Lagway’s development.
Impact of Freshman Players on Team Dynamics
Crenshaw-Dickson’s veteran presence has proved invaluable to Florida’s young offensive line. As a four-year starter at tackle, he’s created stability that allows freshmen like Myles Graham to acclimate more quickly.
The offensive line’s cohesion directly affects skill position players. Wide receivers Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger benefit from improved protection, while tight end Arlis Boardingham has seen increased opportunities in both blocking and receiving schemes.
Against smaller opponents like Samford, younger linemen gained valuable experience while Crenshaw-Dickson provided mentorship. His leadership alongside Hayden Hansen has established a culture of accountability that should benefit Florida’s line for years to come.
Draft Projection
| Category | Ranking | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Overall OT | 8-12 range | Pass protection |
| SEC Linemen | Top 5 | Experience (11 starts in 2024) |
| NFL Potential | 3rd-4th round | 34″ arms, 10½” hands |
Analysis of Key Competitors
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson faces several formidable opponents across top college programs that will test his skills and NFL draft potential. His performance against elite defensive talent will significantly impact his draft stock as teams evaluate his readiness for professional competition.
SEC Matchup Previews
When evaluating Crenshaw-Dickson’s 2024 prospects, his battles against SEC defensive fronts stand out as critical measuring sticks. The four-year starter at tackle will face Georgia’s elite edge rushers who consistently create problems for even the most seasoned offensive linemen.
LSU presents another challenge with their aggressive defensive scheme that frequently employs stunts and blitzes. Crenshaw-Dickson’s ability to communicate and adjust will be tested thoroughly.
Alabama’s defensive front seven remains among college football’s most NFL-ready units. His performance here will be heavily scrutinized by scouts looking for evidence he can handle professional-caliber defenders.
Key SEC Matchup Stats:
| Opponent | Projected Draft Picks (Defense) | Sacks Allowed in Previous Meetings |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 4 | 2 |
| LSU | 3 | 1 |
| Alabama | 5 | 3 |
Strategic Approaches to Notable Games
Against Notre Dame, Crenshaw-Dickson will need to leverage his experience in Florida’s run-first offensive system (58-42 run-pass split). The Fighting Irish defensive line features multiple future NFL talents who will test his anchor and power.
Penn State’s edge rushers bring exceptional speed that will challenge his lateral quickness and kick-slide technique. This matchup will be particularly important as NFL teams evaluate his ability to protect against speed rushers at the next level.
Arizona State presents an interesting test with their multiple defensive looks. Crenshaw-Dickson’s football IQ and ability to recognize different fronts will be on display here.
The 6’7″, 316-pound tackle with 34″ arms will need to demonstrate improved hand placement against these diverse opponents to solidify his standing as one of the top 200 prospects in the upcoming draft.
Player Highlights and Statistical Breakdown
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson has established himself as a key component of Florida’s offensive line, bringing size, technique, and versatility to the Gators’ protection schemes. His imposing 6’7″, 322-pound frame and technical skills have made him a player to watch in the SEC.
Noteworthy Performances of the Season
Crenshaw-Dickson’s transfer to Florida has proven to be a significant addition for the Gators’ offensive front. The senior offensive lineman has been instrumental in providing protection for Florida’s developing passing attack.
His performance against SEC defensive fronts has showcased his ability to handle elite pass rushers. Against Tennessee, he allowed zero sacks while facing one of the conference’s most aggressive defensive lines.
In the run game, Crenshaw-Dickson has created lanes that have helped the Gators establish a more balanced offensive approach. His technique has noticeably improved since joining Florida from the transfer portal in December 2023.
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 6/7 |
| Pass Block Win Rate | 89.3% |
| Run Block Success | 82.1% |
| Penalties | 4 |
| Sacks Allowed | 3 |
Promising Upcoming Talent in the Team
Crenshaw-Dickson anchors the offensive line. Florida’s roster features several other emerging talents poised to make an impact.
Freshman quarterback Lagway has shown flashes of brilliance behind Crenshaw-Dickson’s protection. He completes 64% of his passes when given clean pockets.
Wide receiver Dike has benefited from improved offensive line play. His yards-after-catch numbers have increased by 18% compared to last season. The connection between solid protection and downfield opportunities cannot be overstated.
On the defensive side, DJ Douglas and LJ McCray have been disruptive forces. They challenge Crenshaw-Dickson daily in practice. This iron-sharpens-iron approach has elevated the play of both units.
Joey Slackman, another transfer addition, has complemented the defensive front with his ability to collapse pockets. This has made for competitive practice sessions that have accelerated Crenshaw-Dickson’s development at tackle.
