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Prospect Profile: Ryan Mickow, St. Thomas Aquinas

Boston College commit is a 6-foot-5-1/2, 300-pound security blanket

Senior Ryan Mickow fits the profile of a college offensive lineman.

The 6-foot-5 ½, 300-pound guard is a rock upfront for national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. Mickow’s natural size and overall big frame has security written all over it. His strong base and long arms provide the necessary protection for an offense that has scored 191 points (38.2 ppg) through their 5-0 start. The Raiders have also averaged 338.6 yards per game, including 150.4 on the ground.

Mickow has certainly been a big-part of Aquinas’ offensive success. He can also move around on the line and help out at multiple positions. Mickow took snaps at left tackle, right tackle and center for the Raiders 7A state championship team last season. His versatility is impressive when you consider he is still fairly new to organized contact.

“I always watched NFL and college as a little kid,” said Mickow. “I played flag football as a little kid. I wasn’t allowed to play tackle football until the eighth grade. Then I started playing and now I’m here as a senior.”

Mickow played at Westminster Academy before joining the Raiders. His rapid ascension and pickup of the game comes at a program where the talent is always rich and the spotlight is always bright. The Raiders have a standard and expect their players to perform at that level. St. Thomas Aquinas is seeking their fourth-straight state championship and 13th overall this season. Mickow has seemingly lived up to the school’s pedigree.

How has he done it?

While Aquinas has talent, they routinely face off against some of the best competition Florida and the nation have to offer. It’s not like Mickow is blocking cupcakes every game.

“Just my physical traits; how big I am,” said Mickow on his strengths. “Just how dominant I can be.”

Still, Mickow has plenty to learn. While high school football in South Florida is as competitive as it gets; playing college football presents a whole other challenge. Every team has high-level athletes from across the country.

“Just seeing the defense at the next level”, said Mickow. “Knowing what they’re going to do just based off alignment. And breaking down the defensive end; just how he stands. Just what he is going to do.”

The Raiders reputation on the field is set in stone. They win games and championships with elite level talent. Go to any roster bio of any major college program and there is a good chance one of the kids went to St. Thomas Aquinas.

But preparing and developing players doesn’t start on Friday nights. The Raiders have an excellent off-season and strength and conditioning program. You can essentially call it a blueprint for what kids will see in college.

“It has (Aquinas) helped my development a lot,” said Mickow. "Before I got here I never really lifted at my other school. But this weight room and strength program is top notch.”

Mickow is heading to Boston College after his time at St. Thomas Aquinas is complete. The 3-star prospect also held offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami, Ole Miss, Syracuse and South Florida. Mickow made his pledge to the Eagles back in June.

“Just the connection to the coaching staff and what it is, what it stands for,” said Mickow on his commitment. It is the O-line school of America. They produce the best O-lineman, so why not go there.”