Washington Football Early Signing Period: Matteo Mele is a Husky

Salpointe Catholic’s (AZ) Matteo Mele is a Dawg.

Profile

Position: Offensive Tackle

Measurables: 6’6” 277 lbs

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Ranking: 3* / .8876pts (247 sports composite), 4*/ .91 (Scout), 3* / 78 pts (ESPN)

Per Scout.com, Matteo Mele is the No. 2 offensive tackle out of Arizona and the No. 19 tackle in the nation. A converted tight end, he brings excellent size and athleticism to the position. He has a ton of upside and by all accounts couldn’t be more excited to be a Husky.

Mele has the distinction of being the first UW commit for first year offensive line coach Scott Huff. It was a short recruitment process for the Huskies and Mele, as he was offered in May and committed on June 26, two days after his unofficial visit to campus. He reportedly had scholarship offers from most of the Pac-12 schools, including Arizona, Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA and Washington State, plus Oklahoma.

From his Scout.com scouting report: “Mele has good flexibility and the athleticism to stay with any pass rusher at offensive tackle. His footwork and technique are still a work in progress, but Mele has a nasty streak and finishes his blocks with style.”

With his skill set and size, he could slide inside to guard, but most seem to think that his future is as a tackle. Mele has the right frame to add a ton of good weight. It appears that he’s a great candidate for a redshirt season his first year on campus. He’ll need to hit the weight room and gain the necessary strength to face off against Pac-12 caliber defensive linemen. Long term, Mele has a very high ceiling.