Florida Secures Commitment From German OT Noel Portnjagin

The Gators went across the pond to pick up their second offensive line commitment in the class of 2024, securing the services of guard prospect Noel Portnjagin.

In an international effort to improve its offensive line of the future, Florida welcomed the commitment of 2024 interior blocker Noel Portnjagin, who currently plays for the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League. 

I am excited to announce that I will fulfill my college career at the University of Florida with the @GatorsFB #GoGators 🐊🐊🐊#UF @BCollierPPI @PPIRecruits @coach_bnapier @darnellru53 @CoachRobSale pic.twitter.com/GDY7AsK1Ir

— Noel Portnjagin (@74_noel_) June 14, 2023

Portnjagin, a native of Germany, is the second offensive lineman in the class of 2024 to pledge to the Gators. Baltimore (Md.) Charles Herbert Flowers offensive tackle Mike Williams was the first to do so, on Monday. 

Over the past year, Portnjagin has traveled across the pond to compete in summer recruiting camps at numerous college football programs. He earned his first FBS scholarship offer from the Gators on June 6, following a workout in front of Florida's coaching staff. 

Auburn, South Carolina and Liberty followed UF's lead by presenting offers in the past week.

According to Europe's Elite scouting service, Portnjagin is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound guard prospect with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, although Portnjagin suggests he is now 330 pounds. The website claims Portnjagin has produced a five-second 40-yard dash, a seven-foot broad jump, an 8.12-second 3-cone and a 4.85-second 20-yard shuttle. 

Portnjagin was a member of the 2022 German National Team and received All-State Baden Württemberg honors in 2021, per Europe's Elite. The service offered the following scouting report of Portnjagin's game:

Noel is an absolute lock at the guard spot, he possesses elite explosiveness on the line of scrimmage that a very small percentage of players can compete with. The separation he creates with his first contact makes the pocket much bigger and freer for the run/pass game. The technique of his blocking is very solid, the hands are strong and engaged at the point of attack, the elbows allow him to be as explosive as he is, and he's more than capable of pulling the line to effect outside the tackles.

Below are highlights from Portnjagin's 2022 season with the Unicorns. 

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