Even as everyone in the stadium seemed to know a run was coming, Sidy Sow paved the way for a first down.
Eastern Michigan was on the precipice of being a Group of Five team that beat a Power Five program in 2022, leading 27-21 over Arizona State midway through the fourth quarter. The Eagles, trying to preserve the advantage while draining the clock, dialed up a run play in Sow’s direction.
Sow, a left guard who had been a pillar of stability for EMU’s offensive line, first pushed a defensive tackle to clear the way for running back Samson Evans at the line of scrimmage. Then Sow climbed up to the second level and neutralized a linebacker, giving Evans the space to gain a first down.
EMU went on to win, and Sow played no small part in that. Plays like these will help Sow get drafted by an NFL franchise.
What Team Drafted Sidy Sow?
Sidy Sow was drafted by New England in the fourth round with the 117th overall pick.
Sidy Sow Stats And Highlights
Sow had been a starter for EMU since 2018. He’s been one of the best Group of Five offensive linemen for a while.
Sow earned All-MAC recognition each of the past three seasons. He was on the all-conference third team in 2020 and then was on the first team each of the past two years.
Last season, he gave up 17 pressures with two sacks. He helped EMU average 29.8 points per game in 2022, which was third in the MAC.
Sow ended his time at EMU with a 98.1 pass blocking efficiency, per Pro Football Focus. After more than 3,600 snaps in college, he allowed just 66 pressures and nine sacks as an Eagle.
Sidy Sow Draft Profile
PFF graded Sow in the top 35 guards in the country and 29th for run blocking last season. His tape shows why he’s a great prospect at his position.
Sow displayed next-level lateral quickness at EMU. He was also explosive during drills at the NFL Combine.
Among all offensive linemen, Sow was fifth in the vertical jump (32 inches), seventh in the three-cone drill (7.62 seconds), and ninth in the 40-yard dash (5.07 seconds) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.69 seconds). He also recorded a broad jump of 9 feet, 2 inches. His athleticism score of 86 was second among guards.
Sow’s quick feet helped him stay in front of opponents. He also recognized defensive plays well, so he knew where he needed to be and could get there in an instant.
At 6-foot-5, 323 pounds, Sow was strong and not easily moved. He often kept his pad level low after the snap, even if he didn’t have anyone to immediately block, which helped him maintain leverage.
One argument against Sow is the level of competition he usually faced in the MAC. But he has the tools to become a starting offensive lineman in the NFL.
