Doug Free began playing football in the seventh grade in his home town of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He went on to play for Lincoln High School, but nearly quit as a freshman, wanting to spend more time working raising cattle. His family talked him into staying on the team and he spent the next few years playing defensive tackle and tight end for Lincoln High. By his senior year, Free had become an all-state performer. He the scholarship offer he received from Northern Illinois was the only one he received from a D-I school. They recruited the 240 pound tight end to play offensive tackle. Doug had his doubts about the position switch because he had problems gaining weight in high school. He went on to start as a redshirt freshman in 2003 and was named second team all-MAC the following year. By his junior season, Free had put on 80 pounds of weight since joining the team after high school. Despite his size, he was one of the more athletic players on the team and earned the nickname “Doug Freak”. He developed into one of the better tackles in the nation as a junior and was named first team all-MAC for his play. Free is not only a great player on the field, but also a great student in the classroom. He maintains a 3.4 grade point average, majoring in Industrial Technology with a concentration in manufacturing. Free enters his senior season as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation.

Doug Free has a good deal of experience, having started the past four years at offensive tackle for Northern Illinois. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player who hasn’t missed a game due to injury. The former high school tight end is extremely athletic and has been nicknamed “Doug Freak” by his teammates. Though he didn’t get to pass block much in high school, Free has developed into a very good pass blocker at NIU. He has a great work ethic and is a high motor player. He has outstanding character and still has the “mean streak” you like to see in an offensive lineman. Free is a good run blocker, but he needs to work on being more physical in that area. He also needs to do a better job of finishing his blocks. He needs to be stronger at the point of attack—though he has added 80 pounds of bulk since high school, Free would benefit from bulking up and increasing his strength and he does have a the frame in which to do so. He didn’t play against top competition on a consistent basis at Northern Illinois and he did struggle in the bowl game as a senior. Doug Free has the athleticism and quick feet to play left tackle in the NFL. He has yet to reach his full potential and has a great deal of upside. He should be among the top offensive tackles selected in the 2007 NFL draft.