5 2021 Offensive Linemen Ready to Breakout This Season

Over the next week or so, I will be running a series where I will spotlight five players from each position group in our rankings for the class of 2021 that are poised to breakout and start to collect the college interest that they may be missing out on currently. For the first installment, we are going to take a look at five offensive linemen that are ready to bust onto the recruiting scene in 2021! [player_tooltip player_id="30978" first="Ryan" last="Lund"]<strong>- Cambridge, 6’3" 285</strong> We may not even need to wait for the season to see Lund start to collect the offers that he deserves. He currently holds offer from St. Norbert’s College and St. John’s as well as receiving a lot of graphics from Division 2 colleges. I expect those graphics to start turning into offers because Lund is a people mover! He already has a very good size and strength combination as well as the necessary athleticism to succeed at the D3 level without question and I believe he would hold his own at the D2 level as well. In the run game Ryan is a road grader. He isn’t hindered in his movements at all and once he gets his hands on a defender you can forget about him making a play. Lund does a great job of playing with a consistently wide and sturdy base that translates to impressive power to create holes and running lanes. In the pass game Lund’s strength comes through again when he sets his anchor against bull rushes. He is able to stop his opponents in their tracks and create a secure pocket for his QB. [player_tooltip player_id="31000" first="Brock" last="Ward"]<strong>- Appleton East, 6’4" 285</strong> Brock has been very under recruited thus far. Based off his Twitter page, Ward currently holds offers from UW- River Falls and SMSU. His film is already impressive and I expect him to dominate defenders this season and really gain a lot of interest from the next level. Brock is a surprising athlete. He moves like a player 40 lbs lighter than his listed weight. In the run game Brock creates a good push, but his most impressive trait is his overall agility and athleticism. Ward easily reaches the second level to secure blocks on linebackers and can create a lot of movement along the line when zone blocking. In the pass game, Brock uses his athleticism to do a great job mirroring defenders to keep his QB from feeling any pressure from his defender. I’m excited to watch him put these traits on display all season! [player_tooltip player_id="30883" first="Tyler" last="Johnson"]<strong>- Osceola, 6’2" 240</strong> I would like to welcome to the recruiting radar... [player_tooltip player_id="30883" first="Tyler" last="Johnson"]! Johnson’s body does have some size to gain, but he has the tenacity needed for the position and the frame to hold the necessary size for the next level. According to his Twitter page, Johnson doesn’t have any offers yet. That needs to change. Johnson throws around defenders and handles nose guards from his center position with ease. He should be a D3 prospect right now. In the run game, Johnson is quick to get his hands on defenders and manuever himself to gain a position of advantage. He does a great job of finishing his blocks all the way to the ground. His quick twitch has become a huge tool of his to opening up lanes for backs. Tyler will need to prove himself in pass protection during his minimal snaps in pass protection It will be all about capitalize on opportunities. I believe he has the athleticism and agility to mirror defenders and be the head of a strong pocket for his QB. [player_tooltip player_id="30811" first="Thomas" last="Meffert"]<strong>- Waunakee, 6’0" 250</strong> According to Meffert’s Twitter, he hasn’t received any offers to play at the next level. He is primed to gather attention as he goes through his final season. Thomas is a bit undersized, but he hasn’t had a problem with defenders at the Division 2 level. His mauler mentality bursts off the tape. In the run game, Thomas is a powerful road grader. He creates a consistent push off the line to open up holes for the backs and looks to finish defenders on every play. Meffert is built for the run game and with a bit more added size he could step right in at the Division 3 level in college. In the pass game, Meffert’s best attribute is his strength and ability to set a strong anchor. I think he should be given a chance at tackle, but he could be at his best if he slides inside to guard at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="30851" first="Tanner" last="Gaffey"]<strong>- St. Croix Falls, 6’2" 290</strong> Gaffey has a ready made frame for the next level. He plays with power and looks to dominate his opponent. His very successful wrestling career is evident in his play on the field through his ability to play with a great blend of leverage and strength. So far Gaffey holds an offer from UW- River Falls. I expect him to continue his punishing play and start to gather more college interest. Tanner was built for the run game. He overpowers his opponent, drives them off the ball, and finishes them into the ground. He also has enough athleticism to pull on counters and traps and hit his aiming point consistently. Tanner is the ultimate punisher in the run game. In the pass game, Tanner uses that wrestling background to set an immovable anchor and heavy hands to stop pass rushers with his initial punch. Stay tuned for the next article in this series where I will take a look at five 2021 quarterbacks ready to breakout this season!