The Line, Lineman Showcase: Session 1 standouts
This past Saturday FIST Football Academy and Cream City Combines linked up and put together a fantastic linemen only event in St. Charles at The Sportsplex. I was able to attend the first session and plenty of jumbo athletes stood…
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Continue ReadingThis past Saturday FIST Football Academy and Cream City Combines linked up and put together a fantastic linemen only event in St. Charles at The Sportsplex. I was able to attend the first session and plenty of jumbo athletes stood out as they went through testing and drills. Here are the first session standouts from The Line.
2024 OL MJ Hansen, Burlington Central @mjhansen95
When Hansen told me he was just a freshman, I couldn’t believe him. He’s absolutely massive for his age, but very well put together, not sloppy at all. At 6’2.5” and 280-pounds, Hansen has a bright future ahead of him. Showed very good footwork while being able to use his size and momentum to his advantage. Hansen is young, but has a very high ceiling.
2022 OL/DL Mustafa Washington, Richards @Mwashington56
Washington is a classic middle of the defensive line plugger, at 6’1 and 278-pounds, he’s a load for interior offensive linemen. He uses his strength to his advantage and should be able to add more good weight in the future. Washington has quick feet for someone his size, he’s a very good athlete which is why I like him better on the defense side of the ball. With a solid junior year, Washington can jump onto teams radars.
2022 DE Michael Stricker, Lemont @mikestricker04
Long, lean and athletic, Stricker showed that he is an extremely impressive athlete. He moved well during the L-Drill and then showed off his strength throwing the power ball. Stricker has plenty of speed and still some room to grow into his 6’3” frame. He’s no stranger to the weight room but still can add on more good weight, even though he checked in at 231-pounds. There is a lot of upside with Stricker.
2024 OL Max Stuhlmacher, Shorewood (WI) @maxstuhlmacher
Another baby worth keeping an eye on, Stuhlmacher is big for his age at 6’1” and 276-pounds. Due to his height right now, I’d project an interior offensive lineman, but if he grows four more inches, Stuhlmacher would be a great right tackle prospect. He showed the agility to be able to make the move outside, but even if he doesn’t a guard that can pull and lead block is always a good thing. There plenty of upside here as he progresses through high school, Stuhlmacher is someone to keep an eye on.
2021 DE Carter Helt Carter Helt 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Sun Prairie | 2021 State WI , Sun Prairie (WI) @Carhelt34
An extremely impressive athlete at 6’2” and 206-pounds who probably projects more as an outside linebacker, but certainly has the skills to play defensive end. Helt runs very well, has good feet and showed solid strength during drills. If he wants to keep his hand on the ground, Helt will need to add on more weight to his frame, but as a rush OLB, he’s got the skill set you’re looking for. Has some DII interest, but with his school opting to play in the spring, Helt is missing out on getting more exposure. Make sure you don’t miss out on him.
2023 DE Nick Hawkins, Lemont @Nick_Hawkinss
Pair him up with Stricker and you’ve got a pair of great athletes on the edge for Lemont. Hawkins is a class behind, but still has a ton of upside due to his great frame at 6’4.5” and 238-pounds. He has long arms which help him use leverage against offensive linemen. But that isn’t just it with him, Hawkins showed some impressive strength during the testing as well. He’s someone to watch over the next few years.
2022 Athlete Sam Scullion, Glenbard South @SamScullion4
Honestly, Scullion should get his own category during this event. He plays out of position for his high school, often lining up at defensive end to take advantage of his speed, but his future is as a do-it-all safety. When we chatted he mentioned Jamal Adams’ versatility, someone he strives to emulate. Having a skill set to blitz, cover, and tackle is impressive and Scullion can. At 5’11” and 175-pounds, he’ll need to add on some weight, while keeping his speed, which is very doable for the hard worker. He might be a bit of a project in the secondary, but one I’d take a flier on.
2022 C Demarion Logan, Phillips @LoganDemarion
Logan was technically sound, showed good footwork and a bit of a mean streak. At just 6’ and 261-pounds, he’ll have to work on his conditioning while adding extra strength. The hand striking was impressive, Logan was one of the best in attendance at doing that. He’s got solid upside and Logan could be a solid player down the line.
2023 OL Luke Griskey, Huntley @GriskeyLuke
It’s time to put this young man on your radar, he was my favorite prospect that I’d saw during the first session. Griskey was nice to chat with, but he’s got this switch, as soon as drills happened, the nasty came out. You just can’t teach that, it’s a mentality and Griskey has plenty of it. A great base at 6’2” and 250-pounds, he should continue to grow and become a very good right tackle. His footwork was great, long arms and plenty of strength. I’d hate to have to line up against this young man.
2023 OL/DL James Muetterties, Burlington Central @JMuetterties
The bloodlines are there, his brother Matt currently plays at Western Illinois. The younger Meutterties will fill out his big 6’3” and 212-pound wide frame, but his long arms will play on either side of the ball. He worked with the offensive linemen, but I’d put him in the jumbo athlete category right now. Muetterties has three more years before he his a collegiate campus, but once he starts to fill out, watch out.
2024 OL Jack Donovan, St. Francis @JackDonovan65
Another pup, Donovan’s future is on the interior line. He stands at an even 6’ now and weights 226-pounds, but his frame should allow him to add weight as he gets taller. Donovan moved very well and showed some solid technique also. He will need to get in the weight room, but has plenty of time to get stronger. Donovan is one to watch over the next 3-4 years.
2023 OL Trenton VanBoening, Libertyville @TrentonVB23
A massive frame at 6’6” and 274-pounds, VanBoening has the left tackle frame many teams are looking for. Long arms help him keep defenders away, and good footwork when they do get close. He doesn’t look at all like he carries 274-pounds, which should allow him to continue to add weight and strength. A fantastic young man, who would be a boon to any locker room, but get’s it done on the field as well. Big upside for VanBoening, his best football is ahead of him.