Class of 2022: OL to Watch in Central Texas
Offensive linemen do not often get attention and are the unsung heroes in football, but these five offensive linemen are ones to watch out for next season as they have displayed athleticism and are all unique based on the film…
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Continue ReadingOffensive linemen do not often get attention and are the unsung heroes in football, but these five offensive linemen are ones to watch out for next season as they have displayed athleticism and are all unique based on the film studied for this list.
1. Connor Robertson – Westlake High School (Austin, TX)
Robertson ended off the 2020 season with a three-star rating as an offensive tackle by Rivals. He currently has 11 offers from colleges including Duke, Houston, Kansas State, Tulsa and UTSA. As a player, and based on his tape, he is an offensive lineman that can square up with any-size defender whether it be the defensive end or a linebacker. He is big at 6-4 and 295 pounds. He is a large offensive lineman with a lot of athleticism and considering he plays for the current 6A Division 1 state champions, he will be one to watch as he continues protecting Westlake’s quarterback Cade Klubnik Cade Klubnik 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Austin Westlake | 2022 State TX .
2. Caden Thrift – Lampasas High School (Lampasas, TX)
Size is important when it comes to being in the trenches of football, and Thrift definitely has the size to be an elite player at the position. He is 6-6 and 315 pounds and currently plays on a team that has one of the best offenses in Central Texas. He simply towers over his competition and just shoves them down into the turf before they can even get off the ground. Thrift is a powerful lineman that can carry some surprising speed to get those downfield blocks.
3. Ben Rios – Central Catholic High School (San Antonio, TX)
Rios stands at 6-5 and 270 pounds and can also square up to any opponent. Where Rios stands differently than the others on this list is his ability to shift his feet and constantly be in the way, even against another lineman who might be stronger than him. This ability to stall for time for his quarterback to make a throw or his back to find a hole is a lot bigger than most think as he can do this against anybody. It is worth saying as well that Rios is also strong, pushing and shoving linebackers in his film.
4. Bray Lynch – Westlake High School (Austin, TX)
Another Westlake offensive tackle, Lynch sits on the opposite side of the line to Robertson and has an unquestionable amount of power. His film showcases how he simply overpowers defensive linemen and pushes them back into the turf. Considering how impressive Westlake was offensively last season, it is no surprise that it is due to the offensive line, and considering both Robertson and Lynch are returning, that could just spell trouble for every defense in Texas. Lynch also has gotten an offer from Air Force with more offers most likely to come.
5. Nikolas Hall – Akins High School (Austin, TX)
Hall is especially unique in this list as he always keeps his eye on the ball. For example, during his film on a screen play, he makes an incredible block by blindsiding the defensive back who was ready to pounce on the wide receiver who caught the ball. He is also just a monster, standing at 6-6 and 290 pounds and just bullies any defender that is looking to make a big play. Although Akins struggled as a team, Hall is one of the shining spots and was a big reason why the Eagles got a win over Cedar Creek on Oct. 2. Hall will only improve as a senior and has already gotten some offers from Akron, Baylor and Kentucky. Hall is a dark knight type of player that goes unforeseen by most but makes fantastic plays.