Class of 2024 OL You’ve Never Heard of

The big boys up front rarely get the credit they deserve, even if some of them already find playing time as a freshman. A majority of the time, players on the OL that play this early have elite talent, or they have the size, and developmental traits that can go on to be a big time plus for their football program. As of right now though, because it is so early in the game for this class, a ton of the 2024 OL have gone unnoticed, and have not been given the attention they deserve. <b>Tyquese Graham- </b><i>East Jackson</i> Graham, who saw lower level snaps this past season due to this age, made the most of it, and showed plenty of flashes in his freshman film. Not only does he show to have a frame that has developmental ability, but he also shows that he has the ability to keep his feet moving, use his hands, and adjust to defenders who are rushing the passer. Graham has also shown that he can stand firm in his blocks, with a solid base at times as well. His ability to stick to his blocks is a great contributing factor for his offense, and only helps them to be able to run the ball even better. While he is not bad in pass protection, we would certainly like to see him develop in his consistency in handling situations as a blocker where it seems the pocket is slowly beginning to collapse around him. <b>Cody Meeks- </b><i>Union County</i> Watching Meeks play on the OL is exciting in itself due to the various traits he already shows at this age. Not only does Meeks use his feet well to maneuver any pass rush, but he also moves defenders well when his offense is looking to run the football. Meeks not only fires off of the ball, but he engages defenders pretty well with his hands, and shows that he can separate well with his arms when needed. While he can get caught leaning at times, we have noticed that this has not hindered his ability to finish blocks. As Meeks continues to develop, he will be a great player on the OL, especially if he allows his work in the weight room to translate to his style of play. <b>Bobby Campbell- </b><i>Adairsville</i> There are plenty of things to get excited about when watching Campbell play football. Not only does he have the motor you desire in an OL prospect, but he has the tenacity when playing his position that coaches love to see. Campbell is great at having a solid base, and playing with a solid lean, and delivery of power. He finished blocks well, no matter how far it takes him downfield, and he uses his hands properly when engaging defenders. His footwork, and ability to play consistently against older prospects, even despite his age, makes it super exciting to see his ceiling. Moving forward, look for him to develop in his ability to move more fluidly, and to be able to use more technique. This can take him to the next level, and could even help him to eventually see himself playing in one of the Power 5 conferences. <b>Thomas Miles Jr- </b><i>South Paulding</i> Miles, who is another OL prospect on this list with tons of potential, shows that while he has a ton of strength as a blocker as well, he certainly needs more time to develop in how he handles certain forms of pass rush. At times, he can be seen to catch defenders, rather than engage them, and negate their moves. Regardless, Miles has a ton of upside due to his ability to move well, and make key blocks. When his team is running the football, he not only shows that he is a solid blocker when his number is called upon to pull, but he also can make key holes for his RB as well. While we have not seen too much film on his ability to be super effective in pass pro, we believe that his ability to use his feet to his advantage at times can definitely help him as he develops in the coming years.