Offseason All-Stars: Offensive line
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This years offseason in Illinois was obviously extremely long and difficult for any high school athlete. So many prospects in the 2021 class got passed over due to not having current film. As for other classes, they too missed out…
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Continue ReadingThis years offseason in Illinois was obviously extremely long and difficult for any high school athlete. So many prospects in the 2021 class got passed over due to not having current film. As for other classes, they too missed out on getting new film, but since the NCAA is on the verge of the dead period ending, they will get their opportunity later this week to show to coaches they’re worthy of offers. Many of the athletes took this in stride, as there were adjustments to the camp and workout schedules. I was able to attend a good amount of events and here are my offseason MVP’s on the offensive line.
2022 OT/OG Luke Dalton Luke Dalton 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL Marian Central Catholic | 2022 State IL
It seemed like every event where I went, Dalton was there too, but that wasn’t a bad thing. As I would later find out at the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase, he has just started focusing on football after basketball was his initial passion. He was The Line Wisconsin MVP in my eyes, while also standing out during an EFT / EDGY Tim Sunday Showcase and our PRZ Showcase also. Dalton made the right choice in giving up the hardwood for the gridiron, he’s well on his way to exploding this spring.
2022 OT Josh Sander
An absolutely massive human, Sander progressively got better throughout the long gap between seasons. One of the best performers during BOOM Showcase Day 2 all the way back in mid-August, Sander continued to improve as the offseason went on. He was among the best lineman at a FIST Football workout in October, then followed that impressive performance with another one at EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase. Sander then finished his offseason camp circuit with one of the best performances at The Line Wisconsin. Sander looks to have a big spring in which schools will be forced to take notice.
2023 OT Miles McVay Miles McVay 6'7" | 345 lbs | OL East St. Louis | 2023 State IL
What more can you say about a sophomore that holds multiple P5 offers? McVay didn’t just bring his talents to camps around Illinois, the young man went on a national tour of destroying any challengers he faced. I happened to get up close to him early during multiple events, most noticeably at the BOOM Showcase Day 2 and PRZ Showcase. McVay put it all together the final time I witness his unique talents during the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase and it was yet another impressive performance.
2022 OG Paolo Gennarelli Paolo Gennarelli 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL St. Charles North | 2022 State IL
What’s impressive about Gennarelli’s game is that he’s not just a guy that mauls as an interior lineman, he can make plays on the other side of the ball, which is where I first saw him at the BOOM Showcase as a DL. It’s that kind of athletic ability that makes me like Gennarelli’s that much more on the offensive line where he shone bright during a FIST Football workout, at The Line Wisconsin and during the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase. A quite young man that has a mean streak to him. You love to see it.
2022 OT/OG Thomas Hubbard Thomas Hubbard 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL Bartlett | 2022 State IL
The large tackle almost bookended my camp circuit as I saw him during the PRZ Showcase for the first time. Hubbard hit the weight room and then came back to the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase and balled out once again. Although I only got to see Hubbard twice this offseason, I really like his game and upside.
2022 OT Valen Erickson Valen Erickson 6'6" | 285 lbs | OL St. Rita | 2022 State IL
I only had the pleasure of seeing Erickson one time this offseason and for him to make this list he had to be impressive. He was against some very high level talent at the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase, where Erickson showed he isn’t just a huge frame. He moved well, has the ability to play either side of the line and showed qualities of a great teammate. I’m a huge fan of Erickson’s game and look forward to reviewing his work on the field this spring.
2022 OT Yaser Alawadi
When a young man takes time out of his schedule to help out with a camp he’s not even participating in, it catches your eye. When that athlete has the physical tools that Alawadi possesses, even better. I first met the mammoth tackle during an August EFT camp as an assistant, but you could tell right away his passion for the game. Not only that, Alawadi has a high level to talent as well when I finally got to see him during the EFT / EDGY Tim MLK Showcase. Size, footwork and attitude are exactly what teams are looking for out of a big-time tackle.