Two-Minute Drill: 20 Takeaways on 20 Prospects From “The Line”

It got real in the trenches this past Saturday in Elkhorn WI. Slowly but surely, "The Line" is becoming one of the premier position specific showcases in the Midwest, and this past weekend, there was no shortage of talent as some of the best lineman in the area came out to compete. I was amazed at all the different skillsets that were on hand this past weekend: you had everything from your maulers, bull-rushers, tactical rushers, the OL who’s agile and mobile enough to keep speed-rushers in front of him, and other lineman/pass-rushers who were so skilled that it’ll make you re-think the notion that a lineman isn’t considered a skilled position. So without further ado, lets get this two-minute drill started as I go rapid fire and give you my 20 takeaways on 20 prospects from "The Line." &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Kendis Ledbetter | DE | Washington ’22 (SD)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone wp-image-114530 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG-4650-e1614573630568-194x300.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="300" /> The #6 ranked prospect in the Dakotas made the 7-hour drive to Elkhorn to compete with some of the best lineman the Midwest has to offer. I loved his motor and the toughness that he displayed during the showcase. He didn’t shy away from getting extra reps and was intentional about matching himself up with the showcase’s best OL. Possesses all the physical tools to be a dominant pass-rusher at the next level. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Kaleb White | DE | Fremd ’22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114528" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG-4651-188x300.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="300" /> Kaleb was by far one of the more skilled pass-rushers in attendance; he’s quick, twitchy and brings great speed to the position and can get by the OL with an array of moves. There was one rep in particular where he pulled off the "ghost" move. It was almost like he disappeared off the snap and reappeared at the target, that’s how skilled he is when it comes to getting by his opponent. <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>Jason Winston | DT | Phoenix ’21 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114531" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG-4646-190x300.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="300" /> If you’re looking for a DT that’s going to command a double team and eat up blocks—then look no further than Jason Winston. Very athletic for a kid his size and has no problem moving laterally. Has an explosive get-off that seemed to overwhelm most of the OL. Unfortunately, his season is in jeopardy because the Phoenix Military Academy football program doesn’t have a head coach as spring ball approaches. Circumstances are the only thing that will stop him from getting an offer because the kid can flat out play. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Eddie Fleck | OL | Mt. Carmel ’23 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114543" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4726-191x300.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="300" /> Love what I seen from Eddie this past Saturday. He’s another talented prospect from Illinois’ C/O ’23 that has a ton of untapped potential. He held his own against the upper classmen and showed that he’s beyond his years from a technical standpoint. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Jackson Funderburg | DE | Big Foot ’22 (WI)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114544" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4695-176x300.jpg" alt="" width="176" height="300" /> At first sight you wouldn’t think that Jackson packs as much power as he does, but once it was time for 1-on-1s, it was clear that Jackson had all intentions of being the bully. His solid base and great leg drive helped him consistently win his reps. He’s a wrestling state qualifier so you know he’s going to fare well in the trenches. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65764" first="Luke" last="Dalton"] | OT | Marian Central ’22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114545" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4727-188x300.jpg" alt="" width="188" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="65764" first="Luke" last="Dalton"] made it clear at this Saturday’s showcase that he’s one of, if not the best lineman in Illinois. He’s a P5 type of talent that can physically overwhelm his opponent while possessing the footspeed and athleticism to matchup with athletic pass-rushers. His football IQ also stood out during the session. He was constantly talking and calling out all the correct reads, not something you see all the time at a showcase. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him playing on Sundays in the future. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="65768" first="Xavier" last="Slayton"] | DE | Crete ’22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114567" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4634-197x300.jpg" alt="" width="197" height="300" /> The ceiling for Xavier is high—very high! Every time he shows up to a showcase he reassures everyone that he is indeed the real deal. His get-off is off the charts. He can beat you with finesse or force and has active hands. There would be much more buzz surrounding his name had it not been for COVID delaying his junior season. <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>Laquan Battle | DE | Mt. Carmel ’23 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone wp-image-114575 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4561-e1614573590408-202x300.jpg" alt="" width="202" height="300" /> Battle’s potential is through the roof. He’s big, tall, long, and has some sneaky good speed that’ll catch you by surprise. He was one of the more versatile prospects at Saturday’s showcase. Has the height and mass to play on the inside yet the athleticism to be a factor at the end position. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Sam Scullion | DE | GBS ’22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114576" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4567-189x300.jpg" alt="" width="189" height="300" /> Sam was one of the smaller pass-rushers who attended Saturday’s showcase, but he didn’t let that stop him from standing out. He has a motor that runs hot and is as quick as they come. His lower half is solid and I think if he can add another 20-30lbs up top he could be one heckuva OLB at the next level. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Jordan Tooles | DE | Richards ’22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="size-medium wp-image-114581 alignnone" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/IMG_4636-187x300.jpg" alt="" width="187" height="300" /> His footspeed was off the charts during the agility drills, and the way he keeps them chopping while he’s driving his opponent backwards was just as impressive. His explosive first step and active hands were also on display. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Boston Bower | DE | Huntley ‘23 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114586" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/13F92FC3-6DD5-4168-AC30-EBBD3A1AEE93-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> What I love about Boston is the fact that he seems to improve every time I see him, which is a testament to the work he puts into his craft. Not to mention, he also getting bigger and bigger. He trains with FIST so he’s always going to be prepared from technical standpoint. Possesses the strength to bull rush his opponent and the speed and quickness to blow by his opponent. He’s another prospect apart of Illinois’ C/O ’23 that I’m excited to watch grow over the next few years. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31103" first="Khalin" last="Jackson"] | DT | Menomonee Falls ’21 (WI)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114590" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/9FA07B85-6206-449A-9806-FAACFE1AA481-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Khalin moves extremely well for a player who’s 5’8" 270lbs. He’s quick and athletic with solid speed and quick feet—moves well laterally. He’s another prospect that showed he can beat you with power or finesse. Makes good use of his swim move. I would consider him one of the top DTs who attended "The Line" showcase. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="30809" first="Logan" last="Burress"] | DE | Hartford ‘21 (WI)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114592" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/9645182A-5ACC-4083-91C3-792A2546F920-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Burress is a phenomenal athlete who brings a ton of speed to the position. He displayed great explosiveness out of his stance along with good acceleration. He puts pressure on most OL with how quick his movements are. Along with his speed he’s also physically put-together which will help him endure the battles in the trenches. I think at the next level he’ll benefit the most as an OLB where he can utilize his speed coming off the edge. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Keeven Blanton | DT | Phillips ’23 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114594" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/2FA9317D-7537-4442-9325-9DF5677946D4-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> I like Keeven’s potential to be a factor against both the pass and run. He’s athletic enough to bust out a spin move while in pursuit of the QB, but he’s also capable of using his bull-rush to blow up blockers and disrupt the run. I can’t wait to watch him suit up for the Phillips Wildcats this spring. <h5></h5> <h5><em><strong>Kameron Shaw | DL | Warren ‘22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114595" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/87212ECA-4D80-43BC-B6E7-3148B3CC6D32-204x300.jpeg" alt="" width="204" height="300" /> Physically he’s a freak. One look at him and you can tell he was born to rush quarterbacks. Possesses the speed to blow by you and power to blow through you. He’s explosive off the line and uses good bend technique to win his matchups. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Jhermari Mabry | DT | Palatine ‘22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114597" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/AEAEC721-016E-46D6-8B94-660B9896F5CB-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Mabry has exceptional upper-body strength and explosive power, which was even more apparent after his medicine ball toss. He’s a versatile athlete who’s capable of playing all over the DL, especially with his ability manipulate blocks with his arm reach. &nbsp; <h5><strong><em>Steve Wauner | DE | Muskego ‘21 (WI)</em></strong></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114598" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/39FA5FF7-F078-4A4F-9DDC-6740438B095D-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Steve is long, has solid speed, and enough strength to beat his opponent in a multitude of ways. His length and strength allows him to shed off blockers and the speed he possesses can give slower OL issues when lined up against him. After watching him at this showcase I can tell he’s a tireless worker with a high motor. He’ll be even more of a problem for OL if he can add a good 15-20lbs to his already solid frame. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104385" first="Jaden" last="Sharkey"] | OG | Union Grove ‘23 (WI)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114600" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/E456F6A2-C5C0-473C-AEA9-79C7662F22AE-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Sharkey is far from a finished product. He’s early in his development but you can see the upside that the 6’5" 348lbs DL possesses. He showed in the agility drills that he can move well for a guy his size. I truly believe he can really turn himself into a top-tier player with the couple of years he has left to develop. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>Amari Walker | OT | Flossmoor ‘22 (IL)</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114794" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/CF8C18B2-EE05-430B-85AE-FFEEE207E14A-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> Amari was here for one thing and one thing only—to compete. He wasn’t on my radar prior to this showcase, but after watching him perform this past Saturday, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s an exceptional talent who’s flying under the radar. He plays with a mean streak and a level of physicality that is often unmatched, so it was no surprise why most of the bull-rushes he was up against didn’t phase him. I have a good feeling there’s going to be a lot more buzz surrounding his name in the coming months. &nbsp; Trent VanBoening | OT | Libertyville ’23 <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114831" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/03/465C4B53-DA9E-4ECF-AB4C-71FC5FE5AF60-79x300.jpeg" alt="" width="79" height="300" /> Trent has raw talent and has yet to tap into his full potential. He’s a tireless worker so there’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll reach his full potential by the time it’s all said and done. He has great size and a high IQ to go along with it. Keep an eye on Trent over the next few years as he continues to develop with FIST Football. &nbsp; <h5><em><strong>The Line | Cream City Combines X FIST Football</strong></em></h5> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-114314" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/f3a158fdaafa96d1e984c3995be5b814c566150a719290556f09456ff2f250ea-rimg-w1200-h840-gmir-crop-961x631-1614546547-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> My last and final take is about the showcase itself. This event was executed to perfection and is becoming the standard for how all showcases should be ran. There was a ton of talent in attendance and it’s always good to see my Illinois prospects show up and show out. I also was able to be introduced to some amazing Wisconsin athletes that I’ll keep an eye on moving forward. The coaching instruction at this event was amazing, FIST really does a good job with the lineman in our state. Lastly, the C/O ’23 continues to impress me and there was a ton of them on hand at "The Line." I don’t want to speak too soon but this class has a chance to be special—real special.