2023 Stock Risers: Offensive Line

As we move forward in our Stock Risers series, we reach the 2023 offensive linemen that impressed this spring. Because of the physical demands of the position, it’s not unusual for teams to be heavy-laden with upperclassmen. Still, there were a few sophomores that started across the state this year, a feat impressive by itself. Here are some of the most impressive. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44985" first="Connor" last="Drake"], 6’6 315- Providence (No. 1 OL, No. 7 overall)</strong> It’s difficult for players to make huge leaps in the rankings when they’re already in the top 10, so if anything, Drake proved he belonged in the top group this season. He continues to put on good weight and showed steady improvement not just from his freshman to sophomore year, but also as his sophomore year progressed. His play strength, footwork and pass blocking have all improved, which is all you can ask for in a left tackle. He’s a future FBS tackle and plays like it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44990" first="Jamaal" last="Jarrett"], 6’6 290- Smith (No. 2 OL, No. 13 overall)</strong> Jarrett is unique in that he’s already played several different positions in his short high school career. He’s receiving heavy interest from several Power Five schools as both an offensive and defensive tackle. I see Jarrett as an offensive tackle, who he’s inexperienced but has so much raw talent. He’s bigger and stronger than most of the guys he faces and has great quickness. He’s going to go Power Five, so with a bit more refinement to his technique, I think he could be one of the top players in the state, regardless of position. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="101723" first="Luke" last="Rector"], 6’4 300- Draughn (No. 3 OL, No. 14 overall)</strong> Rector played both ways for Draughn and dominated on both sides of the ball. He currently plays on the interior of the offensive line, but I could see him flexing outside should the opportunity arise. He has great size already and if he can continue to add strength without losing the elite quickness he already has, he’ll be one of the most sought after recruits in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144930" first="Sullivan" last="Absher"], 6’6 260- South Point (No. 4 OL, No. 52 overall)</strong> Absher is a bruising run blocker with incredible potential. He already has positional versatility and at only 260 pounds, he already punishes opposing defenders. He has the frame to add good weight and when he does, he’ll become that much better. South Point has a unique blocking scheme, but Absher’s talent is well-suited for such an offense and it shows in his film. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144941" first="Will" last="Coats"], 6’3 285- Clayton (No. 7 OL, No. 98 overall)</strong> I love Coats’ <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FRGan">film</a>. He doesn’t look like a sophomore due to his polished run blocking and technique in pass protection. I wouldn’t be surprised if a college wanted to move him inside due only to his height (Which, obviously could change) but he’s so talented as a tackle that I personally would not do it. He’s so athletic that Clayton will often line him up at tight end in goal line situations as a sixth blocker where he has more freedom to pull and to get to the second level. I’m interested to watch how he develops over the next few years.