Northern California: 2022 Interior Offensive Lineman

Paul Gregorian May 31, 2021 @ 07:55 PM

There are plenty of top tier offensive lineman across the region, especially in the 2022 class. With summer ball kicking off in the next couple weeks and the next great crop of offensive lineman about to show their talents this Fall, below will be Part I in a II part series in which we will break down some of the top center/guards and tackles across Northern California.   Aidan Bandes, Pittsburg HS Although playing tackle for one of the states top teams, Bandes can kick inside at the next level or even play on the other side of the ball due to his athleticism, versatility and twitch. On tape, he is an aggressive blocker that uses heavy hands and consistent leg drive with a nice base at the first and second level. He is patient in pass protection and can adjust to counter-moves while able to anchor against contact rushes and set to a spot against speed rushers.   Gage Delacruz, San Joaquin Memorial HS One of the top lineman in the Central Valley, the 2022 prospect is a mauler in the box and will fit nicely inside at the next level. At 6’4 and change, he has ideal size for the next level and will only continue to transform his body as he gets older and moves through high school. On tape, he is a bog bodied blocker that excels in the short area and blocking down on defenders. He will continue to improve upon his movement abilities and can find a home at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id="143133" first="Marcus" last="Failla"], Valley Christian HS Failla is a huge prospect with the ability to pack on more muscle and transform his body a bit in a college weight program which will only improve his game. He plays with nice physicality at the point of attack and projects as a guard at the next level. He is heavy handed in pass protection while keeping a solid base and finishing blocks with physicality and good leg drive in the run game. Failla is poised for a huge Senior season for one of the regions top teams and will find himself on college radars in the next few months.   [player_tooltip player_id="25321" first="Bobby" last="Piland"], Rocklin HS Piland already has a slew of FBS offers and should collect more as he enters into his Senior season for the Thunder. Able to play multiple positions at the next level, he is one of the most physical and nasty prospects across Northern California and has been a top lineman in the state for his entire high school career. He is a true technician and a very well put together prospect that does a good job at using his natural twitch, speed and power to excel on both sides of the line.   Brandon Souza, Foothill HS Souza is an under-recruited prospect that has college caliber abilities while playing for a very well respected program. He projects as a guard at the next level but could kick out to tackle depending on the level he is at. On tape, is a downhill blocker that has plus leg drive and plays with good power through his hips and lower body at the point of attack. He can pull when needed while climbing to the second level and taking good angles to defenders while showing the ability to sustain blocks and finish them with good aggression.     Other Top Interior OL To Note.... [player_tooltip player_id="142011" first="Champ" last="Ulufalu"], Elk Grove HS Taliauli Uluakinofo, Saint Francis-Mountain View HS Nick Struempf, Monte Vista HS Isoa Takeifanga, Grant Union HS Austin Smalley, Clovis North HS Toe Tatafu, Inderkum HS [player_tooltip player_id="142008" first="Tawon" last="Sago"], Cosumnes Oaks HS Elijah Klock, Campolindo HS Preston Gullum, Vintage HS Hayden Jones, Saint Mary's Stockton HS Mone Langi, Menlo-Atherton HS Matt Shapiro, San Ramon Valley HS Cody Wills, Casa Robles HS