Sleepers On The OL

Nick Rock May 19, 2021 @ 03:31 PM

After digging through tons of film, there were a handful of offensive lineman that caught my eye that seem to be a bit under recruited. Although they do still have room to improve, these guys have shown some intangibles and potential to develop into some promising prospects on the OL. California is loaded with talent at every position, so it's crucial that every area needs to be looked at. Here's a look at 5 sleeper offensive linemen to know: <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-90018" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/Franky-McFadden-Ponderosa2-300x294.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="294" /> Jack Susnjar, 6'5" 295lbs, Loyola HS '23 Susnjar is a big, lengthy kid that can play RT or LT. Coaches will like his size and frame as he sizes up with a tremendous build for a RT/LT position at the next level. He flashes a quick initial ball get off on some plays, and displays solid power at the point of contact, as he does a great job with his initial strike as well. He has a good understanding of leverage to control or manhandle opponents. Susnjar shows nice lateral mobility at his size to block lateral on the LOS or pull. He has a strong base and is solid in a pass set in terms of footwork, hands, and holding ground. Preston Gullum, 6'2" 255lbs, Vintage HS '22 Gullum plays with a chip on his shoulder and holds solid position versatility along the OL. He does a great job at center for Vintage, but could also transition to guard at the next level if needed. He displays an excellent initial strike, often dropping opponents. If he doesn't drop them with his initial contact, he shows a nice drive back. He has solid functional strength and often agitates opponents. He possesses good flexibility and athleticism overall with a very good football IQ. He is solid in pass protection as he holds his ground well against bigger opponents. He was "1st team OL" in the short COVID season and will be a menace next season. Amaree Wiley, 6'3" 250lbs, Ramona HS '22 Wiley was a major contributor along the o-line as a LT for Ramona last season. He sizes up with a good frame overall and was awarded "1st Team All-League OL" as a junior. He does a tremendous job in pass protection, as he is coordinated with his footwork and holds ground very well. He does a good job gaining leverage and drives opponents with his power in the run game, and has flashed the ability to completely redirect opponents. He's shown some solid potential, and could be a nasty OL to watch this upcoming fall.<img class="alignright wp-image-113049" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/02/The-Trench-300x157.png" alt="" width="317" height="166" /> Jayden Yepes, 6'5" 295lbs, Eleanor Roosevelt HS '22 Yepes comes in with a tremendous frame and length that college coaches will love. He shows a strong lower half with a good drive back in the run game. He's shown solid footwork, but could improve his anchor consistency in his pass set. Yepes does a good job using his length to his advantage, flashing the ability to control opponents. He holds big potential going forward and if he continues to put in the work and develop, he could have a very strong senior campaign. Michael Alejo, 6'1" 265lbs, San Clemente HS '22 Alejo played at RG for San Clemente is a definite sleeper to get on you radar. He's not the biggest kid out there but plays with aggressiveness. He displays good functional strength with the strong ability to get underneath opponents, where he actually uses his size and bend to his advantage. He's shown solid lateral quickness to pull and pick up blocks and open up clear lanes. He identifies and picks up blitzes well, and finishes blocks. Alejo is a scrappy kid and will have a big role next season.