The Line Iowa: DL Top Performers and MVP

On Saturday, May 15th FIST Football and Cream City Combines brought “The Line”, a Linemen only showcase to D1 Des Moines at Sportsplex West. This is the third installment of the showcase and it features: position specific drills and instruction, laser verified combine drills, realistically organized one on one’s, several College staffs on site for recruiting, and so much more. Everything is tailored specifically to the big boys. The event saw a tremendous amount of talent come out from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Find out which athletes stood out in a truly elite group over the course of the day through impressive reps and elite combine metrics. The Line will be returning to Iowa and other regional locations soon to continue to build lasting connections and provide second to none opportunities for Linemen across the midwest. Defensive Line MVP [player_tooltip player_id="31384" first="David" last="Gauderman"], Wisconsin, Wittenberg-Birnamwood, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ej03n">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/home">Twitter</a> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/021-Gauderman-David-crop-2154x1414-1621361258.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-145102 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/021-Gauderman-David-crop-2154x1414-1621361258-e1621361835174.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.6; 20 yd- 2.7; Pro Agility- 4.32; L-Drill- 7.21; Powerball- 34’0 Gauderman, The Line Iowa’s Defensive Line MVP, put on a dominant performance in each phase of the event Saturday at The Line. His combine metrics were outstanding and were evidence of big improvements Guaderman has made throughout a highly dedicated year. The metrics above are a clear representation of an elite athlete who moves exceptionally well for his size. His straight line speed, speed through changes of direction, and explosive movements are among the best you’ll find at the high school level. He has so much velocity and burst when he starts moving, which was very apparent in both his drills and one on one reps. Gauderman showed off bend and functional power in his drills that weren’t as present the last time around in Wisconsin; it is obvious he is dedicated to his craft and has the work ethic to go right along with his skill. Gauderman looked very polished and well-developed in his pass rush, especially on the edge. He won several reps with speed and looked mature, attacking the hip and hitting a great move according to the angle of his opponent’s set. There were times he didn’t have the angle to win with speed and transitioned to power with ease. Gauderman did more than enough to take home the Defensive Line crown and further show why he is such a highly sought after recruit in the class of 2023. Top Performers [player_tooltip player_id="105141" first="Brody" last="Targgart"], Iowa, Ankeny Centennial, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ERPFP">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/brody_targgart">Twitter</a> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/008-Targgart-Brody-crop-2494x1637-1621361397.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-145107 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/008-Targgart-Brody-crop-2494x1637-1621361397-e1621361806233-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="189" /></a> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.7; 20 yd- 2.92; Pro Agility- 4.33; L-Drill- 7.51; Powerball- 37’0 Targgart had an incredible afternoon and looked so fast and fluid in his drills, combine and one on one’s. Targgart is lightning quick on film, so his elite 10/20 split and Pro Agility times came as no surprise and were among the very best of the whole event. That speed was evident in his drills and many coaches at the event commented on how strong he was, especially when working through a drill that began by launching into and locking out on a sled. Targgart has an outstanding foundation of athleticism and functional ability that is sure to launch him into the conversation of Iowa’s top pass rushers in the class of 2023. He left no doubt about that during one one one’s and consistently, rep after rep, had an elite first step and get off that left Offensive Linemen’s heads spinning. Right at the edge he got into his bend, below the waistline of his opponent, and made it virtually impossible to lose. All his opponent’s could do all afternoon was open up their hips and try to chase him. [player_tooltip player_id="101038" first="Andrew" last="Harris"], Iowa, Southeast Polk, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EiFF4">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/andrew_harris90">Twitter</a> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/003-Harris-Andrew-crop-2494x1637-1621361480.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-145110 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/003-Harris-Andrew-crop-2494x1637-1621361480-e1621361763255-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="189" /></a> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.74; 20 yd- 2.97; Pro Agility- 4.59; L-Drill- 7.59; Powerball- 35’4 Harris was without a doubt one of the most strong and explosive athletes of the day. He, to nobody’s surprise, performed at a very high level throughout the combine portion of the event. Harris is one of the better Defensive Linemen in Iowa at launching out of his stance to attack and shock his opponents. Seeing his Powerball drill was evidence that he brings a lot of functional strength and explosiveness to the field. The same could be said for the way he attacked the sled and was able to move so quickly from a lockout to lateral movement. Harris also had one of the top getoffs of the day going head to head with smaller opponents in a drill that tested speed through rush lanes and coming out on top. Harris overpowered some truly elite competition during one on one’s off the edge and on inside gaps. Rep after rep he placed hands with great leverage putting guys on their backs or walking them right back into the Quarterback. Aiden Morgan, Iowa, Davenport Assumption, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EeEzF">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/aiden_morgo">Twitter</a> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/033-Morgan-Aidan-crop-2742x1801-1621361579-crop-582x382-1621361597.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-145114" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/033-Morgan-Aidan-crop-2742x1801-1621361579-crop-582x382-1621361597-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.69; 20 yd- 2.92; Pro Agility- 4.69; L-Drill- 7.85; Powerball- 37’8 Morgan was most definitely one of the day’s big winners as he walked out of the facility after the event with an offer from Upper Iowa University. Morgan is a really impressive young man with outstanding work ethic and an alumni of all three of The Line’s events. He has shown improvement across the board from one to the next, especially in his position specific technique. Morgan had one of the top 10/20 splits of the day and that acceleration, agility, and speed was shown throughout the afternoon. He certainly has the skill set and athletic ceiling to become a truly elite speed rusher. Morgan caught a lot of eyes during the position specific drill portion of the event with his get off, bend, and lateral movement. Morgan never stopped or chopped his feet during a drill that tested such attributes. His ability to maintain speed and body control through changes of direction showed up in one on one’s, too, as he was able to win the edge often and defeat Offensive Linemen with technical hands. [player_tooltip player_id="104799" first="Logyn" last="Eckheart"], Iowa, Glenwood, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EPC18">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EckheartLogyn">Twitter</a> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-145118" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/014-Eckheart-Logyn-crop-2742x1801-1621361703-crop-582x382-1621361721-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.8; 20 yd- 3.04; Pro Agility- 4.68; L-Drill- 7.66; Powerball- 37’0 Eckheart, one of Iowa’s top two-way Linemen, got work on the defensive side of the ball at The Line. He garnered a lot of attention not only as a dominant run stopper as shown on film, but a really impressive inside gap pass rusher. Eckheart’s combine metrics were top notch; he moved well within his frame posting really excellent numbers in the pro agility and L-Drill events. Eckheart moved just as well during the position specific drill portion of the showcase. It was impressive to see how well Eckeheart could react and change direction during a drill that tested just that. He was exceptionally fluid and smooth through the movement patterns of the drill and was a clear standout. What impressed most, though, was how much more technical he looked during one on one’s. It is clear he has spent a lot of time in the off-season building his game and repertoire. On several reps Eckheart was able to freeze opponents with great footwork and clear hands through his lane. Jake Paulline, Illinois, Metea Valley, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FKte5">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_Paulline">Twitter</a> <img class="size-medium wp-image-145121" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/002-Paulline-Jake-e1621361945901-300x191.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="191" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.88; 20 yd- 3.23; Pro Agility- 5.04; L-Drill- 8.48; Powerball- 34’0 Paulline is so quick, agile, and nimble at 6’1 300 lbs and carries his weight incredibly well. The metrics above are staggeringly impressive considering how large of an athlete he is and identifying Paulline as a top performer was a no brainer. An alumni of previous The Line showcases, Paulline has made huge strides in his game. His excellent Junior film and improved metrics are a clear representation of that fact. Coaches were commenting left and right about Paulline’s drill reps. He moved with so much velocity from his stance, was able to bend and reduce surface area at a high level, and showed off the kind of power that can wreck a game and destroy inside gaps. Paulline was moving in these drills just as well as many of the lighter Defensive Ends on hand. This translated into one one one’s very well to cap off Paulline’s day. He simply overwhelmed opponents and did a great job of knowing how to use an opponent’s imbalances against them to clear his rush lane. [player_tooltip player_id="118824" first="Ethan" last="Hendrickson"], Wisconsin, Darlington, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F1e0m">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ethanhendo2022">Twitter</a> <img class="size-medium wp-image-145124" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/011-Hendrickson-Ethan-e1621362052395.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.63; 20 yd- 2.82; Pro Agility- 4.79; L-Drill- 7.54; Powerball- 35’7 Hendrickson definitely made a name for himself at this event and it didn’t take long at all for coaches to realize and comment on how much ability he has. Hendrickson has so much length and, with his frame and reach, is an ideal Defensive End. It is clear based on his film and how he performed during drills and one on one’s that he knows how to use his physical attributes at a very high level. Hendrickson compliments his size with a lot of athletic ability, which was clear in the combine portion of the event. His 10/20 split is lightning quick, which shows a high propensity to rush the edge. His Pro Agility was also top notch, which shows just how well he can play the position laterally and so much of defending the run successfully makes that essential. Hendrickson’s bend and body control were among the best at the showcase and that was evident in his drill work and the way he got underneath opponents. It was so hard for Offensive Linemen to get hands on him. Jamin Stuhr, Iowa, Webster City, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgxZB">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StuhrJamin">Twitter</a> <img class="size-medium wp-image-145126" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/015-Suhr-Jamin-e1621362169913-300x202.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="202" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.68; 20 yd- 2.88; Pro Agility- 4.4; L-Drill- 7.45; Powerball- 37’9 Stuhr is one of the few athletes who really posted outstanding metrics on each of the combine drills tailored specifically to Linemen. The speed, agility, explosiveness, and body control required to excel in each drill is not common and he really capitalized on the opportunity to show off what he has in the tool box. There are instances when athletes can knock the combine out of the park, but then struggle to have it apply to drills and competition. That was not the case whatsoever with Stuhr; it all carried over and he had a lot of eyes following him as he moved through drills and one on one’s. Stuhr’s ability to shift weight inside and show off ankle flexion while bending was noticeably outstanding. He was getting so low through his drills that it appeared he could have dragged his elbows along the turf if he wanted to. During one on one’s Stuhr showed a high propensity to look through his rush lane, attack with speed first, and react or engage only when necessary. Landon Stolte, Iowa, Lisbon, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13345366/5f9ad82c5ef6b4176ceff70f">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LandonStolte76">Twitter</a> <img class="size-medium wp-image-145127" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/004-Stolte-Landon-e1621362249971-300x182.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="182" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.75; 20 yd- 3.07; Pro Agility- 4.68; L-Drill- 7.71; Powerball- 34’9 Stolte had a very successful combine with scores in the Pro Agility and Powerball that stand out among the best of the day. He really drew attention to himself and shined, though, during the position specific drill work. Stolte moved incredibly well and at an impressive depth through each movement pattern and technique that the drills showcased. It was clear that he knows how to play the position through his hips. Stolte was very mobile, kept the feet engaged, and was super twitchy out of his stance. He could shift his weight effortlessly bending from one direction to another and was smooth through changes of direction. This skill set paid big dividends when the Defensive Linemen came together to go head to head in a get off competition that replicated an edge rush. Stolte was one of the best at the event and could go toe to toe with anyone in the group. Stolte was able to replicate this quite nicely against live competition regularly winning with speed in one on one’s. [player_tooltip player_id="119890" first="Boston" last="Bower"], Illinois, Huntley, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FNSnD">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/boston_bower">Twitter</a> <img class="size-medium wp-image-145128" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/022-Bower-Boston-e1621362332251-300x207.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="207" /> Laser Verified Combine Results: 10 yd- 1.81; 20 yd- 3.08; Pro Agility- 4.96; L-Drill- 7.88; Powerball- 30’0 Bower posted solid metrics in Des Moines that showed growth in many of the areas that the combine drills measure like speed and agility, which is a testament to his work ethic and dedication. Bower’s position specific mechanics and technique are on point and that was on display during drill work. He has an impressive stance and first step that he differentiates based on situation. There was a drill that, in part, emphasized block destruction and he got his first step down quickly with spot on hand placement and leverage. There was another drill that allowed athletes to show off pass rush mechanics. Bower got nice and coiled up to fire out at a lower angle covering more ground and accelerating faster. Bower took reps across the line of scrimmage during one on one’s and appeared to seek out matchups with some of the top competition. He did quite well and showed that his pass rushing has matured by relentlessly attacking when plan A fell through.