The Stage: Top OL & DL performers

This past Tuesday at DePaul College Prep The Stage was held in with Boom Football, EFT Football Academy, QB Won and Edgy Tim as the hosts for the first of what should be a series of spring camps held by the group. Like they have done before, the group that put on this event had tons of talent and high level instruction. For four hours over 200 prospects got measured, tested, did individual drill work and competed in 1v1 competition. Here are the standouts from the first group, which consisted of offensive and defensive linemen. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-142810" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/DA46D183-3578-4928-BE28-7B5920FFC1FA-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2023 Loyola defensive end Brooks Bahr (6’5” and 250lbs) @BrooksBahr99 It would have been difficult for most talented underclassmen to crack the Ramblers rotation, so Bahr had to patiently wait his turn. After seeing him workout during the event, I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to have a very productive junior year, setting himself up for a big senior season. Bahr has great size, good bend and a great first step as a defensive end. His long arms give him a built in advantage, but he uses them well to fend off offensive lineman. Bahr needs to be on your radar. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-142812" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/72DDDDAE-9670-4056-8101-86A53BBD4654-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2023 Homewood Flossmor defensive end Tyson Beck (6’2” and 227lbs) @TysonBeck13 A fantastic first step, which really shows during events like this, Beck was a terror for the offensive tackles he went against. A variety of moves which include a spin, swim and bull rush showcase the athletic ability that Beck possess. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392846890488799232?s=21 He’s got plenty of time to continue to add on more muscle mass, which shouldn’t effect his flexibility at all. Beck’s technique is improving, showing all the work he’s put in. Another rising junior that should have a big year. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-143301" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/16FA732D-9E8A-45C1-BB4F-9E04B098ECB4-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2022 Crown Point defensive tackle Nikola Paic (6’2 and 298lbs) @Nikopaic An absolute monster in the middle, Paic was difficult for many of the interior lineman to go against for multiple reasons. He is quick off the ball, has a variety of moves and has a very strong initial punch. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392856966091972610?s=21 Paic also moved over to the other side of the ball, showing that he’s could also play on the offensive side of the line as well. Unfortunately for him, he injured his during the 1v1 portion, but he didn’t seem to mind much. Toughness is there as well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him blow up in the fall. 2022 Glenbard South defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id="20912" first="Connor" last="Murphy"] (6’3” and 235lbs) @ConnorM42407009 A stallworth on the camp circuit, Murphy has been impressive at every stop and Tuesday was no different. He is another guy that takes the craft very seriously, constantly working to get better all while being a great teammate. Murphy can play outside and inside, showing that he  is versatile enough to be a three-down lineman. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392864377389387780?s=21 Also holding a variety of moves, Murphy is so technical in his movements, he often beats opposing lineman due to his flawless technique. After a big junior year, Murphy is in line for a massive senior campaign. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-143302" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/771E0E12-750B-4B07-92EB-B1751EF191B7-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2022 Rich Township defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id="20892" first="Derrick" last="Parker"] (6’3” and 240lbs) @DP2Different I’ve seen Parker many times over the last year, but this time when I saw him, he looked different. Why, well it was due to the fact that Parker had lost some of his baby fat and replaced it with muscle. His hard work to get his body right showed as he beat offensive lineman with many different moves. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392850613311000581?s=21 The extra quickness that Parker gained with his body transformation really helped him fly past tackles, and when he went inside against guard and centers, he could hold his own. Parker could end up as a hybrid linebacker or a multifaceted end, either way I’d want him on my team. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-143303" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/231C88BB-E9B6-48B2-AD33-8026DCF1E379-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2023 Offensive lineman DeMarcus Caston (6’2” and 369lbs) @Demarcus_caston Affectionally known as “The Mayor,” Caston was one of the best offensive lineman in attendance. His growth from seeing him over the winter and then on Tuesday was evident. His footwork has improved, the initial punch as well. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392854869053214720?s=21 He is a wide-body and uses that to his advantage, making it hard for defenders to get around him. I would love to see Caston lean out a bit, he would become quicker and more agile. He’s got plenty of time to do so before arriving at a collegiate campus, and if he continues his hard work, which it seems like he will, Caston could have a very big junior year. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-143305" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/F6E29333-32FB-49EA-8200-61F35EE36191-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2023 St. Rita offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id="135837" first="Collin" last="Gerger"] (6’4” and 258lbs) @cgerger72 My first time seeing Gerger, he’s got a fantastic frame with long arms, plenty of room to continue to add on good weight. He started as a sophomore this past year, so you know that the talent is there. His quick feet allowed him to combat some of the quicker lineman, while his long arms kept them at bay. https://twitter.com/mikefchen/status/1392915439303503877?s=21 As Gerger continues to get stronger, he’ll just get better because of his solid foundation and technique. Paired with [player_tooltip player_id="20900" first="Valen" last="Erickson"], the St. Rita offensive line will certainly be a strength this upcoming season. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-143306" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/03EC57D7-AB76-4928-B095-DE87C538B100-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> 2023 Huntley offensive lineman Luke Griskey (6’4” and 258lbs) @GriskeyLuke I’ve seen Griskey multiple times over the last year, and he improves each time we cross paths. He’s a guy that’s constantly in the weight room, working hard at getting stronger and honing in on his technique. At this point in his development, I would slot Griskey as a guard, there were a few times that speed rushers gave him a bit of trouble. I like the base of talent for him however, the position will play itself out as Griskey gets older. Another sophomore starter that should be in line for a big junior season.