2022 Under-The-Radar Offensive Linemen: Part 2

The 2022 under-the-radar series continues, as we evaluate some of the state’s diamond in the rough offensive linemen. Today, we will take a look at tough players who will dominate in the trenches. These four student-athletes are capable of wearing down a defensive line, and helping their offense dictate the tempo of the game. All three present a ruggedness that is required at the next level. The four prospects that we will discuss today have the potential to be anchors on an offensive line throughout their entire careers. [player_tooltip player_id="139766" first="Jack" last="Darlington"], 6’4, 280 pounds, Crown Point [player_tooltip player_id="139766" first="Jack" last="Darlington"] is a fundamentally-sound offense lineman for Crown Point. On each of his assignments, Darlington takes good angles and walls the defender out of the play. Darlington’s footwork is tremendous. While blocking, he takes short steps, allowing him to drive the defender back. Darlington’s film also showcases his pure strength. He frequently overpowers defenders and takes them of the play completely. Darlington is a very athletic lineman with good mobility. He does well getting where he is needed on run plays where he either needs to kick out or pull across the line. [player_tooltip player_id="39051" first="Keylen" last="Davis"], 6’4, 265 pounds, Ben Davis [player_tooltip player_id="39051" first="Keylen" last="Davis"] has a high football IQ that would make him a great fit with a college program. Davis showcases outstanding footwork. He takes the short steps necessary when blocking, and he moves his feet very well in pass protection. Davis’ hand placement is phenomenal. He does a great job keeping his hands inside the framework in a way that still allows him to control the defender, while avoiding a costly holding penalty. Davis plays with top-tier arm extension, enabling him to keep the defender right where he wants him. When studying [player_tooltip player_id="39051" first="Keylen" last="Davis"]’ film, the nastiness that he plays with is apparent. He is very physical, and he is a real tone-setter for the entire team. But what I find to be most impressive about Davis, is the awareness and recognition that he shows on each play. Davis does a great job identifying blitzes that may not have been seen before the snap, and adjusting to deal with them. He also does a great job getting up to the second level in the running game, and occupying a linebacker. [player_tooltip player_id="98090" first="Barry" last="Duff"], 6’6, 285 pounds, Reitz Memorial [player_tooltip player_id="98090" first="Barry" last="Duff"] is a tough and physical offensive lineman that any offensive coordinator should covet. Duff is a very strong lineman, who frequently moves defenders completely off the ball. Duff demonstrates very solid technique. At 6’6, he has great reach, and he utilizes it to make getting past him even more difficult. Duff uses his hands well. I am particularly impressed by the mobility that [player_tooltip player_id="98090" first="Barry" last="Duff"] exhibits. He does well getting across the formation, and kicking out, as needed. He can get to the second level to help open an even bigger hole for the running back. [player_tooltip player_id="123671" first="Chris" last="Farah"], 6’4, 280 pounds, Cathedral [player_tooltip player_id="123671" first="Chris" last="Farah"] checks all the boxes as an offensive lineman. Farah plays with great leverage. He stays low on his blocks, allowing him to generate more power. Farah is a very physical prospect and he maintains that physicality throughout the duration of the play. Farah also showcases the requisite athletic ability for a potential college offensive lineman. Farah gets up to the linebacker level and he can eliminate the chance of making the tackle for one of the linebackers. Farah also does a great job kicking out and pulling across the formation.