2022 Under-The-Radar Offensive Linemen: Part 5

It is impossible to overstate the importance of a quality offensive line. Without one, the chances of success on the offensive side of the ball become much more slim. Indiana’s Class of 2022 has a load of quality offensive line talent. Today, we continue our look at the underrated offensive linemen ready to shine in their senior seasons. In this article, we will evaluate four elite prospects who will turn heads this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="98078" first="Richard" last="Myers"], 6’7, 290 pounds, Castle [player_tooltip player_id="98078" first="Richard" last="Myers"] has all of the physical and mental attributes necessary to play high level college football. Myers has great power. He frequently moves the defender completely aside. Myers gets off the ball quickly, allowing him to gain the upper hand. Myers demonstrates good arm extension, keeping the defender at bay. In short yardage situations, Myers displays textbook leverage. He gets low, which allows him to drive the defender back, and help his team reset ths line-of-scrimmage. Perhaps the most impressive thing about [player_tooltip player_id="98078" first="Richard" last="Myers"] is his abilty to play both tackle and guard. This will allow for him to serve the team in case a very capable player is needed to fill in at either of those positions. [player_tooltip player_id="98002" first="Theodore" last="Sparks"], 6’3, 270 pounds, Merrillville [player_tooltip player_id="98002" first="Theodore" last="Sparks"] is a mauler on the offensive line. He gets off the ball quickly, with a great first step. Sparks is very aggressive. He goes right after his opponent and he keeps that intensity up throughout the duration of the play. Sparks plays with great leverage. He is very mobile. He does an excellent job getting to the second level and blocking linebackers. [player_tooltip player_id="39061" first="Cade" last="Virgin"], 6’3, 270 pounds, Castle [player_tooltip player_id="39061" first="Cade" last="Virgin"] brings the intensity and aggression that any college offensive line coach would covet. Right after the ball is snapped, Virgin attacks the defense and he takes his counterpart out of the play. Virgin is very strong. He often overpowers the defender that he is blocking. Virgin is very solid in pass protection. [player_tooltip player_id="39061" first="Cade" last="Virgin"] brings a nastiness that sets the tone for the entire offense, and he keeps that intensity until the play is finished. [player_tooltip player_id="98085" first="Makhi" last="Watts"], 6’4, 275 pounds, North Central [player_tooltip player_id="98085" first="Makhi" last="Watts"] has the raw power to be a great college offensive lineman. Watts frequently moves the defender wherever he wants on the field. Watts is aggressive from snap to whistle. He engages his opponent and continues to drive throughout the entire play. Watts’ hand placement is outstanding. He keeps his hands inside ths framework of the defender, avoiding holding penalties. Watts displays terrific arm extension. He takes good angles on all of his blocks, allowing him to seal off the defender and open up a big running lane. Watts is very solid in pass protection, and he can be trusted to help protect the quarterback.