2022 Under-The-Radar Offensive Linemen: Part 1

Over the past few days, we have seen the deep talent pool that exists at most of the positions on the offensive side of the ball for the Class of 2022. Today, we wrap things up for the offense, with a look at the offensive linemen. These next few days, we will evaluate several different senior offensive linemen who are capable of dominating the trenches. The three players that we will discuss today are capable of moving up the state rankings this fall. All three could be tremendous assets for any college offensive coordinator. [player_tooltip player_id="98084" first="RJ" last="Brooks"], 6’1, 260 pounds, Lawrence North [player_tooltip player_id="98084" first="RJ" last="Brooks"] imposes himself right when the ball is snapped. Brooks gets off the ball and out of his stance very quickly. Brooks is an exceptional run blocker who has the natural ability, as well as the fundamentals, to be a great offensive linemen at the next level. He is very reliable as a pass protector, but he excels even more as a run blocker. Brooks is a powerful lineman, capable of dishing out punishment on each play. He will frequently drive the defender completely out of the play. Brooks finishes each block with authority, and does not let his opponent get free. [player_tooltip player_id="98084" first="RJ" last="Brooks"] also does a good job of getting up to the second level, and helping give the running back a bigger opening to run through. [player_tooltip player_id="39045" first="Sam" last="Buras"], 6’8, 315 pounds, Center Grove [player_tooltip player_id="39045" first="Sam" last="Buras"] is a powerful offensive lineman, who sets the tone on a great Center Grove offense. Once Buras engages the block, he keeps driving until the end of the play. But Buras checks off so many more boxes than pure power. He is very smart player, who knows exactly what he needs to do on each play. Buras plays with great leverage. He does a good job staying low, especially in short yardage situations. This helps him get a better push. Buras is also able to pick up disguised blitzes. Even if the blitzer was not identified pre-snap, he reacts well and keeps the defensive player out of the backfield. Buras is also solid in pass protection. He moves his feet well and does not get overextended. [player_tooltip player_id="98025" first="Joseph" last="Cannedy"], 6’7, 270 pounds, Zionsville [player_tooltip player_id="98025" first="Joseph" last="Cannedy"] checks all of the boxes that a college coaching staff could have for a potential offensive line recruit. Cannedy has great size. At 6’7, he is an imposing prospect, who has tremendous length and reach, allowing him to keep his opponent at bay. Cannedy is an outstanding lead blocker. He takes great angles and positions his body well to wall-off a defender. Cannedy matches the exceptional reach that he possesses with terrific hand placement. I am also particularly impressed with Cannedy’s ability to get to the second level. He does a job finishing his primary assignment and then taking on a linebacker, as well. These three physically-imposing offensive linemen will set the tone for the offense. They are forces, both in the running game, as well as in pass protection. Any opposing defensive linemen will have their hands full, when they line up against any of these dominant prospects. I predict that big senior seasons lie ahead for each of these three student-athletes. All three will set the tone for their teams this fall.