2022 Offensive Lineman To Watch Out For In Week 1

To have a great season, starting with a win is very important. Crucial to doing that is having a dominant offensive line, one that will dictate the tempo of the game and set the tone for what is to come the rest of the season. Today, we will look at four top-tier offensive linemen that are ready to dominate this week. All four will be critical for establishing the running game and protecting the quarterback. These four prospects- all FBS talents- will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to deal with. [player_tooltip player_id="97799" first="Kiyaunta" last="Goodwin"], 6’8, 315 pounds, Charlestown [player_tooltip player_id="97799" first="Kiyaunta" last="Goodwin"] holds the top spot in the state’s Class of 2022 offensive lineman rankings. Goodwin is the number 2 overall prospect in the class. Goodwin, who is committed to play at Kentucky, will begin his final high school season Friday at Silver Creek. Goodwin has tremendous size and frame. At 6’8, 315 pounds, he is an imposing figure at left tackle. He uses his hands well and demonstrates good instincts and a high football IQ. When in pass protection, Goodwin does a good job shoving his opponent further up field, knocking them completely off their path to the quarterback. Goodwin uses his long arms to control the defensive end. Goodwin showcases his great strength and power and he finishes each play with authority. Not only does Goodwin do well when pass rushers try to beat him around his left side, he turns in to an absolute wall when defending against inside pass rush moves. [player_tooltip player_id="97821" first="Ashton" last="Craig"], 6’5, 285 pounds, Lawrenceburg [player_tooltip player_id="97821" first="Ashton" last="Craig"] is the fourth-ranked offensive lineman and the tenth-rated overall prospect in the Class of 2022. Craig is committed to play at one of the best college programs for offensive lineman: Notre Dame. Brian Kelly’s team will be getting a dominant right tackle, who imposes his will on every play. Craig is explosive off the ball. He gets out of his stance quickly and attacks the defender. Craig uses a combination of great hand placement and drive to take his opponent out of the entirely. Craig is a menace on the defensive side of the ball for Lawrenceburg as well. Similar to when he is on offense, Craig gets off the ball quickly and he frequently blows right past the defender. His ability to play defensive end at a high level will further sharpen his skills at right tackle. Craig will begin what could be a dominant senior season with a home game against East Central. [player_tooltip player_id="39056" first="Hunter" last="Whitenack"], 6’7, 290 pounds, New Prairie [player_tooltip player_id="39056" first="Hunter" last="Whitenack"] is ranked as the number 7 offensive lineman and number 16 overall prospect in the Class of 2022. Whitenack will be in action this week at LaPorte. Whitenack is one of the state’s top left tackles. Proving this is the fact that he is committed to play collegiately in the Big Ten, at Illinois. Whitenack uses an excellent first step to put the defender at a disadvantage early in the play. Whitenack is a premiere run defender, opening up big running lanes. Whitenack is an athletic tackle who gets down the line well, executing pull and kick out blocks with the greatest of ease. Whitenack is solid in pass protection, giving his coaching staff further assurance when he is on the field. [player_tooltip player_id="139761" first="Sam" last="Secrest"], 6’6, 295 pounds, Roncalli [player_tooltip player_id="139761" first="Sam" last="Secrest"], the number 10 senior offensive lineman and 37th-ranked prospect in the Class of 2022, is committed to play his college football at Central Michigan. Secrest is one of Indiana’s most elite centers. He will be looking to showcase his skills this week when Roncalli plays host to Southport. Secrest is a wonderful lead blocker. He uses his hands well and there is simply no getting off his block until the whistle goes. Secrest can take on more than one defender during the course of the play and he can get up to the second level. Secrest demonstrates fantastic power and drive, often forcing the opposing interior defensive lineman completely off the line.