2023 Rankings December Update: Ranked OL/DL

The 2023 rankings are loaded with talent in the trenches. From <strong>Cass Tech EDGE [player_tooltip player_id="162650" first="Jalen" last="Thompson"]</strong> to <strong>Port Huron Northern EDGE [player_tooltip player_id="243394" first="Luke" last="Fletcher"]</strong>, there’s a lot of talented lineman that can demand the best of their opposition. The old cliche that games are won in the trenches still reigns true despite the era of talented passing attacks. Former Divine Child star Aidan Hutchinson proved that true when he was a candidate for the Heisman Trophy this season. You can’t undersell how crucial an elite pass rush or great pass protection is to helping a team win games. Take a look at three of the lineman that made the state rankings as well as some that made the cut in the positional rankings. Expect some more ranked offensive AND defensive lineman in the next update. <h5>Bay City Central OL [player_tooltip player_id="121426" first="Luke" last="Zanotti"] - #32 in the state, #6 OL</h5> A player that has definitely gained some traction on the recruiting trail after an impressive 2021 junior season. Zanotti has some great footwork and short area quickness that allows him to move up the field. A strong anchor and hands allow him to keep the pocket clean for his quarterback. A lot of lower mass that brings out some pancakes in the running game. He recently picked up an offer from Eastern Michigan, with more MAC schools certainly monitoring the situation. https://twitter.com/Lukezanotti99/status/1466194775615361025?s=20 <h5>Detroit King EDGE/OLB [player_tooltip player_id="234417" first="Messiah" last="Blair"] - #19 in the state, #3 DL</h5> Lengthy with long arms. Has good bend and can make offensive tackles get off balance when he pass rushes. He can make a ton of plays in the backfield in run defense. Hard to push him off of the line of scrimmage as he has a strong anchor combined with a high motor. Some positional versatility is in Blair's game as well, as he could play as a stand up rusher or a down lineman, depending on scheme. https://twitter.com/messiahlazar/status/1465148986009001988?s=20 <h5>Ann Arbor Huron EDGE [player_tooltip player_id="243409" first="Laith" last="Shamma"] - #35 in the state, #7 DL</h5> Disruptive player in run defense, as he can drive lineman up the field and close any holes quickly. Technique, hand usage, and closing quickness all stand out as big positives when watching Shamma play. The way he can shoot the weak side gap on outside runs and get to the ball carrier is as impressive as it gets. Expect Shamma to continue to rise up the ranks as the offseason continues. https://twitter.com/laithks24/status/1469842043220467717?s=20 <h5>Hartland OL [player_tooltip player_id="118806" first="Vincent" last="Cox"] - #6 OL</h5> A nasty lineman that has all the traits to be able to play at the next level. Ranked statewide in the 40-50 range, and he's already the #7th ranked offensive lineman in the state. Versatile blocker who played multiple positions due to injuries on the Hartland OL. <h5>East Kentwood OLB/TE [player_tooltip player_id="243406" first="Razah" last="Townsend"] - #8 DL</h5> Another player that should be ranked statewide in the next update. He has some really exciting tools that should continue to grow as he enters his senior season. A two-way player that will get looks at defensive end/outside linebacker at the next level. &nbsp; &nbsp;