The Line Showcase IL: OL Standouts

What I consider to be the premier OL/DL training organization in the Midwest held one of their showcases giving high school offensive and defensive linemen a chance to ball out in front of scouts, compete in one on ones, go through relevant drills, and partake in combine testing. The Line is the place to be if you are serious about improving your OL or DL play when it comes to offseason training. December 29 saw nearly 100 linemen from across the Midwest descend upon St. Charles, IL. In this article, I want to focus on the offensive side of the trenches and ID the top performers of that group. Let’s get it started! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="20847" first="Jacob" last="Welch"], ’23- Johnsburg</strong> It was a great day for the massive 6’6" 295 lbs OT out of Johnsburg. First off, Welch passes the eye test as his body does a great job of spreading out the 295 lbs onto a clean frame that is still able to maintain agility and flexibility. Both those traits were on display in one on ones where Welch was able pair them with his superior length allowing him to clamp onto pass rushers and control them through the battle. A few reps he also let his strength shine as he simply tossed defensive linemen to the ground or way off their pass rush path. He was clearly one of the top OL prospects in attendance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158772" first="Trenton" last="VanBoening"], ’23- Libertyville</strong> The OL group had several impressive looking specimen, and Trenton was one of them checking in at 6’6’’ 295 lbs with the long arms to match. In drills, Trenton displayed the ability to slide and change directions well while also delivering solid punches with his hands. He also proved he can get downfield and hit his target while under control. In one on ones, VanBoening relies on his length and overall size to win his reps. I’m excited to watch Trenton’s development over the offseason. As he continues to develop his ankle, knee, and hip flexibility I believe he is going to take another step forward making him a highly sought after prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158773" first="Luke" last="Griskey"], ’23- Huntley</strong> Luke put together a strong day from start to finish. The 6’5" 260 lbs junior has a frame primed to continue adding size and strength that will make him an even hotter commodity across recruiting. Griskey’s technique shined throughout the day as he consistently played low in his stance, moved in every direction smoothly, and looked very flexible in the knees, hips, and ankles. In drills, Luke was one of the best athletes as he moved through the assortment of drills with ease. In the one on ones, Griskey used that athleticism to mirror pass rushers and then utilized his length to land the first initial punch so he could gain control and leverage. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105015" first="Logan" last="Gross"], ’24- Sun Prairie</strong> The most impressive underclassmen of the day was [player_tooltip player_id="105015" first="Logan" last="Gross"] out of Sun Prairie, WI. The 6’3" 250 lbs OT has a ton of room on his frame to continue filling out and adding all the strength needed to eventually be a top recruit. At the showcase I was blown away by how sharp Logan’s technique was. He stayed square, never reached, and had the light feet needed to quickly change direction as he mirrored pass rushers. Gross also possesses quick hands that deliver a solid punch that was able to slow down pass rushers. Definitely a name to know among the underclassmen in WI. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104429" first="Landon" last="Hron"], ’23- Hartford Union</strong> Landon has been on a tear early this offseason! The 6’3" 315 lbs junior OL won the day at the Prep Redzone WI Showcase a few weeks ago, and carried that over to The Line Showcase yesterday. Landon is impressively light on his feet allowing him to keep himself in position so he never gets caught reaching. In drills, Landon proved he is an easy mover as he looked smooth getting downfield for blocks. In one on ones, Hron put it all together making it impossible for DL to beat him with speed, power, or change of direction. Name to know in the Class of 2023 in WI. <strong>Lucas Sartori, ’22- Joliet Catholic</strong> Lucas is a compact, thick senior offensive lineman who caught my eyes during the one on one battles. Lucas possesses a wide, powerful base. When he sunk his hips and set his anchor there wasn’t a DL that he faced that could drive him off the line. When the DL did try to win laterally Sartori flashed the active hands to punch the DL and slow them down as his feet got him into position to win the rep. Potential steal for a program at this point in the recruiting process. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146547" first="Thomas" last="Paasch"], ’23- Green Bay Southwest</strong> I was excited to watch Thomas get to work on Wednesday, and he didn’t disappoint. His frame continue to looks better and better each time I’ve seen him. The 6’7" 295 lbs OL already has elite size and length for the position, and based off how he looked in person he could get even bigger and stronger, which is exciting. Thomas looked very smooth in the drill work as he showed off impressive flexibility and body control throughout his movements. In the one on one battles Thomas got into his kick slide quickly and did a good job of matching his upper and lower body allowing him to stay square on his opponent. Paasch is one of the top 2023 OL in WI and proved it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="162308" first="Blaine" last="Halley"], ’23- Olympia</strong> Blaine caught my eyes early in the Showcase with his legitimate 6’6’’ 285 lbs frame. After that he kept grabbing my attention with how easily he moved drill to drill and during the combine. The most exciting part is that Halley can get even better in those areas as he continues to grow into his body and develop his flexibility in his lower body. In the battles, I didn’t see Blaine go a rep without getting the first initial contact. Once he got that it was over because he could then get the leverage advantage. Exciting prospect! <strong>Xavier Serrano, ’22- Greenfield</strong> I was excited to see the under recruited senior coming into the showcase, and he didn’t disappoint. The 6’2" 280 lbs OL is a thick prospect who could stay at OT, but I think he could really thrive at guard at the next level. That way he could win the same way he won his battles at the camp. With his short area agility, big body, and strong anchor. Serrano was difficult to get off his spot when he dropped his hips. Xavier also looked good out in space moving, showing he can get to the second level to make blocks with success. Don’t miss out on this dude!