2023 Gems In The Trenches
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The 2023 class has really started to take shape as we’ve crossed the endpoint of last season. Today, we’re looking at some linemen in the 2023 class who could become really good players at the next level who are currently…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class has really started to take shape as we’ve crossed the endpoint of last season. Today, we’re looking at some linemen in the 2023 class who could become really good players at the next level who are currently being under-recruited.
Brody Bolyn Brody Bolyn 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Norwell | 2023 State IN – Norwell – G/DE/DT – 6’3″ 250lbs
Bolyn does it all for Norwell on both sides of the ball. He’s a fantastic athlete who is versatile enough to jump around pretty much every spot on both sides of the line. Offensively, he’s primarily on the inside and is used as the lead blocker when they run power or sweeps. He’s able to get off the ball rather quickly and can get to his landmark in a hurry. He’s got a strong punch and likes to make his presence felt. In the running game, he’s strong enough to typically blow his guy off the ball. He’s able to get low and use his strength and leverage to his advantage. He’s rather strong for his age and his upper body is just as powerful as his lower body. In the passing game, he’s fine. He’s strong and powerful so he’s usually able to fend off his guy. He doesn’t have the prettiest footwork and struggles with some speed rushers, but both are things that can be coached up rather easily. Bolyn is also a high motor guy who is going to bust his tail on every down. My favorite play from Bolyn was a run play that went away from him. He made his initial block and then the next thing you know, he’s spring 20-yards downfield and makes the final block to spring the ball carrier free for 6. On defense, Bolyn is also high motor and relentless. He’s fast off the line and has a decent swim move that some linemen really struggle to defend. He will bounce around the line and make the line pay attention to him and his adjustments. He’s athletic enough to line up on the end and be a pass rusher as well. He has the size and physicality to succeed on the outside as well. When he’s in the middle he’s able to bullrush his guy and force pressure in the A gap regularly. I’m not sure what direction Bolyn will go, but he’ll likely have offers on both sides of the ball and he’ll be able to choose which direction he wants to go.
Colten Cahill – North Harrison – T/DT – 6’4″ 275lbs
Cahill has a huge frame and is just starting to fill it out. He’s listed at 275lbs, but he looks bigger than that. I could easily see him hitting the 300’s when he gets to college and gets into a college lifting program. He’s powerful and in the running game is able to make his presence known. He’s usually able to move his guy back and finish him in the ground. For a guy his size, he’s able to get off the ball rather well and isn’t late off the ball. In the passing game, he could use some work. It feels like he has heavy feet and sometimes isn’t able to get to his landmark. His hands are powerful and once he gets his hands on a guy, they aren’t going anywhere. He’s bounced around the line and can start pretty much wherever they need him to. I think some colleges will look to move him to the outside permanently. He’s got the size to be a great tackle and if they’re able to refine his game some, Cahill could make them very happy. He could turn into a wall and become a Quarterback’s best friend. I do think that Cahill is a bit raw, but the upside is there. He’s a hard worker who is only getting better. He’s strong, plays smart, and doesn’t make many mental mistakes. There’s a lot to like with Cahill and where he can go. If he’s able to get into the right program for his abilities, Cahill’s ceiling is really high.
Jack Cassidy – Reitz Memorial – T/DE – 6’4″ 225lbs
Cassidy is a gritty player who is getting better each time he steps on the field. On offense, he’s primarily on the outside and is the blindside protector. He’s able to be left on an island and win his 1 on 1’s. In the passing game, he’s got a decent stance and first step. His hands are also fairly strong and he can pack a punch. In the running game, Cassidy is fairly decent. He’s usually able to move his guy back and overpower them. He’s able to be the lead blocker and pull as well. He’s athletic enough to get off the ball rather quickly and do his job without much of an issue. There are times when he gets caught with his hands on the outside. It doesn’t happen often and hasn’t cost him yet but it could. It’s a minor enough thing to mention but it’s not a killer. I trust he can get the minor stuff cleaned up over time. I would like to see him bulk up and put some weight on. For his position, he’s on the lighter side. He’s able to stand his ground without an issue, but if he’s able to bulk up he could become a massive problem for opposing defenses. Cassidy is a rather sound player the way it is and if he’s able to bulk up and put the weight on, he’s only going to get better. It feels like he’s just starting to touch the tip of the iceberg of his potential. Cassidy does a ton of things well and gives 100% on every down. Over the next year, if he’s able to put the work in, he’s going to have more offers than he’ll know what to do with.
Drew Weinzapfel Drew Weinzapfel 6'2" | 235 lbs | OL Reitz Memorial | 2023 State IN – Reitz Memorial – G/DT – 6’2″ 235lbs
Weinzapfel plays angry and like every down is his last down. He looks like he takes the guy lining up against him personally. He’s a relentless player and is going to give maximum effort on every down and fight like his life depends on it. In the running game, he’s decent. He’s not strong enough to blow guys back regularly, but he plays so hard that he’s able to win most reps. He wears the defender down and when they get gassed, Weinzapfel keeps going. In the passing game, he’s not quite as good yet. There are some things that could be cleaned up and I also think the weight room could help. Weinzapfel is rather strong and has a nice low center of gravity. If he’s able to bulk up it’ll help him become heavier and harder to move, but also much easier for him to blow guys back. He’s able to stand his ground now and win the way it is but if he was able to get a touch stronger and heavier, he’ll become one of the better linemen in the state. He’s athletic enough to be the lead blocker and puller whenever they need him to. He’s rather agile and nimble for a guy his size as well. Weinzapfel doesn’t make many errors on the field and is always where you need him to be when you need him to be there. He’s just starting to get a full grip of the position and it’s clear as day he’s got massive upside. He checks a ton of boxes you’d want in a recruit and if he’s able to continue improving, the offers are going to start pouring in.