2023 OL Set To Have Big Senior Years
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We’re staying in the 2023 class today and looking at another set of recruits who are primed for a big year. These guys have the potential to make their impact known at the next level and if they’re able to…
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Continue ReadingWe’re staying in the 2023 class today and looking at another set of recruits who are primed for a big year. These guys have the potential to make their impact known at the next level and if they’re able to capitalize, they will make some schools very happy.
Edward Hartig Edward Hartig 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Reitz Memorial | 2023 State IN – Reitz Memorial – G – 6’5″ 280lbs
For a guy his size, Hartig is a really good athlete. He’s able to get off the line rather quickly and without any issue. He’s athletic enough to be a lead blocker, be pulled around the edge, or stay home and deal with his guy. If you get him on the move, he won’t stop and will go until the whistle blows. He’s at his best when he’s on the move forcing guys to either get out of the way or get run over. He’s a business decision kind of guy and makes it clear when he steps on the field. In the running game, he’s quick on his feet and has the power to back his size. He’s a finisher and won’t stop until his guy is on the ground. In the passing game, there’s some work to do. While he isn’t bad in protection, he can get caught flat-footed and leaking back on his heels from time to time. He’s got the quick feet and powerful frame to absorb hits naturally. He also, at least to some degree I can tell, understands how to pass off blitzes properly and seems to be a very smart player. He doesn’t seem to make many mistakes and is always where he needs to be when he needs to be there. If he’s blocking for a screen, he’ll sprint downfield like it’s his last rep on the field. I do think he could hit the weight room some and if he’s able to do so, he’s going to become a force. He already checks a lot of boxes. He comes across as someone who has that “IT” factor you want in Offensive linemen. I really like Hartig and found myself chuckling at his tape, in a good way. I’m really excited about him and what I think he can be. If he’s not already buried in offers, he will be soon.
AJ Bedock AJ Bedock 6'2" | 285 lbs | OL LaVille | 2023 State IN – LaVille – G – 6’2″ 285lbs
While Bedock does play both sides for LaVille, we’re looking primarily at his ability on the offensive side of the ball. He’s got a decent first step and first punch right off the line. He doesn’t waste any movement and gets going right away. When Bedock is on the move, he’s at his best. He’s got a fast first step and when he hits a guy on the move, they’re going to feel it the next morning. He’s got decent speed for a lineman and is able to blow guys back like it’s personal. There are times when he’ll get going too fast and overshoot his landmark some. While he’s never completely overshot his guy and missed, there are times where it’ll impact the quality of his block. In the passing game, there are times he can get caught with his hands on the outside. I would also love to see him bulk up some so he can become a bigger force in the passing game. He’s someone who I can’t imagine leaves the interior line. His center of gravity and his speed are very typical of elite Guards. Bedock has nimble feet and doesn’t get caught on his heels very often either. Bedock is a high motor player and gives the same effort on every down. He does a lot of things well and feels like overall, he’s been well-coached for most of his career. He’s a sound player and moving forward, he’s only going to get better. I anticipate by the time next season ends, Bedock will have a plethora of offers.
Jackson Ruess – Crown Point – G/T – 6’5″ 290lbs
Ruess is a really solid athlete and his background in wrestling only helps. Wrestling has helped him get a better feel of how to control his body and gives him extra angles to win. He’s got a really powerful upper body and is able to overpower his guys at the point of attack. He’s got a quick first step and is able to get on his assignment immediately. In the running game, he gets downfield right away and won’t waste time hand fighting. Sometimes defenders don’t anticipate his hands or upper body being as strong as they are and it takes them by surprise. Before they know it, they’re in the dirt. I will say, when he’s on the move, there are times he’ll get going too quickly and can get out of control and it can affect his block or reaching his landmark. In the passing game, he’s able to hold his own. His hands and flexibility alone keep him in most fights. I do think if he’s able to bulk up some and get a bit stronger lower body, he’ll become a wall. His upper body and his body control are as good as you could ask, and if the feet come, it’s over for opposing defenders. As athletic as he is, I think most schools will see him strictly as an interior lineman. He’s someone you want bending the inside, going on the move, and keeping close to the ball. I do think moving to Tackle wouldn’t be much of an issue after the initial learning curve at the collegiate level. Ruess is someone who does everything naturally very well and I anticipate him having the offers come in heavy next season.
Ethan Trent Ethan Trent 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL Carmel | 2023 State IN – Carmel – C/T – 6’2″ 275lbs
Trent may be the most interesting guy on this list. He’s someone I can see drawing attention from schools to play both inside and outside. He’s very versatile for Carmel and has played in pretty much every spot on the line. While I think he’s best at Center, he’s just as good of a Tackle prospect you could want as well. He’s an explosive athlete who plays with smart hands. He keeps everything tight and inside, keeps his leverage, and is able to win by using pure determination. He’s a high motor guy who always keeps his feet moving until the whistle blows, sometimes even a little bit longer if the guy was getting on his nerves. Trent is able to get to defenders on either the first or second level depending on his assignment. He’s got long arms, is rather quick, and would fit in multiple different schemes. When they put him on the move, he’s a great lead blocker and is able to clear the way. In the passing game, he’s talented. At tackle, he’s able to redirect speed rushers to the outside and fade them out of the play. At Center, he’s able to snap the ball and get his hands up and take on the contact without issue or getting blown back. He won’t be caught on the heels of his feet either. While his footwork isn’t perfect, you can tell he’s been well-coached and spends time working on his footwork, and is much farther along than most guys. Trent is a prospect who checks just about every box you would want. By the time next season ends, I feel pretty confident saying he’s going to have more offers than he’ll know what to do with.