Rankings Breakdown: 2023 OL

Coaches and scouts all across the country think of trench play when they think of prospects out of Mississippi. With a couple of heavily recruited guys already, the state looks to live up to that reputation moving into the class of 2023. At the number 1 offensive line spot in our updated rankings, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/malik-ellis/">[player_tooltip player_id="106163" first="Malik" last="Ellis"]</a> reminds us a ton of another former Laurel offensive tackle product, Charles Cross. Coming out of high school in 2019, Cross was a long, wiry athletic frame with room to bulk and crisp technique. Almost perfectly, Ellis checks the same boxes. College strength and conditioning programs will add mass to Ellis and allow him to round out body wise and they should be capable of doing it without decreasing his athleticism. Quick feet combine well with length to set the edge from the tackle position. Fluid movement. Future SEC left tackle with interest galore. Behind Ellis at number 2 is Tupelo native, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zay-alexander/">[player_tooltip player_id="108897" first="Zay" last="Alexander"]</a>. The monstrous frame of the guard prospect makes it easy to understand his Power 5 projection. Knocking on the 6"7 350lb door, Alexander has more than enough size. His eventual playing body build at the next level will be interesting to keep track of. Good posture off the ball considering size. As can be imagined, strength is no issue. Moves well in space with his feet under him. Lots of raw potential here. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tanner-welch/">[player_tooltip player_id="108895" first="Tanner" last="Welch"]</a> of Northwest Rankin will be a prospect to keep tabs of as spring ball approaches. Currently holding an offer from Louisville, with plenty of Power 5 interest, Welch has potential to play a variety of positions across the front line. Welch has a next level build that is filled out and strong. Fires off ball with intensity in the run game and sets feet strong in pass protection. Welch plays with a grit and mean streak coveted in line play. Vastly under-recruited for the time being. Another name receiving Group of 5 offers that projects as an inside lineman is <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/luke-rogers/">[player_tooltip player_id="108896" first="Luke" last="Rogers"]</a> at Brandon. Rogers plays with some of the best competition in the state and is coached well. Good build that lacks a bit of length but produces. Production in all phases but best potential is with run game. Interesting o-line prospect to watch through the spring. <strong>Get Familiar With:</strong> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/malachi-breland/">[player_tooltip player_id="108898" first="Malachi" last="Breland"]</a> - Laurel - Tackle <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dequarious-white/">[player_tooltip player_id="108899" first="DeQuarious" last="White"]</a> - Holmes County Central - Guard/Tackle <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/bryson-kelley/">[player_tooltip player_id="108902" first="Bryson" last="Kelley"]</a> - Noxubee County - Guard/Tackle