Top 2023 Class O-Lineman to Watch for Next Season
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As much as we want to believe that the Quarterback position is the most significant factor in having an efficient offense, a quarterback would not be able to make a play without the protection from his offensive line. The guard…
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Continue ReadingAs much as we want to believe that the Quarterback position is the most significant factor in having an efficient offense, a quarterback would not be able to make a play without the protection from his offensive line. The guard position plays a significant role in protecting the quarterback and producing space for any player running with the football. Today, we are going to look at some of the top 2023-Class Offensive Lineman to keep our eye on for the upcoming fall 2022 season.
Trevon Alexander Trevon Alexander 6'7" | 345 lbs | OL North Hardin | 2023 State KY | 6-7, 340lbs | North Hardin High School
To any player blitzing towards Trevon, all they would see is them running into a brick wall. Trevon is ruthless in the guard position, bulldozing any DT or LB attempting to get past him. This kid is really special as with his size and strength, he can take on multiple defenders at once with little to no problem. Although he may be slow on his feet, he has a chance to tread faster when guarding the quarterback in his upcoming senior season. On another note, most NFL o-linemen weigh around 315lbs, and considering Trevon is 6’7″ and 340lbs in only his Junior season is mind-blowing and horrifying for any defense to have to think about.
Braden Boling Braden Boling 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Daviess County | 2023 KY | 6-3, 300lbs | Daviess County High School
Braden makes a good example of a flexible guard. In other words, the 6’3 tackle makes it incredibly difficult for a blitz to get past him due to his ability to create space for the runner and be able to contain any outside defensive threat. Unlike other O-linemen, Boling can tread off his feet quicker and be able to keep up with the ball-carrier to maintain a block. Keep an eye out for him this upcoming season to see how much quicker he can get off and going when the ball is past the line of scrimmage.
Preston Crosley Preston Crosley 6'7" | 290 lbs | OL Daviess County | 2023 State KY | 6-6, 275lbs | Daviess County High School
Like his Daviess counterpart Braden, Preston is another flexible offensive tackle who can slow down the blitzing defense and also facilitate spacing on the open field for the ball-carrier. A key takeaway when watching Preston play tackle is that he is efficient at blocking with his hands as opposed to his size. Although he may be a big lineman, look to watch Preston using only his hands to block the opposing defenders in this upcoming fall season.
Bracken Castle Bracken Castle 6'2" | 235 lbs | OL Whitley County | 2023 KY | 6-2, 235lbs | Barbourville Knox Central High School
Although he may be the smallest OL on this list, don’t let his size deceive you! Bracken moves like a tank and bulldozes any defensive tackle trying to reach the quarterback. Castle inherits a lot of his body coordination by also playing on the varsity wrestling team. This can be seen on film when he is easily able to deflect off a hit by a defensive tackle and use that leverage to push that defender to the ground. If he continues to work on his craft in wrestling, do not be surprised if Bracken is seen as one of the premier tackles to watch for in the State of Kentucky.
Kyin Lewis Kyin Lewis 6'1" | 260 lbs | OL Mason County | 2023 KY | 6-1, 260lbs | Mason County High School
Kyin Lewis Kyin Lewis 6'1" | 260 lbs | OL Mason County | 2023 KY has most of the traits any textbook Offensive linemen would possess. However, the trait that stands out the most for Kyin is his peripheral vision. Watching his highlights, Kyin can see the whole field all at once to prevent any threat of an opposing tackle to put pressure on the quarterback. Kyin would fit well in any offensive line where it would not matter whether you placed him as a guard or as tackle, he would still get the main objective done which is to protect his QB. Along with that, this also shows Kyin is willing to give his blood, sweat, and tears to protect the QB which is extremely valuable for any offense to work efficiently.