2023 Offensive Linemen Turning Heads
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The 2023 class is going to be one of the best we’ve seen in some time. These guys we’re looking at today only add to the quality of the class. These guys can play and we’re taking a look at…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class is going to be one of the best we’ve seen in some time. These guys we’re looking at today only add to the quality of the class. These guys can play and we’re taking a look at what their futures may hold.
Aidan Duerig – Crown Point – OT – 6’6″ 305lbs
Duerig has a massive frame and is has the power to match. His hands are really powerful and they pack a punch. He’s able to blow guys off the ball with ease and everything comes naturally for him. For a guy who stands at 6’6″, he’s got decent bend and is a fairly decent athlete. He understands how to plant his feet and use them to keep himself dug in. He’s not going to be caught leaning too far forward and is only getting more confidence in his ability to withstand blitzes and rushes that force him to react quickly. In the run game, he’s able to get off the ball rather quickly and is almost always able to put his guy in the dirt. In the passing game, he’s able to set his feet, keep balance, and use his hands to fend off the rush. While I do think he needs some work with footwork and gaining depth when facing a speed rusher, that’s about it. Overall, he’s rather sound and doesn’t make mistakes, blocks his guy, and is always ready for the next down. The frame, strength, and natural abilities have given him a headstart against the competition. Duerig checks all the boxes and how far he goes is up to him and how hard he works at his craft.
De’Eric Mister De’Eric Mister 6'7" | 280 lbs | OL West Side | 2023 State IN – West Side – T – 6’8″ 280lbs
Mister has the frame you dream of. He’s very lengthy, powerful, and is just getting a grip of how good he can be. His arms give him an advantage on just about every down. His arms allow him to reach guys way before they can touch him. He’s strong enough to hold guys off in the passing game while keeping his balance, his hands inside, and his feet moving. There are times when speed rushers can give him some trouble, but if he’s able to work on getting proper depth, that’ll clean right up. In the run game, he’s able to finish. He’s going to put his guy in the ground and let them know about it after the rep. He’s got a good first step and his first punch with his hands are very powerful. He understands how to use his frame to his advantage and keep the leverage to win the rep. Mister is rather sound and he won’t get caught flat-footed or missing a block. He’s a true T and is only going to get better as he gets into college. The frame, raw abilities, and football IQ is there for him and schools are going to take notice. If he’s able to land in the right program, he’s going to be a key guy for his program.
Trevor Lauck Trevor Lauck 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL Roncalli | 2023 State IN – Roncalli – OL – 6’6″ 285lbs
Lauck is the kind of OL you need when you’re trying to make a statement in your room. If you need a nasty, gritty, in-your-face, finishing offensive lineman, you’ve got your guy. He’s going to show up every day and put the work in. He’s the kind of guy who will lead the room, lead by example, and show the right way. In the run game, the defender will end up on the ground with Lauck slamming himself on top for good measure. In the passing game, the defender isn’t going anywhere. Lauck keeps his hands inside, his feet properly planted and builds a wall. He’s off the ball really fast and his first punch is shocking to defenders. When they send him on the move, he’s going to wreck the defender he comes across. Bad things happen to defenders when Lauck is on the move. He’s a guy whose frame could easily become an NFL-type frame once he gets to college. He can do it all, he’s someone who can move around the line, and is only going to get better. I’m not sure where Lauck is going to end up, but wherever he goes, someone is going to be really happy.
David Jacobs – Fishers – G/C – 5’10″ 240lbs
Jacobs is a true interior guy who is able to figure out what’s going on in front of him before the ball is snapped. He’s smart, he’s able to help his teammates get adjusted if needed, and is a team-first guy. Wherever he lines up, he’s able to adjust quickly and make the change. He’s able to play Center or either Guard spot. His snap is smooth and is right in the QB’s stomach pretty much every time he snaps the ball. I do think right now Jacobs is a touch light and could bulk up, but it’ll come with time. Being a bit lighter has forced him to get more comfortable being bendy and flexible to win his reps. As he gets stronger, he’s only going to become more and more sound. In the run game, he’s off the ball fast and is typically able to win his rep. In the passing game, he’s able to set his feet, has good hand placement, and then knows how to hand off blocks to his Tackles. Jacobs is rather nimble and light on his feet. He’s arguably best when they put him on the move and have him be the lead blocker. Jacobs does a lot of things really well and checks a lot of boxes. If he’s able to develop and put the work in, he’ll be a nice contributor at the collegiate level wherever he lands.
Andrew Page Andrew Page 6'4" | 320 lbs | OL Noblesville | 2023 State IN – Noblesville – G/T – 6’4″ 320lbs
Page is a really versatile guy who plays on both sides of the ball. He lines up at DT and DE from time to time. He’s fast off the ball, strong, and is able to make plays. However, Page is best on the offensive side. He takes every rep like it’s his last. Each rep looks personal and he wants to dominate his guy. In the run game, he’s much more aggressive. He’s going to shoot off the ball, launch his hands, stay low, and try to finish his guy into the ground. In the passing game, there’s some work to do with his footwork and gaining depth. Some edge rushers can give him an issue from time to time. Once he gets his hands on the defender, the rep is over for that guy and they need to try again next down. Page’s feet are rather quick and he’s able to shift side to side easily. When he’s in his stance, there are times he tends to put his head down. That can become an issue if not cleaned up. While it’s not a major issue, in college that could be an issue. Page has also shown that he can be used as an eligible receiver and come off the line and catch the ball for a score. He’s a violent athlete who likes to make his presence known. Page is an exciting prospect who could easily develop into a good starter at the college level.