Big Men in the Big Apple: Offensive Linemen to watch in 2023
From high school to Pros have put an emphasis on the highlights of quarterbacks making dynamic throws, wide receivers making amazing catches in the end zone or even running backs sprinting and dancing out of the backfield. None of this…
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Continue ReadingFrom high school to Pros have put an emphasis on the highlights of quarterbacks making dynamic throws, wide receivers making amazing catches in the end zone or even running backs sprinting and dancing out of the backfield. None of this would be possible without the big men upfront. There are 5 big men on the field that initiate every play on the field. They are the immovable wall that protects our QBs, blocks and opens running lanes for the running back, and snap the ball for any and every play on the field to come alive. Far too often are big men are overlooked, but of the 11 on the field, these 5 are the most important.
When you think of offense lineman, what states would you most associate the position to be recruited from? Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Kentucky, Alabama? What if I told you that the Empire State has the size, strength, and skill to win the war in the trenches. Here are 5 of New York’s Offensive lineman to watch out for in the 2023 season. In this post we will focus on the New York Catholic High School Football League (NYCHSFL) Division.
Tackle, Guard: Jorge Ruiz Jorge Ruiz 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Iona Prep | 2023 State NY , Iona Prep
As we take a dive into the offensive line talent in New York Catholic High School football league, it is impossible not to notice the big men for the league’s 2021 Champions, Iona Prep. At 6’4 265 pounds, Jorge Ruiz Jorge Ruiz 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Iona Prep | 2023 State NY gives relentless effort in both the run and pass game of this prolific offense. Jorge, class of 2023, lines up on the right side of the ball and can play both tackle and guard. He is a critical factor for this teams success and dominates defenders to give time for Anjani Sheppard who leads all QBs in completion percentage to make plays. Jorge is consistent athlete with great football instincts, who is the lead block in most play calls such as play action roll outs and designed runs. He is often pulled in play action and can get to the 2nd level quickly to dominate defenders. Iona preps offense is something spectacular to watch but in watching the highlights of their dynamic offense, Ruiz is the guy who is mostly seen driving his man down into the ground play after play.
Right tackle: Thierry Hargrave-Felix, Moore Catholic
For our next lineman we travel to Staten Island where Moore Catholic’s right tackle Thierry Hargrave-Felix dominates even the best of edge rushers. Moore Catholic’s offense ranks top 10 in there league and top 5 in passing, this is a sure compliment to the big men up front and at 6’6 280 pounds it is easy to spot the reason their quarterback and skill players time to make plays. Thierry shows incredible strength for his size. He is able to turn and steer players out of the play and even though he towers over most due to his height he shows great leverage and bend to keep his man in front of him. Thierry shows a very high ceiling and with his size and skill set, he shows great potential to play at the next level. The 2023 senior will be an exciting one to watch during his final year.
Tackle: Christopher O’Halloran-Gannon, Xavier High School
Speaking of excitement, we must turn to Xavier High School in New York City. Captain and face of student athletics towers Christopher O’Halloran-Gannon at 6’5 260 pounds. This versatile athlete is a consistent playmaker on both offensive and defensive line. Primarily his size, explosion and speed is used to completely eliminate defenders at both the first and second levels, opening running lanes for an offense that ranks among the top ten in the CHSFL. He shows excellent bend and mobility for a young man his size. He explodes great off the line, shows great hand skills and wins his leverage battles by a large margin. Christopher has been an exciting player to watch and along with the hard work and discipline of being a student athlete in this league we can expect him to be an even more dominate presence for his 2022-2023 senior year.
Center/Guard: Ryan Diaz, Archbishop Stepinac High School
Blocking for the no. 2 passing offense in the entire league, ASHS, comes 2024 class lineman, Ryan Diaz. Ryan shows his versatility playing snaps at guard and center. Watching Ryan on film it is easy to see why he is a key part to his team’s success. At 6’0 300 pounds he shows amazing body control, keeps his feet within his frame, and has the strength to stonewall defenders from entering the backfield. Along with his physical and mental toughness, he shows a high ceiling for growth.
Guard/Center: Christian Olivia, St. Anthony’s High School
2023 class offensive lineman Christian Olivia is an athlete any coach would love to have on their team. The 6’3 288 pound guard shows incredible strength and explosion in neutralizing his defenders. He is a versatile athlete who has also had great success in track and field as a thrower finishing third in CHSAA weight throw. Christian, like all of our highlighted athletes above shows amazing talent on the football field, dominating defenders while excelling the rigors of their catholic school studies. These student athletes are all the complete packages to play at the next level and we are excited to watch a breakout 2022-2023 season seal that fate for these young men and give the fans exciting football to look forward to this fall.