Class of ‘23 Breakdown: Offensive Linemen

In this fifth Class of ’23 Breakdown we’ll be taking a look at a position group that is a fan favorite at every level of football. This upcoming senior class has a strong group of hogs in it. Not only toward the top of the rankings, but throughout. Here’s a look at four that are primed to flourish during the ’22 campaign, and could intrigue some recruiters along the way. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="237194" first="Jacob" last="Carver"]</strong> – Rossville, 6’2”, 290 Starting us off is one of the recent additions from the December update. Carver was welcomed into the Class of ’23 rankings as the 14^th ranked offensive linemen and the 108^th ranked prospect overall. The young man had himself a breakout year during the ’21 season. After having a limited role as a nose guard in 2020, Carver elevated his game and became a <em>1^stTeam All-State</em> and <em>All-League</em> player as a junior. One thing coaches at the next level will like about Carver is that he knows how to win. He’s now been a part of two state title teams, and played a significant role this past season at right tackle. Some things that stood out from his film were his explosiveness on pulling plays, and his ability to get to the second level. Carver fires off the ball and can quickly get his body moving upfield. He also displays a good understanding of what his assignment is while combo blocking. https://twitter.com/jacarver34486/status/1470135224210235398?s=21 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="122940" first="Cole" last="Gilliland"]</strong> – Hoisington, 6’2”, 255 Gilliland is going to head into the ’22 campaign as one of the more accomplished two-way linemen from Class 2A. During his junior year he was the right tackle on an offensive line that helped manufacture over 3,400 yards on the ground, which helped Hoisington finish the year with an 8-2 record. Gilliland’s play over the last two seasons has earned him back-to-back <em>2A All-State Honorable Mention </em>selections. Being a lineman in a flexbone style offense means two things. One, you have to fly off the ball, and two, you have to quickly execute your assignment in order for a play to be successful. Gilliland does both of these things at a high level. He also does a good job being the lower man in the trenches, and is aggressive when shooting his hands. https://twitter.com/colegilliland1/status/1458631183571501062?s=21 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="254418" first="Terrance" last="Saunders II"]</strong> – Blue Valley West, 6’4”, 275 After a solid junior season, the 2022 campaign could be a breakout year for Saunders II. He played an important role for the Jaguars last season, as he helped protect [player_tooltip player_id="209265" first="Gage" last="Roach"]’s blind side against some tough competition, and assisted in producing over 2,100 yards rushing. The 16^th ranked offensive linemen would be recognized for his play and took home an <em>All-EKL Honorable Mention</em> nod. Saunders has the makeup of a potential D-I FCS or D-II left tackle. He displays good lateral quickness, as he’s able to get out and seal off defenders on the edge. In addition to this, Saunders proved he could neutralize edge rushers in pass protection. He’d keep his feet moving and used his reach to keep defenders at a distance. https://twitter.com/tsaunders55/status/1470896561643208709?s=21 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="253894" first="Spencer" last="Davis"]</strong> – Shawnee Mission North, 6’4”, 265 Davis is a prospect that might be flying under the radar for now, but don’t sleep on him during the ’22 season. Despite North’s struggles this past year, Davis managed to standout and was arguably their best offensive linemen. He was rewarded for his efforts, as he went on to take home a <em>6A All-State Honorable Mention</em> nod and a <em>2^nd Team All-Sunflower League</em> selection. Davis is the second right tackle in this piece that is a product of the flexbone. He is one of the more athletic hogs in this class and has some explosiveness to his game. Davis is good about firing off low and exploding up, and then driving the opposition back. His hand placement is also impressive, as Davis is consistent about shooting his hands inside of a defender’s chest plate.