The Five: #TN2023 Best Pass Protectors
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The 2023 in-state O-line class is the best we have had in Tennessee for quite some time, including several guys who could be showcased at tackle on the next level as premier pass protectors. “The Five” looks at the guys…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 in-state O-line class is the best we have had in Tennessee for quite some time, including several guys who could be showcased at tackle on the next level as premier pass protectors.
“The Five” looks at the guys who are the best at blocking the blind side and keeping their quarterbacks clean. These five are all legit Power Five, D1 talents that will bring a lot of value to their college teams once they arrive on campus next year.
1. (OT/G) Brycen Sanders Brycen Sanders 6'6" | 285 lbs | OL Baylor School | 2023 State TN (6’6 290) – Baylor School
– The top offensive lineman in this state is Sanders and a big reason why is because of his pass protecting abilities. The biggest trait of all for this Chattanooga area lineman is his versatility but he is definitely the best pass protector from the in-state 2023 class. Tall and long with a big radius and excellent feet, Sanders is a technique sound O-lineman that knows how to use his lower base to get in prime position while also using his hands to stave off pass rushers. Sanders has the potential and talents to play left tackle on the Power Five level and beyond. He is currently down to a Top 4 in recruiting with LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Tennessee leading the way and whoever lands this East Tennessee product will be getting an ultimate worker with high end talent and character.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13014673/61913d6519af220ca8c6fb0c
2. (OT/G) Joe Crocker Joe Crocker 6'6" | 310 lbs | OL FRA | 2023 State TN (6’6 305) – Franklin Road Academy
– Crocker is one of the Top 20 best talents from the in-state 2023 class and he is placed there for a reason. This Middle Tennessee area lineman is one of the better workers and technique sound guys we have in the trenches and he is far from reaching his maximum capabilities. Crocker has had a big offseason thus far where he has vastly improved his lower base, especially his feet while shedding some of that baby weight and forming his frame much better. He has the versatility to possibly play left tackle but could definitely handle the right side or slide to the interior at guard. Many big programs across the country are after Crocker and few more good join the fold pretty soon. This guy is a big time talent that will provide a lot of value to his future college football team.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11984592/613e91f6041d6b0b64f49ce6
3. (OT/G) Brandon Solis Brandon Solis 6'8" | 275 lbs | OL Lipscomb Acad. | 2023 State TN (6’8 260) – Lipscomb Academy
– This guy could have as much upside as any offensive lineman from the in-state 2023 class and he is still learning the game and developing his craft, so watch out! Solis is a large young man with a great frame to mold and pack on more weight along with an athletic, mobile lower base that fits very well at left tackle. The Mustangs rising senior has the tools and physical traits to develop into a premier pass protector on the college level with more work on his craft and additional weight. College coaches have noticed these abilities, that’s why he holds multiple Power Five offers and sits within the Top 20 of the current #TN2023 PrepRedZone Tennessee rankings.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13800263/6151e57f3864190960b3ebfb
4. (OT/G) Caleb Dorris Caleb Dorris 6'6" | 265 lbs | OL Ensworth | 2023 State TN (6’6 265) – Ensworth
– After a breakout junior season where Dorris became the team’s starting left tackle, this Ensworth O-lineman is starting to pick up steam on the recruiting trail and it’s due to his size and athleticism that screams potential on the next level. This long and long Tigers lineman sports a lot of traits that fits very well for the left tackle position and someone that can block the quarterback’s blind side. He has a very mobile lower base, including active, quick feet that shows on film his ability to keep up with pass rushers. Dorris is still developing his craft and his body but the tools are there to see this guy possibly add Power Five offers down the road and become one of the better pass protectors from the in-state ‘23 class.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16211657/61d5c1d38cde700a6cc313c9
5. (OT/G) Eli Freeman Eli Freeman 6'5" | 285 lbs | OL Lebanon | 2023 State TN (6’5 285) – Lebanon
– This guy is a hidden gem and a lineman that you want on the line and in your locker room because he brings a lot of value for protection up front and a leader inside the huddle. Freeman is the ultimate worker that constantly works on his craft and has seriously put in the work this offseason to develop his body and increase his athleticism. The Blue Devils rising senior has dedicated himself this year to enhancing everything about himself to reach the Division 1 level, especially his body weight and lower half athleticism. Freeman is technique sound and knows how to compete against top talent. He could develop at left tackle but most definitely can handle the right side or slide inside to guard. Look out for Freeman to break out during summer camp season in a few months and become a much wanted D1 man.
Junior Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14203678/613427d1345312085c737f88
Others Considered: (OT/G) Luke Brown Luke Brown 6'6" | 305 lbs | OL Henry Co. | 2023 State TN – Henry Co., (C/G) Cal Grubbs Cal Grubbs 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Maryville | 2023 State TN – Maryville, (OT/G) Tyler Bell Tyler Bell 6'3" | 295 lbs | OL Lausanne | 2023 State TN – Lausanne, (OT/G) Luke Needham Luke Needham 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL Houston | 2023 State TN – Houston, (OT/G) George Steih George Steih 6'5" | 265 lbs | OL Franklin-Grace | 2023 State TN – Franklin-Grace