Tough in the Trenches: Class of 2024 OL

With 10 Offensive Linemen from the Class of 2024 in the Prep Redzone rankings, it is evident that there is great talent at the position. Here are five of those Offensive Linemen looking to have a great Junior season this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="284582" first="Mark" last="Nave"], 6’5, 325, Toledo Central Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="284582" first="Mark" last="Nave"] is the 4th ranked OL and the 35th ranked player overall in the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish to a 12-3 record, average 36.1 points per game and advance to the state quarterfinals. He plays as a RG. While run blocking, he uses his great play strength to overpower the DT at the point of attack and drives his man several yards off the ball creating a lane for the RB. He displays very good physical toughness as he finishes the block to the ground for a pancake. In pass pro, he keeps his feet moving and delivers a powerful punch to the frame of the DT and anchors well as he keeps the pocket clean. [player_tooltip player_id="284585" first="Rex" last="Lahr"], 6’3, 250, Pickerington North [player_tooltip player_id="284585" first="Rex" last="Lahr"] is the 7th ranked OL and the 44th ranked player overall in the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Pickerington North Panthers to a 9-4 record, average 23.5 points per game and advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs. He plays as a LT and RT. While run blocking, he shows very good athletic ability as he gets to the 2nd level quickly to block the LB and creates a lane for the RB. In pass pro, he plays with a good base as he sets up at a 45 degree angle. He displays good hands in his punch, timing and placement. He keeps his feet moving and wins with his very good athletic ability and physical toughness. [player_tooltip player_id="284816" first="Brendan" last="Keener"], 6’2, 270, Hilliard Darby [player_tooltip player_id="284816" first="Brendan" last="Keener"] is the 8th ranked OL and 59th ranked player in the class of 2024 overall. in 2021, he helped the Hilliard Darby Panthers to an 8-4 season, advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs and average 24.5 points per game. He plays as a RG and LG. While run blocking, he fires out low and generates movement at the point of attack against DT with his great play strength. He displays excellent physical toughness as he finishes the block to the ground for a pancake. In pass pro, he shows very good reactive athleticism as he locates the blitzing LB and overpowers his man with his play strength as he gives the QB a clean pocket to operate from. [player_tooltip player_id="284830" first="Nick" last="Johnson"], 6’2, 235, Marysville [player_tooltip player_id="284830" first="Nick" last="Johnson"] is the 9th ranked OL and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist for the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Marysville Monarchs to a 12-1 record, average 33 points per game and advance to the 4th round of the playoffs. He plays as a RG. While run blocking, he shows very good athletic ability and play speed as he pulls and quickly gets to the OLB. He then shows good play strength, leverage and use of hands as he blocks the OLB out of the play. In pass pro, he bends well and shows good strength in his hand punch negating the progress of the DT. [player_tooltip player_id="284827" first="Austin" last="DiNardo"], 6’2, 265, Pickerington Central [player_tooltip player_id="284827" first="Austin" last="DiNardo"] is the 10th ranked OL and is currently on the Prep Redzone watchlist for the class of 2024. In 2021, he helped the Pickerington Central Tigers to a 12-2 record, average 33.5 points per game and advance to the 4th round of the playoffs. He plays as a C. While run blocking, he plays at a good pad level, generates movement at the point of attack with his very good play strength and physical toughness. Shows good ability to finish the block to the ground. He also displays good lateral quickness as he quickly pulls through the hole on power runs.