Top 5 Offensive Linemen in Northern WI

The Class of 2023 is loaded in the northern half of WI. The Top 5 has 4 members. Half of the honorable mentions are members of the Class of 2023. The Class of 2024 also is involved with one Top 5 member and half of the honorable mentions. I am very confident that the majority of the Top 5 will go D1, and the rest will be highly sought after D2 prospects. One of the Top 5 is already committed to the FBS level. Let’s dive into the group to see who that is, and what the rest have to offer. <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="146547" first="Thomas" last="Paasch"], ’23- Green Bay Southwest (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13020292/6179d40e32dc93037c07352b">Thomas’ Junior Highlights</a>)</strong> The #1 OL in northern WI is also the #1 OL in the Class of 2023. The 6’6" 295 lbs OT is also one of the first members of the Class of 2023 to make his decision and commit to a next level program. The University of Northern Illinois are the lucky ones to earn the services of Thomas for the next 4 years. I can’t wait to continue to follow the career of the talented lineman. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to watch him do his thing at the HS level for one more season. Congratulations on the commitment, Thomas! <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="104378" first="Brandt" last="Rice"], ’23- Wausau West (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12823932/6182b00b47982106281d218c">Brandt’s Junior Highlights</a>)</strong> Brandt has become one of my favorite players for the Class of 2023. He started his career as a TE before moving to OT in Wausau West’s run heavy offense. The big man has filled out at an elite rate as he now stands at 6’5" 285 lbs while still maintaining that TE athleticism. Rice is such a natural athlete. He runs 4.85 and jumps 31" in the vertical. On tape, you see that athleticism on display as he easily gets himself in position to always keep himself between the ball and the defender. He also is able to pull, reach block, and get to the second level. Brandt is still raw, but it is clear that the potential is there. The next level agrees as Rice holds 15 D1 offers to date. Check out the film. He is one of the top risers in the Class of 2023. <strong>3. </strong><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="267045" first="Mitch" last="Verstegen"], ’24- Kaukauna (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14746029/626ae157e97a280470286508">Mitch’s Sophomore Highlights</a>)</strong> The Class of 2024 is loaded at OL, and the best in northern WI is the Kaukauna athlete. Mitch looks to be next up for sophomores who could receive a D1 offer during the camp cycle, as I wrote about last week. The 6’4" 280 lbs youngster has been growing this offseason, and it is going to make him even more of a stud in the trenches this fall. His body control, and heavy hands highlight his run game strengths. Verstegen doesn’t get caught reaching, and when he lands his punch squarely in the defender’s chest it instantly creates movement in his favor. The breakout is coming. It might be this fall, or it might be this next month during camps. Keep an eye on him. <strong>4. </strong><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="304384" first="Ross" last="Rowland"], ’23- De Pere (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15569322/618c3bc84205db08dcbdf7e7">Ross’ Junior Season</a>)</strong> Next up we have what I believe to be the #1 center in the state. The De Pere OC checks in at 6’3" 295 lbs, and is back to back 1st Team All Conference at the center position. Ross does a great job of anchoring the OL. His stout play and strength in the pass game provides his QB with a strong pocket to step up into. That stoutness flips to athleticism in the run game as Rowland is an easy mover who can reach defenders or close quickly on second level players. Northern State and Mankato have already made offers to Ross for his services, and you can expect more to follow. I’m expecting to see Ross continue to climb his way up the rankings this fall. If you need center help it starts here in WI. <strong>5. </strong><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="300102" first="Cole" last="Stevens"], ’23- D.C. Everest (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13199494/617eee54ab92720910698691">Cole’s Junior Season</a>)</strong> Cole is another prospect who might not have elite height/weight measurables but he does have tools to make up for  it. Tools like a nearly 80" wingspan so he can get first contact. The First Team All Conference OL stands at 6’2" 286 lbs, and he has been putting in the work this offseason in the weight room. He also is a dual sport athlete, and has been dominating the throws at track &amp; field meets. on the gridiron, Cole is a light footed mauler in the run game. It is impressive to see how fast he launches out of his stance and runs his feet through his blocker. It allow shim to generate a big push. Stevens just recently earned an offer from Bemidji State. He has also received a lot of FCS interest. Big things on the horizon for Cole. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong></span> <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">[player_tooltip player_id="304409" first="Maverick" last="Kaminski"], ’23- River Falls: </strong><em>6’3" 260 lbs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304410" first="Noah" last="Peterson"], ’23- Marshfield: </strong><em>6’3" 250 lbs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="268944" first="Karson" last="Ernst"], ’24- Kaukauna: </strong><em>6’4" 290 lbs</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="268965" first="Milo" last="Upton"], ’24- De Pere: </strong><em>6’3" 250 lbs, 2nd Team All Conference</em>