Under The Radar: Offensive Line – 2024

As we continue with the <em>Under The Radar </em>series, we circle back to the most important position group on the field - the offensive line. While it was tough to narrow down the list, here are the three offensive linemen from the class of 2024 who I feel are deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail. <strong>Under the Radar Offensive Linemen</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="143637" first="Peyton" last="Knoebel"], Ralston Valley Mustangs (OL)(So.)(72) - Knoebel is going relatively under-appreciated on the recruiting trail considering he has the requisite frame for an interior offensive lineman (6’3, 265 lbs), production, and tape to match. When you watch Knoebel on film, you can see he displays an outstanding ability to fire out of his stance with a low pad level and routinely drives through contact with the opposing defender. Displays great hand strength, placement, and technique at the point of attack with the opposing defender. Great understanding of how to maintain a half man relationship with the initial defender when working to the 2nd and 3rd levels on combo blocks. Shows good athleticism when being asked to pull and seal the edge on boundary defenders. Displays good lateral agility and short-area quickness in pass protection to work against quicker defensive lineman. Displays an elite ability to anchor against bull rushes from bigger/stronger defensive lineman. Versatile interior offensive line prospect that has experience playing both guard spots as well as center at a high level. All things considered, it’s fairly surprising to see that Knoebel hasn’t garnered more attention in recruiting circles. He fits the mold of a prototypical interior offensive linemen at the collegiate level and will be a fun player to watch develop over the next two seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="143636" first="Matthew" last="Jennings"], Pine Creek Eagles (OL)(So.)(53) - Jennings is another offensive line prospect that, much like Knoebel, has the requisite frame (6’3, 250 lbs), production, and tape you would want to see from a top-flight, interior offensive line prospect. When you watch Jennings on tape, the first thing that jumps out about him is his incredible length for his frame, as he has very long arms that allow him to win with his initial hand placement out of his stance before the opposing defensive lineman has a chance to make contact with his hands. Displays excellent balance and a low pad level at the point of attack that allows him to consistently overpower defenders while run blocking both gap and zone calls. Athletic enough in pass protection with enough lateral agility and short-area quickness to matchup well against quicker defensive lineman. Displays great lower body and core strength that allows him to effectively anchor against bull rushes from most opposing defensive linemen. Versatile offensive lineman that, remarkably, has experience playing every position on the offensive line except right tackle while also maintaing a high level of play at every position. Currently projects as more of an interior offensive lineman collegiately, but could move into a tackle role if he continues to grow. Jennings is, in my mind, one of the more dominant and well-rounded lineman in the class of 2024. He’ll be an interesting prospect to watch through his prep career and beyond. [player_tooltip player_id="216202" first="Ryder" last="Smith"], Castle View Sabercats (OL)(So.)(55) - Smith is a player who is plenty talented, especially at this stage in his career. With that being said, however, it makes sense why Smith might not be receiving a ton of attention on the recruiting trail, as he is probably considered undersized for his position by some in the recruiting world (6’0, 235 lbs). Despite this, however, it’s quickly apparent how talented Smith is when you put on his film as the first thing that stands out is his excellent explosiveness out of his stance when run blocking. Highly athletic offensive lineman that can quickly work his combo and dual blocks to the 2nd and 3rd levels. His athleticism also allows him to pull on zone calls, allowing him to quickly seal the edge of the running lane for the ball carrier. Great lateral agility, a low center-of-gravity, and a low pad level at the point of attack allow him to easily maintain balance when making contact with the defender. Deceptive strength at the point of attack allows him to consistently get underneath the opposing defenders pads and drive them several yards into the defensive backfield after contact. Aggressive, high motor offensive lineman that plays with an edge and consistently maintains his physical level of play through the whistle. While Smith might be considered undersized by some in the recruiting world, he is a very talented player who’s game should continue to grow over the next two years of his prep career. If Smith can hit a growth spurt, expect a jump in his recruiting rankings as well.