Under The Radar Charlotte Offensive Linemen To Watch
In this article, we take a look at offensive linemen stepping into the spotlight at programs across the city of Charlotte. Charlotte has become the premier area in the state of North Carolina when it comes to producing a large…
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Continue ReadingIn this article, we take a look at offensive linemen stepping into the spotlight at programs across the city of Charlotte. Charlotte has become the premier area in the state of North Carolina when it comes to producing a large volume of college players, and these players hope to jump on the radar of college coaches this upcoming season.
Eric Ford – Mallard Creek – Class of 2023 – At 6’3 and 290 pounds, Ford looks like a classic prototypical power guard that can be the strength of an offensive line – especially when it comes to running the football. Ford has some excellent footwork and drive on down blocks and is a masher with multiple pancakes on film in those scenarios. He is also stout at the point of attack when going against defensive tackles in a pass-rushing situation.
Cash Topinka – Providence – Class of 2024 – An all-conference player as a sophomore, he’s 6’2 and 315 pounds and plays in a run-first offense for the Panthers. His film shows 3 main strengths – his excellent ability to blow people straight off the ball, an ability to cross block with tackles – he plays guard primarily – and it shows his ability to long pull and fold on a linebacker and absolutely plow him out of the way for his running back. He also is very strong at the point of attack and shows awareness to pick up blitzes/stunts very well.
Bryce Lofton – Chambers – Class of 2023 – Bryce is a big, strong power guard at 6’3 and 360 pounds, and his film shows his strengths – he clears out big holes in the inside zone game against defensive tackles in his assigned gap, leading to big gains over and over again. Defenses then started to play fronts to leave him uncovered, and he showed good footwork in climbing to the 2nd level and cutting off much faster linebackers in those schemes, which was impressive. Bryce also does a good job on the pass protection front against defensive linemen that make the mistake in trying to bull rush him head-on.
Gavin Major – Charlotte Christian – Class of 2024 – Played left tackle for a very good program as a sophomore and played well! 6’4 and 260 pounds, Gavin has room to grow and add more weight to his frame over the next two years. He has excellent footwork in both the run game and passing game – Christian ran a lot of outside zone, and Gavin’s steps and aiming points are well executed on those running plays. I love how he uses his hands in pass protection as well – his hands are consistently on the inside frame of the defender and he moves his feet and mirrors movement at a very good level. Well coached and he takes coaching very well!