Iowa Trench Series – Part 1

As my experience grows in college football recruiting, I have learned that finding quality offensive and defensive linemen is one of the most important tasks for college football programs looking to develop a championship-level program. The Iowa Trench Series intends to highlight some of the top linemen who are not only starring at the high school level but have the potential to lead college football programs to the upper echelon of their respective leagues and levels of competition. Here are some of the first linemen that I have identified as program-changing caliber athletes: (OL) Gunner Schmitz - 6’1, 230 - Harlan High School Gunner plays for one of the most prestigious high schools in the State of Iowa. His junior tape showcases an incredible get-off and drives when making contact with opposing defensive linemen. In addition, he has a scrappy pass protection style and a knack for keeping edge rushers away from the passer. After analyzing his junior year tape, I expect a big senior year out of Gunner. HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14666620/61c6286964df260434d3a1f0 (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id="104799" first="Logyn" last="Eckheart"] - 6’3, 260 - Glenwood High School After coming off of an impressive junior season in 2021, Logyn’s season highlights prove why he received All-State awards. Despite his large frame, Logyn does a great job of working in space and getting to the next-level defender. In addition, Logyn owns the line of scrimmage in the downhill run game and does a great job of driving defenders out of the play and finishing. As for his pass protection, Logyn’s best attribute is his ability to get his hands on the defender and maintains control as he protects the passer. Logyn uses his strength as a defensive lineman to own the line of scrimmage and disrupt the run game. In addition, he is a tenacious pass rusher who uses his size and speed to chase down quarterbacks and disrupt their progressions. Logyn is a unique athlete who excels at both offensive and defensive line. HUDL: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13189629/6175995af55fb70524fdec2a (OL) [player_tooltip player_id="24023" first="Kadyn" last="Proctor"] - 6’8,315 - Southeast Polk High School Not only does Kadyn have the build to play the next level, but he also has the talent to go along with it. To go along with his physicality, Kaden uses his strength pad level to move his opponents and own the line of scrimmage. In addition, his overall speed and tenacity make him a valuable tool in the screen game as he works to get to next-level defenders. With that said, pass protection is a well-polished aspect of Kadyn’s game. Kadyn’s highlights display success against several different types of pass rushes. In addition, he does a great job of using his feet to keep him in the proper position to keep his opponents from getting to the quarterback. Check out Kadyn’s highlights to see why he is one of the state’s most sought-after offensive linemen. HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10953120/5fd0329d9676b5078ccf80c8 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id="105139" first="Andrew" last="DePaepe"] - 6’5, 240 - Pleasant Valley High School Andrew has an impressive collection of highlights from the 2021 football season. He has a great combination of skills that allow him to cause problems for any opposing offensive linemen. In addition, his high motor allows him to be involved in plays no matter where they are on the field. Andrew’s most robust skill set is in his pass rush. He does a great job of using his hands to fight off offensive linemen and his speed to get to the quarterback and make plays in the backfield. Andrew also displays excellent strength and vision, which allows him to find the ball and get into the mix as quickly as possible. I look forward to seeing Andrew’s senior season play out in the upcoming year. Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14838126/Andrew-DePaepe/highlights