Providence Offensive Line Key to Big Season

As we continue our series of previews, we’ll look to one of the biggest schools in the state, one that seems to be on the upswing. Providence, led by head coach Weslee Ward, surprised a lot of people during last year’s spring season, taking home a share of the conference title. The Panthers took a slight step back against a brutal 2021 Fall non-conference schedule. This year provides a chance for the Panthers to continue their upward trajectory. <strong>The Stars</strong> It starts in the trenches for the Panthers, who have perhaps the largest offensive line in the state. Left to right, the line is stacked. The top prospect is future Power Five talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="44985" first="Connor" last="Drake"]</strong>, a hulking 6-foot-6, 315-pounder. Incredibly, he possesses average size compared to the rest of his unit, a group that is big, talented and nasty. While Drake gets the accolades, fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="162693" first="Marc" last="Tomljanovic"] </strong>is another guy that could go Division 1 (Or even to an Ivy). The defensive line isn’t too shabby itself, but more on that in a second. One of the biggest headline for the Panthers is the decision to move slot receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50901" first="Luke" last="Bailey"]</strong> to running back. He has the size and is electric with the ball in his hands, which is part of the why behind his position change. He’s one of the top slot prospects in the state, especially because he knows how to use his body. I haven’t seen him much at running back but I have to believe that his skills translate well. Defensively, watch out for safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="374354" first="Logan" last="McIlveen"]</strong>. A hard-hitting, versatile safety, McIlveen is comfortable both inside and outside of the box and provides big play after big play for the Panther defense. McIlveen will contribute on both sides of the ball, as he’ll see action at receiver this year as well. <strong>The Role Players</strong> While there are some questions in the passing game, the Panthers do have some proven options at receiver. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="196814" first="Anthony" last="Tandoh"] </strong>provides a speedy option on the outside while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="377179" first="Reid" last="Herring"] </strong>is a strong route runner that will provide a reliable option underneath. Defensively, the linebacker group is quietly one of the better ones in the state. Led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126931" first="Billy" last="Wilkes"]</strong>, it’s a fast group that gets downfield in a hurry. They move sideline-to-sideline and play well in pass coverage too. As strong as Wilkes is on one side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="377178" first="John" last="Brooks"] </strong>is just as strong on the other. While Wilkes excels more in coverage, Brooks is a strong pass rusher. Senior defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="377185" first="Chima" last="Onukogu"] </strong>is a strong run defender and flashes ability as a pass rusher, giving the Panthers strength in the middle. Similarly to how Onukogu holds a strong defensive line together from the middle, offensive guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="377192" first="Cash" last="Topinka"] </strong>anchors the offensive line. He’s huge and among the strongest players in the state. No doubt that this team will go as its lines go. <strong>The Breakout Candidates</strong> Though it’s early, it seems that senior <strong>Cade Kendall </strong>has secured the starting quarterback position. He’s got the talent and he could be a guy that breaks out later in his career. Similarly, transfer athlete <strong>Chase McShane</strong> will have an opportunity to contribute this season. If he starts strong, he’ll earn a bigger role. <strong>The Bottom Line</strong> There are experience questions in the passing game and at the skill positions, but the Panthers will have an elite offensive line. With some time to gel in non-conference, the offense could be clicking by conference play. The defense is stout, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Providence win the conference this season.