Five 4A/3A Offensive Linemen to Watch this Fall
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Sam Keen Sam Keen 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR – Marist Pure upside wise, unmatched. As a sophomore the raw power and strength Keen already possesses was on full display, as he rarely was…
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Continue ReadingSam Keen Sam Keen 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR – Marist
Pure upside wise, unmatched. As a sophomore the raw power and strength Keen already possesses was on full display, as he rarely was physically outmatched in playing either defensive or offensive line and dominated some of the states best on the highest of stages. His agility is above average for a player of his size, and with general athletic maturing with age he could be the leading candidate for 4A lineman of the year this fall. The frame is there for Keen to end up a D1 guy after he wraps up his high school career in 2024.
Dominic Nacoste Dominic Nacoste 6'3" | 250 lbs | DL Estacada | 2023 State OR – Estacada
Not the quickest off the ball, but almost impossible to stop once the wheels are turning. A fantastic fit for Estacada’s option scheme, Nacoste is one of the states best—regardless of classification—in blocking first level defenders. Even against larger and stronger opponents, Nacoste is regularly able to move the line of scrimmage based off leg drive alone. Nacoste and his teammate Cody White Cody White 6'7" | 260 lbs | OL Estacada | 2023 State OR will likely be in the three man race with Sam Keen Sam Keen 6'3" | 290 lbs | OL Springfield | 2024 State OR for state lineman of the year.
Cody White Cody White 6'7" | 260 lbs | OL Estacada | 2023 State OR – Estacada
One of the most aggressive linemen available in Oregon high school football. White regularly puts linebackers on the ground not just from brute strength but the speed brought with it. Mass and acceleration together make force, and nobody in small school football brings more force to their blocks than White. A pure people-mover, and a scary one at that.
Ethan Hedgecock – Dayton
Hedgecock is huge for a 3A lineman. Undoubtedly the best down blocker in the classification, and surprisingly agile for a player of his size. The best play in Dayton’s offense this fall might be the weak side toss to Hedgecock’s side with him pulling, considering there isn’t a corner or outside linebacker in the state that can hold up with him physically. If he gets his hands on you, regardless of what position you’re playing or how big you are, it’s over. His recruitment has picked up pace in recent months, and with a strong showing in the first couple weeks of the regular season that could become even more pronounced.
Tom Riley – Coquille
Riley is a leading candidate for 3A lineman of the year, and for good reason. Quickness off the ball, drives through contact, and raw strength few at the 3A classification can compete with make him one of the states toughest matchups on the line of scrimmage. Purely, the most aggressive lineman in small school football. Surprisingly, Riley is a fairly natural pass blocker despite playing in a wing-t offense, and showed in spurts last fall some serious collegiate potential. If nothing else, the regularity of Riley making all-state caliber linemen look second rate should garner some attention this fall.