Top Week 2 OL Performances
In this article:
Offenses can only be as successful as their offensive line units. Those five student athletes have a direct impact on the outcome of games. Their ability to work together, and do their job correlate to the game results more times…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOffenses can only be as successful as their offensive line units. Those five student athletes have a direct impact on the outcome of games. Their ability to work together, and do their job correlate to the game results more times than not. Today, I am going to go through several offensive linemen whose Week Two film I have come across and been impressed by. Each one of these athletes have the talent to play at some level of college football. Lets check out some offensive trench monsters!
The 6’4″ 255 lbs right tackle is taking advantage of Sun Prairie split. He was previously on the watch list due to no film, and with the split the junior is now a starting lineman. Jon is looking solid in his first action as well. The big man does a solid job of maintaining a wide base while getting himself in position to pick up his block. He has sufficient range that allows him to get to the second level. Morina also did a good job of keeping his hands inside. Where I’m looking for him to take his next step over the rest of his career is in the power category. I want to see his ability to anchor against bull rushers, and ability to overpower in the run game take the next step. That will really round out his game, and make him a D2 level prospect.
Highlights
The 5’10” 235 lbs center is held back by his size, but he has some traits that could intrigue a D3 program. Lucas had a good week in Week Two of holding his ground at center and setting up a secure pocket for his QB in the passing game. Barby’s anchor is his top trait. In the run game, Lucas is at his bet hen he can attack straight ahead and win with leverage and double teams. When asked to play laterally he loses some power, so he will need to go into a power scheme that gives him those opportunities.
Highlights
Michael Roeske
Michael Roeske
The 6’7″ left tackle is an under the radar sophmoroe. Thanks to some impressive traits I don’t expect him to stay under the radar for long. The left tackle is surprisingly athletic. He has the range to get to the second level, each contain defenders, and pull across the formation to lead out in space. Michael is very raw at the left tackle position, and he has work to do with his technique. I also want to see the same nasty mentality on offense that shows up on defense so he can use his size and strength to move the line of scrimmage downfield and finish his blocks. The potential is very high for the athletically built OT/DE. He is a must know for the Class of 2025 here in WI.
It is quick film, but it is great to see that Gunnar has clips showing that he has been working on his craft, and taking his game to the next level. The 6’6″ 300 lbs right tackle has the strength to play at the college level. Once he gets his hands clamped onto the inside of his defender’s chest plate, Gunnar is able to easily get a push off the ball, steer and control, and finish his blocks to the ground. He has also made some improvements in his body control. There are still moments where Hanson gets caught overreaching, but it has improved. That body control really shines in his pass protection where he is patient, moves his feet smoothly and lightly, and uses his superior strength to stop pass rushers when they bull rush. Gunnar is an under the radar prospect in the senior class. He definitely has D2 talent.
Highlights
Karson has made noticeable improvement from his solid sophomore season. The 6’3″ 290 lbs left guard’s strength shines on every snap of his highlights. His punch power and heavy hands along with his lower leg drive led to him resetting the line of scrimmage 3+ yards downfield. His lower body technique is improved over his ’21 season. He does a more consistent job of playing with a wide base allowing him to maximize his power. He also looks stout in pass protection. As soon as he sets his anchor it is over for IDL. A great start to Ernst’s junior campaign.
Tanner Johnson
Tanner Johnson
Right off the bat, Tanner has a good frame and overall size at 6’4″ 260 lbs. He looks like he could definitely hold another 20+ lbs, as well as continue to swap out body fat for muscle. Tanner is experienced all along the OL, and in his Week Two highlights alone you see him at guard and tackle. I project him as a guard at the next level because he relies on his power over finesse and ability to slide and mirror defenders. He is far more effective when he can get hands on and either set his anchor, or walk defenders off the ball in to the second level and into the ground. Johnson is going to be one of the top debuting athletes when I update the 2024 rankings at the end of the season.
The 6’1″ 280 lbs senior lineman is one of the top D3 linemen prospects. I’m a fan of his range, proving he can get to the second level and land key blocks on LBs. I’m also impressed with ability to get proper leverage in his blocks whether single or double team. That ability to position himself is only going to be more valuable as he continues to increase his upper and lower body strength. The starting right tackle has an offer from UW- River Falls.