Offensive Linemen Analysis: Midseason
In this article:
We are past the midway point of the 2022 season. With five weeks down, it is time to check in on several of the top OL prospects from across the ’23-’26 graduating classes. I went through the rankings of every…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are past the midway point of the 2022 season. With five weeks down, it is time to check in on several of the top OL prospects from across the ’23-’26 graduating classes. I went through the rankings of every Class, picked out at least one athlete that I haven’t reviewed the film of this season, and am going to do just that today. I did this same thing after Week 2, and we will do it again in a couple weeks. Today’s group of seven is a special one. Let’s get into it!
The 6’5″ 280 lbs senior lineman looks, and plays the part of a D1 offensive lineman. Zack has devastating, unfair power. His initial punches are more than enough to send defenders into the dirt. His hands are firmly in the argument for heaviest in his recruiting class. Mlsna makes it look easy to move his big frame laterally, and when attacking the second level. There is so much raw potential in the standout LT. With further coaching he could develop those tools into an impact player at the D1 level. Zack currently holds a plethora of D2 offers, and a PWO from the Badgers. He is one of the best uncommitted players in the state.
Highlights
The 6’6″ 285 lbs senior lineman has made impressive strides since his junior season. The most noticeable jump is in his body control. Last year he was a big body that would get caught reaching or overextending. That has drastically improved. Now, we see a lineman who is patient, moves his feet, and doesn’t rely too much on his length to initiate contact. That body control has maximized his strength. He is able to get defenders in close, and drive them off the ball or down the line. Hewston has earned multiple D2 offers, and a D1 offer from South Dakota. More to come.
Neenah has fielded a dominant rushing attack this season, and a key part is the play of guard Blake Dietzen Blake Dietzen 6’3″ | 250 lbs | OL Neenah | 2023 State WI . The 6’3″ 245 lbs lineman is an impressive run blocker. He fires out of his stance with impressive burst. That burst gets him on his defender before they can make a move to avoid or gain separation. Once he clamps on Blake does a great job of keeping a wide base and drives them out of the gap. Dietzen is also a very impactful player in the pulling game. He gets to the trap man and clears him out before they realize it was a trap. Blake will make a solid rise in the rankings from his current Watch List position. Check this kid out.
The 6’5” 230 lbs LT is an intriguing prospect. He is going to be a big riser during our postseason rankings update. His frame is primed to fill out, and turn Michael into a must have recruit. Kern’s technique is well developed. Hands inside, wide base, stays well balanced. He also has the strength to create movement despite not being the biggest lineman, yet. There isn’t much missing besides to continue to add muscle and overall size over the next year. There is a lot of potential in the junior.
Richard Ludwig
Richard Ludwig
The 6’3″ 300 lbs IOL is a fun prospect to watch. He is a massive player, and his strengths match the frame. Ludwig has cinder block hands that flashed some hand quickness I wasn’t expecting. Another surprising aspect to his game is his pulling. His short area quickness impressed me, and he was devastating when he made contact. The top trait of his game is definitely his power. In the pass game, he maintains the pocket with his stoutness, and in the run game he can clear lanes on his own.
The 6’4″ 305 lbs sophomore has slid out to guard after starting at center a s a freshman. Charlie is going to be firmly in the race for #1 prospect in the Class of 2025 his whole high school career. He has had elite size and length since he stepped on a high school field. The tools are giving a look into a bright future for the underclassman. His lower body footwork and technique is clean and gets him to where he needs to be efficiently. Charlie’s ability to completely overpower defensive linemen with his big hands, frame, and raw strength. The development of this stud is going to be fun to watch. He has had an offer from Penn sine his freshman year, and many more will be joining them.
Highlights
Mitchel Bilicki Mitchel Bilicki 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
Mitchel Bilicki Mitchel Bilicki 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Arrowhead | 2026 State WI
Arrowhead has prospects that will be in the race for OL1 of the 2024 and 2026 Classes. That member of the 2026 Class is Mitchel Bilicki Mitchel Bilicki 6’4″ | 290 lbs | OL Arrowhead | 2026 State WI . He is a 6’3″ 280 lbs freshman LT. Bilicki is on the JV team this year, but we will have plenty of varsity games to watch in his future. Bilicki is a raw talent ready to be molded over the next 4 years. As he continues to grow into his body and gain more and more control and flexibility with it we are going to see his play skyrocket. Those two traits paired with the strength he already possesses is going to make him one of the top prospects in the state, and potentially more.