Unsung Heroes: Meet the Big Guys that blocked for a state record
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In case you didn’t know, Providence senior running back Luke Bailey Luke Bailey 5'11" | 195 lbs | ATH Providence | 2023 State NC had a decent game last night, racking up 426 yards and nine touchdowns in a 63-42…
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Continue ReadingIn case you didn’t know, Providence senior running back Luke Bailey Luke Bailey 5'11" | 195 lbs | ATH Providence | 2023 State NC had a decent game last night, racking up 426 yards and nine touchdowns in a 63-42 win against Parkwood. Okay, maybe I undersold it. Bailey’s 426 rushing yards are the most in a single game in over 10 years and the nine touchdowns are a state record for a single game.
He will get plenty of love this week and *spoiler*, he’ll be a rankings riser of the week.
This one isn’t about him, but rather about the road graders in front of him. On this fine Saturday, I give you: A tribute to Providence’s offensive line, one of the biggest and nastiest groups I’ve ever scouted.
We’ll start on the left side of the line, with the very large and very strong Cash Topinka Cash Topinka 6’2″ | 290 lbs | OL Providence | 2024 State NC . I can’t mention TOpinka without mentioning some of the ridiculous weight room numbers he puts up, which include a 515 squat and 300 bench. He’s probably a guard at the next level, but for now he’s excelling as a strong run-blocking tackle.
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Drake is one of our top-graded tackle prospects, but he’s playing left guard this season. It seems he can played there too, as he’s been blowing defenders off the ball all season. A good puller, he could excel in either a zone or man-blocking scheme.
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Ben Baker
Ben Baker
The outlier here in terms of physical traits, Baker has been incredibly solid as a center despite his lack of size. Even at 5’8, 190 pounds, he’s been able to get push up front and hold his own in the running game against bigger defenders. Without him, the Providence offensive line would just not be nearly as effective.
Another bruiser, Tomljanovic moves well for his enormous size. He’s a strong puller from his right guard spot and is athletic enough to get to the second level of the defense. He has the grades to play at any school in the country and I think his size and quickness profile sets him up well for future success.
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Erik Hinson
Erik Hinson
What Hinson lacks in elite size he more than makes up for in technique. He’s always moving downhill in the running game and he knows how to open running lanes for his backs. The right side of the line is shored up thanks to his steady play.
Connor Shelton
Connor Shelton
What good is it talking about the run blocking if we neglect the tight ends. Shelton adds some size and athleticism to the run game and is able to block in a variety of ways. In a game like last night’s, we cannot forget the effort of a guy like Shelton.
Noah Watson
Noah Watson
Providence loves to play with a lot of 12 and 22 personnel, a luxury it has thanks to two talented tight ends. Watson is the bigger of the two and is a load in the running game. The Panthers ran a lot of power Friday with Watson as a lead blocker. He’s just as much a part of the success as the rest of the offensive line.