The OL LAB: Top Linemen to watch in State Semi Finals Preview: 8A
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As we enter the State Semi Finals this weekend wanted to take a look at which top big dogs are still in the hunt for the title! All of the teams that are playing this weekend have their share of…
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Continue ReadingAs we enter the State Semi Finals this weekend wanted to take a look at which top big dogs are still in the hunt for the title! All of the teams that are playing this weekend have their share of star power so wanted to spotlight some of the guys before they head into battle. Lincoln Way East will face off against Glenbard West and Loyola academy will go head to head against York. Lets take a dive into the linemen for each team that will going head to head to see who will be heading to Dekalb to play for the State Championship.
The battle between Lincoln Way East vs Glenbard West will be star studded with high level recruits playing on both sides of the ball. The 23 class leads the way but lot of talent in that 24-25 class as well for both teams.
Lincoln Way East
Bradley Abbott
Bradley Abbott
-Tough Kid, moves very well in space-Love how he finishes his blocks and can maintain his balance at 2nd level-Plays with solid overall technique, never in bad position-Love how he plays the game he is one of the anchors for LWE.
-Very Aggressive at the point of attack-Moves his feet very well.-Big man in the middle finishes every block, he is the leader at Center-Very impressed with his film he plays the game the right way
Caden O’Rourke
Caden O’Rourke
Young bright spot on D-Line for EastPlays with great length and is explosiveStrong offseason he will be a player to keep an eye onHas an Akron offer but that wont be his only one, this is just the beginning
Glenbard West HS
-The Best player on the field for either sidern-The Western Burbs Bully Terek is a top notch blue chip recruit-Great Size length, and destroys guys at the point of attack.rn-Currently Commited to University of Wisconsinrn
Highlights
-2024 player that plays both side of the ball!-Like Jack at that guard spot he is very natural there with the way he moves-Quickness and technique he displays on film is very impressive-His ability to be athletic an attach at 2nd level is something that coaches will love to see.rn
Highlights
Daniel Coffey
Daniel Coffey
-Explosive get off, he has been living in backfields all season-Very Strong at point, teams have struggled blocking him one on one-His ability to strike, seperate and shed are what make him special-Can play the nose and 4I spot which makes him a menace
This matchup of Titans will be very physical this weekend, and I know whoever comes out of this game as the winner will be very sore afterwards. The temperature in Illinois just dropped this past week, fall is officially here so this game will most certainly be decided in the trenches.
Loyola vs York will feature two explosive offenses, but also two teams that has had exceptional line play on both sides of the ball! Lets take a deeper look at who to watch below
Loyola Academy
–University of Michigan commit-Very Strong at the point of attack, utilizes his strength and length very well-Is a menace in the run game, he does not get moved-Very athletic for a guy with his size
Highlights
-Big and mean-Is a massive player and moves people with ease-He is one part of a very talented Loyola offensive line that have led them all season
Highlights
-Great pass protector has elite bend-He is great blocking in space which will let him be a force at the next level-One of the young standouts apart of that Loyola Linern
Highlights
-Big strong player for the Ramblers-Has an offer to Butler-Moves well on his past film his current highlight was private so wanted to dive into him more-Shows great strength in run game
York High School
Ashton Nawrocki
Ashton Nawrocki
-Very quick & slippery player-knows how to reduce his pad level so blockers never get a good target on him-Has been in the backfield all season for York-His quickness and ability to play relentlessly are what separate him
Ellis Mcadoo
Ellis Mcadoo
-Big Powerful player at the guard spot-Pulls very well and with bad intentions for whoever is on the other end-He is a very large human being, and he anchors the left side of the line for York
As I spent time watching these guys on film it really got me excited for this star studded weekend as both games on the 8A side will without a doubt be decided by line play. These games have alot on the line for each team, but for the individuals as well as they are putting together that highlight film to be recruited at a high level. Coaches want to see how guys perform against other top talent, so these matchups will be watched especially as recruiting season heats up again after the early signing period.
Loyola vs York
Think this game will be very close, Loyola has some injury issues but their depth should prove to hold strong against York’s offensive attack. Up front wise I think this is going to be a very intense and physical matchup! We will find out if Brooks Bahr Brooks Bahr 6'6" | 275 lbs | DL Loyola Academy | 2023 State IL and crew can lead the ramblers pass Ellis Mcadoo and this talented York Team.
Lincoln Way East vs Glenbard West
This one has the makings of being a game that will go down to the wire, or a game that will be decided very quickly depending on which side comes out hot. Lincoln Way East has the slight edge because of experience but this Glenbard West team runs the ball really well and it will be on the shoulders of Chris Terek Chris Terek 6'6" | 295 lbs | OL Glenbard West | 2023 State IL and the big dogs up front to get pass the griffins.
For all of your O-Line training, and tips please follow @TheOlineLab on all social media platforms. Stay Tune as I will be highlighting more Line play as we prepare for State Semis this weekend!