919 Elite Big Man Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was asked to cover the first combine that was for linemen to display their skills. The big guys in the trenches are often overlooked and don't receive the recognition they deserve. There were 14 talented linemen who participated in the combine. I am doing a review of the players who caught my attention during the combine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601614' first='Simon' last='Mermuys'] - OL, 6'4" 230 (No. 24 OL, No. 184 Overall), Chapel Hill HS</strong>. Simon displayed good technique and footwork while controlling defenders during the one-on-one drills. He displayed the quickness and agility to stay in front of his man and not get beat in the drills. Simon has a long wingspan and uses it to control defenders. The 2024 prospect will continue to improve his skillset and should begin to generate recruiting interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601669' first='Brendan' last='Tate'] - OL, 6'2" 290 (No. 14 OL, Watchlist), Riverside HS</strong>. Brendan displayed good technique and footwork while controlling defenders during the one-on-one drills. He displayed quickness and moved well in tight spaces to stay in front of his man during the drills. Brendan displayed upper body strength to control defenders. The 2025 prospect will continue to improve his skillset while he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='602480' first='Sterling' last='Edwards'] - DL, 6'1" 240 (No. 8 DL, No. 33 Overall), Hillside HS</strong>. Sterling displayed good technique and good use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He displayed a quick, first step to get the advantage on the blocker during the drills. Sterling was difficult to contain during the drills. He selected by the coaches as the top defensive lineman at the combine. The 2026 prospect has a bright upside and will continue to improve his skillset as he gains valuable playing experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304876' first='Micah' last='Smith'] - DE, 6'3" 240 (No. 13 DL, No. 137 Overall), Chapel Hill HS</strong>. Micah displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He displayed good footwork while participating in the agility drills. Micah was quick out of his stance and movements were crisp. The 2024 prospect will continue to improve his skillset with valuable playing experience and should begin to generate recruiting interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601655' first='Amari' last='Green'] - DE, 6'1" 180 (No. 14 DL, Watchlist), Riverside HS</strong>. Amari displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He was quick out of his stance, often moving past defenders unblocked. The 2025 prospect will continue to improve his skillset and should begin to generate recruiting interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601616' first='Trent' last='Lytle'] - DT, 6'3" 320 (No. 29 DL, No. 192 Overall), East Chapel Hill HS</strong>. Trent displayed good technique and use of hands to control blockers during the one-on-one drills. He moved well in tight spaces and displayed upper body strength to control blockers. He displayed good footwork while participating in the agility drills. The 2024 prospect will continue to improve as he gains valuable playing experience and should begin to generate recruiting interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->