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<p>Being able to impose your will up front is essential for any offense to find sustained success. If your quarterback has time to throw and your running back has lanes to run through, first downs and touchdowns are practically inevitable.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='109624' first='Ian' last='Moore'], 6'5, 295 pounds, New Palestine</p>
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<p>First, we have [player_tooltip player_id='109624' first='Ian' last='Moore']. Moore anchors the offensive line for New Palestine at his right tackle position. Moore has great size to play the position. He moves his feet very well. Tackles can be on something of an island. So, the ability to match a pass rusher stride-for-stride, while maintaining good positioning, is essential. Moore does that and then some. In the running-game, Moore uses his power to drive opponents off the ball. Part of what helps him to do that is what he does with his feet. Throughout the block, Moore takes short steps rather than long strides. [player_tooltip player_id='109624' first='Ian' last='Moore'] is a prospect who can solidify the offensive line and keep the quarterback up.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='334101' first='Styles' last='Prescod'], 6'6, 265 pounds, Hamilton Southeastern</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='334101' first='Styles' last='Prescod'] was a key member of Hamilton Southeastern's offensive line in the solid season they put together in 2022. Prescod plays one of football's most important positions: left tackle. On film, Prescod showcases great strength. His power helps him considerably in run blocking. He takes short strides as he drives his opponent down the field. On both run and pass plays, Prescod is difficult to deal with as he stands his ground well. He can be practically immovable. If Prescod can continue to be a reliable left tackle, look for Hamilton Southeastern to make a run in the state tournament.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='189132' first='Jordan' last='King'], 6'4, 310 pounds, Fort Wayne North Side</p>
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<p>Next up is North Side's imposing left guard [player_tooltip player_id='189132' first='Jordan' last='King']. King has great size, and he uses it to routinely dominate his opponents. A lot of running backs can get through a slight opening. But King drives defenders off the ball and opens up massive running lanes. His frame and solid strength make him a premier run blocker. King's film shows that he can do well at the next level. He will not be pushed around by collegiate defensive linemen. King does a nice job of sealing off defenders to open holes.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='345329' first='Noah' last='M Schneider'], 6'3, 285 pounds, East Central</p>
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<p>Noah Schneider solidifies the left edge for East Central. Schneider moves his feet well, something that is required of a successful offensive tackle. In pass protection, Schneider does not get in bad positions. He does not allow the rusher to either him beat around his left side or to go up the field before cutting back across his face to get to the quarterback. While Schneider excels at left tackle, he can bump inside and play left guard. His ability to play either guard or tackle is a luxury for coaches. This versatility would allow him to get on the field sooner in college.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='109620' first='Zach' last='Bandy'], 6'5, 290 pounds, Avon</p>
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<p>Avon's [player_tooltip player_id='109620' first='Zach' last='Bandy'] is an absolute bruiser at left tackle. Sound in pass protection, Bandy can decimate defenders When it comes time to protect the quarterback, Bandy is a top option. Even when he is one-on-one on the edge, he holds his own. Bandy is physical, keeping hands on the edge rusher throughout the play and limiting what they can do to get past him. That rugged nature can give the quarterback assurance while in the pocket. He can help solidify an offensive line at the next level.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='367701' first='Damola' last='Ajani'], 6'4, 260 pounds, Speedway</p>
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<p>While they are not responsible with protecting the blind side of most quarterbacks, right tackles can be every bit as influential. [player_tooltip player_id='367701' first='Damola' last='Ajani'] anchors Speedway's offensive line from the right tackle position. Ajani is a force in run blocking. He uses his body to either pin defenders to the inside or outside. Ajani does a tremendous job getting to the second level and locking up a linebacker. Teams need an offensive lineman who gets off the ball and gets right to work. That is exactly what Ajani does, and he finishes the play with the same intensity that he starts it with.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='254590' first='Jackson' last='Buis'], 6'3, 278 pounds, Greencastle</p>
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<p>From his left guard spot, [player_tooltip player_id='254590' first='Jackson' last='Buis'] controls the interior. He has a tendency to clear out gaping holes in the defensive front. That makes Buis a desirable lead blocker in the running-game. Buis takes care of his primary assignment and then gets to the second level to open up an even bigger lane. He takes short steps through his blocks.</p>
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Being able to impose your will up front is essential for any offense to find sustained success. If your quarterback has time to throw and your running back has lanes to run through, first downs and touchdowns are practically inevitable.
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