Next Level Athlete DFW: King’s OL Notes
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On Sunday, January 15 I made my way out to the Next Level Athlete event that was held at Richardson Berkner’s Indoor Facility. The first session of the day included offensive lineman and these were some of the prospects that…
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Continue ReadingOn Sunday, January 15 I made my way out to the Next Level Athlete event that was held at Richardson Berkner’s Indoor Facility. The first session of the day included offensive lineman and these were some of the prospects that either stood out or grabbed my attention.
Michael Fasusi Michael Fasusi 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Lewisville | 2025 State TX – 2025 OT – 6’6″/285 – Lewisville, TX (Lewisville HS):
Twitter: @Michael_fasusi7
Walking up and seeing the offensive line group for the first time, Fasusi was the biggest standout of the bunch. At 6’6″/285 he carries his weight well with plenty of room to fill out and good length on his arms. I didn’t know going in that Fasusi had grown up playing soccer and watching him move through drills you could see that athleticism transferred over to the gridiron. During 1v1’s he showed his athletic feet and the ability to mirror outside rushes or quickly redirect on inside rushes as well. Being as young as he is and still obviously developing, he’s not quite sure how to use those hands of his just yet and that gave him fits when facing rushers that went speed to power. At the same time though he showed the ability to bring those hips through to halt/slow those rushes at the top of the rush. With two years to go for him, it’s going to be fun to see how his game develops. Big time offers have already begun rolling in and many more will follow.
Devron Williams – 2024 iOL – 6’4″/295 – Aledo, TX (Aledo HS):
Twitter: @DJayW2024
This was my first time seeing Williams up close and man was he fun to watch with the advanced technique he flashed in the 1v1 reps I saw. His quick feet really stood out as he showed easy movement throughout his reps which made him a tough matchup for any DL at the event. Loved the pop he displayed in his hands and the strength he flashed to create extension. Bringing a solid lower half with thick thighs and calves with room to fill out up top, he showcased good weight distribution while engaged, playing with good leverage and the strength to anchor on multiple reps during 1v1s , even utilized the hop technique on one rep. He already holds a UTSA offer but he is one I would expect to see his offer list grow quickly with what he displayed on the day.
Ronnell ‘Snacks’ McLain Jr. – 2024 iOL – 6’4″/305 – Desoto, TX (Desoto HS):
Twitter: @UNTAME75GORILLA
I had seen McClain at a camp session before last summer going into his JR year and came away impressed with what he displayed that day and it was the same story at this event. During the drill portion of the event, he showcased smooth and quick feet that was impressive to see. Once the 1v1s started he took reps on the inside at OG and at OT. Liked his reps on the inside more as he showcased good bend and pad level while doing a great job using his long arms he brings to quickly stab with that inside hand that gave DTs fits right off the snap. Once fully engaged he showed solid play strength and would run his feet through contact to wash out. UTSA and Austin Peay have already offered but expect many more to follow, especially as he gets out to more camps this off-season.
Owen Hollenbeck Owen Hollenbeck 6'4" | 315 lbs | OL Melissa | 2025 State TX – 2025 iOL – 6’4″/310 – Melissa, TX (Melissa HS):
Twitter: @owen_hollenbeck
Hollenbeck is built like a brick-house already as a sophomore with a wide, thick frame and strength at the point of attack. Working out at center, he had some really impressive reps on the day showing the ability to stonewall rushers off the jump showing the feet to mirror and the ability to roll those hips. His only issue was at times you would see him initially halt rushers utilizing those strong hands he brings but would stop his feet which allowed rushers to get the corner on him. When he kept those feet moving, he was a wall to get by. He already holds offers from SMU and UNT but with two more years to go and the ability he displayed at this event, it’s only a matter of time before P5 offers follow suit.
Tobias Steppes – 2024 OT – 6’6′”/255 – Lancaster, TX (Lancaster HS)
Twitter: @Tobias_Steppes
Steppes at this time looks more like a basketball player with his long and lean frame. The canvas to build on physically is evident when you see him up close but he also flashed heavy hands during some of his 1v1 reps which allowed him to wash the rusher across the pocket. Overall his game is raw as he tended to lunge on multiple reps and would stop his feet at times which got him beat. But he flashed the ability to win initially off the snap at times as well. He’s going to need time to add weight, get stronger in the weight room and to develop his game with how raw he currently is but he is definitely one to keep your eye on moving forward going into his SR year.