2024: Physical Offensive Lineman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In order to move men from point A to point B, you have to possess outstanding strength. These six players are some of the state's strongest, but they can do so much more than put up big numbers on the squat rack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406992' first='Orion' last='Guereca'] || OL || 6'2 || 275 || Timpanogos High School || 2024</strong><br>Guereca does a great job blocking down to free up guards to make plays pulling. He takes good angles when looking to take out defensive linemen a gap over. Guereca is quick off the snap and often blindsides defensive tackles. He fires off low and maintains a good pad level after first contact. When pulling, he's always looking to sit defenders down, and his impressive strength allows him to clear paths all game long. In pass protection, he does a good job keeping an eye out for blitzers and keeps a good base when engaged with edge rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406996' first='Daltyn' last='Gurney'] || OL || 6'0 || 260 || American Fork High School || 2024</strong><br>Gurney helped American Fork have four running backs with over 245 rushing yards this season. The Caveman's left tackle also did an outstanding job protecting the blindside for American Fork quarterbacks in 2022. Gurney does a great job working with his teammates up to the second level. He's an elite athlete who can get out in space and turn linebackers and defensive linemen back inside to spring big runs to the outside. Gurney's rare combination of strength and speed makes him one of the state's best tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406999' first='Max' last='Francom'] || OL || 6'1 || 240 || Westlake High School || 2024</strong><br>Francom is a physical force on the interior of the Thunder offensive line. In pass pro, he keeps a good anchor and has a strong initial punch to keep defensive linemen at bay. Francom slides his feet to cut off defensive linemen and handles twists well. In the running game, he does an exceptional job keeping his hands inside and when working with his teammates on double teams. He does a good job coming off to collect linebackers when they try and fill holes and doesn't stop his feet before the whistles blown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='407000' first='Misi' last='Poti'] || OL || 6'4 || 260 || Hillcrest High School || 2024</strong><br>Poti is outstanding in pass protection. He displays exceptional footwork in his pass sets and keeps defensive linemen in front of him during third and longs. Poti can also get out in space and take on blitzers or defensive ends who are hoping to disrupt the pocket. He explodes off the snap with bad intentions, and his leg drive is elite from first contact till the play is blown dead. Poti never takes a snap off and loves to dish out pancakes to defensive linemen and linebackers all 48 minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454502' first='Camden' last='Smith'] || OL || 6'3 || 290 || Pine View High School || 2024</strong><br>Smith loves the physicality that comes with playing in the trenches. In the running game, he fires off the snap, ready to level whoever has the misfortune of getting in his way. Once he gets his hands locked on, defenders can do nothing but enjoy the ride. His initial punch is fantastic and allows him to gain and maintain leverage during the duration of plays. Smith is an exceptional athlete who has no problem climbing to the second level or getting out in space to make big blocks. In addition, his long arms help him keep pass rushers out of the pocket in pass protection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532697' first='Ami' last='Fifita'] || OL || 6'3 || 290 || Skyridge High School || 2024</strong><br>Fifita helped Skyridge have one of the state's best offensive lines and helped the Falcons become 2022 State Champions. He does an excellent job reach blocking on stretch runs and when climbing to the second level in zone blocking plays. Fifita works well with his teammates on double teams and keeps his hands inside when matched up one-on-one. His technique is exquisite in pass protection, where he always maintains a good base. Fifita delivers a physical first punch and loves to pancake unsuspecting defensive tackles if left uncovered.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->