Kentucky Sleepers to Watch For: Offensive Linemen
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Now that the 2022 campaign has concluded and we’re in the midst of the offseason, it’s time to take a look back at some of the top talent in the Bluegrass State last year that will be returning to the…
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Continue ReadingNow that the 2022 campaign has concluded and we’re in the midst of the offseason, it’s time to take a look back at some of the top talent in the Bluegrass State last year that will be returning to the fold next season. After evaluating quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs, it’s time to continue breaking down the offense by analyzing the top offensive line talent in the area. Here’s my list of the top offensive lineman sleepers in the Bowling Green area to watch next fall.
Highlights
DeMarcus Elliott DeMarcus Elliott 6'3" | 260 lbs | OL Bowling Green | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 290-pound offensive lineman out of Bowling Green High School, was a crucial piece to the Purples’ offensive line last year, competing in 11 games as a junior. Elliott and his teammates helped lead the Purples to a 12-3 overall record and a 3-0 mark in 5A District 2. In addition to having a size and speed advantage, Elliott competed with toughness and intensity last year. The rising senior will be one of several offensive lineman to watch during his senior campaign with the Purples this upcoming fall.
Jack Neeper
Jack Neeper
Jack Neeper, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive lineman out of South Warren High School, was a gamechanger for the Spartans’ offensive line this past season, making appearances in nine contests during his junior stint. South Warren closed out the 2022 season with a 6-6 overall record and a 1-2 record in 5A District 2. Last season, Neeper showcased his size advantage, toughness and speed. Neeper’s size makes him a huge obstacle for even the best defenses in the state. Neeper should be even more impactful for South Warren next season as the Spartans will likely play him even more in his senior season.
Kajarius Barber
Kajarius Barber
Kajarius Barber, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman out of Warren East High School, was another lineman out of the area that picked up some valuable minutes during his junior year of high school football. Barber competing in 13 contests for the Raiders and helped lead Warren East to a 12-1 overall record and a 4-0 finish in 4A District 2 with the help of his teammates. Barber was also a challenge to match up against last year because of his speed and ability to keep the defense behind the line of scrimmage. The rising senior out of Bowling Green should make a huge impact in his final season with the Raiders.
Tucker Oliver Tucker Oliver 5'11" | 300 lbs | OL Greenwood | 2025 KY , a 5-foot-11, 300-pound offensive lineman out of Greenwood High School, picked up significant playing time for the Gators as a sophomore last season, competing in 10 contests. Oliver and his teammates helped lead Greenwood to a 9-3 overall record and a 2-1 finish in 5A District 2. In addition to having great size and speed, the sophomore lineman out of Bowling Green showcased his intensity and toughness on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball last season. With experience on both ends, Oliver will likely continue to establish himself during his junior stint with the Gators later this year.
Mekhi Axson Mekhi Axson 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Bowling Green | 2025 KY , a 6-foot-2, 275-pound offensive lineman out of Bowling Green High School, picked up some significant minutes during his sophomore season with the Purples in 2022. Axson, who began making contributions as a freshman, made appearances in 12 games last season, competing on both the offensive and defensive line. Axson and his teammates helped lead Bowling Green to a 12-3 overall record and a 3-0 finish in 5A District 2. In addition to picking up the speed and size advantage, Axson’s experience and knowledge of both sides of the ball make him a challenge to matchup against. As the Purples kickoff the 2023 season next fall, the rising junior should be logging even more minutes on both sides.