High Profile OL With Massive Potential
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OL is seen as one of the most simple positions to scout by outsiders, who see most players picked for their size alone. They don’t realize how cerebral they have to be, processing information quicker than anyone other than QBs…
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Continue ReadingOL is seen as one of the most simple positions to scout by outsiders, who see most players picked for their size alone. They don’t realize how cerebral they have to be, processing information quicker than anyone other than QBs and reacting with some of the sport’s most complex techniques. The line of scrimmage will always revolve around raw power, but its vast strategy begins to make sense when slowed down on film. These athletes have the necessary tools to realize their bright futures as OL in high school and beyond.
Holec is the OL prospect optimistic coaches would dream of. He is in the top tier of elite-sized high schoolers for his height and weight, placing him squarely in contention for any job he competes for and pushing his ceiling as high as possible. What’s even more impressive is that he can move adequately in such a frame, which he knows is his biggest opportunity to be special. On tape, he has a good get off and is violent with his hands. He’s improving his hip mobility and working on getting lower as he adds strength, and his technique is a work in progress that could see major improvement as he adds strength through core lifts. He can be a pancake factory in a power-run scheme as he did for O’Dea last year, and his footwork lends hope that he can become a stout pass-blocker in his senior year. Holec is a high-end talent who could go as far as possible with coaching and discipline.
Highlights
Dylan Sikorski
Dylan Sikorski
Sikorski is a massive OT with remarkable versatility. He can execute different blocking styles and types with ease, and could fit as either a bookend-tackle or a great guard in a zone-run college offense. He takes care of D-Linemen quickly by leveraging them into awkward positions with his strong and seemingly massive hands, and gets to the second level with ease. He pulls with glee and gets into the open field regularly, where he invites as many players as possible and enjoys taking them out of the play. Being an agile 6’5” 300 pound junior who loves to hit people has made him unsurprisingly effective on the D-Line as well, but his level of dexterity and fitness make him as surefire of a solid starter on the O-Line as you’ll find. Sikorski already holds several D1 offers and will have coaches clamoring to win his commitment for the next year.
Goodenow is a prototypical modern center. He’d be considered tall by traditional power-run down blocking standards, but his length allows him to execute innovative blocking schemes that are more prevalent in the offensive coaching minds of today. He has excellent footwork and can shift his weight well, so he attacks DT at decisive angles to create cutback lanes. He’s also a straight up mauler who drives guys into the ground one on one. The usual result is massive holes created just as the ballcarrier approaches the line, and Goodenow seals those gaps with his raw power. He could work on his center of gravity and pad level, but his respectable core lifts are still ascending as a Junior. He’s taken several D1 visits and has more scheduled, but he has a chance to be a great fit anywhere he goes.
Highlights
Johnson is an agile offensive lineman with great hands. He has a strong grip, and wins reps near-automatically after getting his hands on. He will drive players down the field as far as possible before they go down, and loves to take one of the best players out of the equation as he trusts his teammates to execute their own assignments. He has great footwork and stays in front of players in pass protection. He has as much to gain from improving his core lifts as anyone, where he’s still uncovering his gifted frame’s full promise, but plays well in his current stature too. Johnson still has tons of room for growth despite multiple all-league selections to his name and should finally get recruiting buzz as a senior.
Cunningham is on as good of a trajectory as an 8th grader could be on. He’s 6’2” 265 before entering high school and still seems to be growing. He’ll get his first taste of high school action next year, but it remains to be seen what level it’ll be at. If he earns his way into the Varsity lineup as a freshman, the secret could be out quickly on him. His brother will be a junior, and already holds PAC-12 offers as a CB after playing a big role on North Creek’s big past season. He pushed everyone around on both sides of the ball in his final year of youth football and is ready for a challenge. Cunningham could keep growing and be the next D1 talent in his talented football family.