Illinois Offensive Line Stock Risers: March 22nd

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the offensive linemen featured in this piece you may already know about, and some you may not. They come from wide and far &amp; their recruitments vary. Regardless, they all have talent, with some projecting at the higher levels of college football and some at the lower levels. I believe these youngsters have their stock on the rise and only time will tell where they end up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='537273' first='Zach' last='Barrett'] 6'3" 270, Sandburg, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barrett has a strong base, gets his second step in the ground quickly, and has grappling hooks for hands. He overwhelms defensive linemen at the point of attack, can reach five techniques for outside zone runs, and is a violent down blocker. He projects as a guard at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Zac Clarke, 6'5" 255, Oswego East, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On tape, Clarke shows a strong punch, he can maintain second-level blocks and can literally move grown men upfront against their will on man blocks. His feet stay driving on impact and he's always looking for more work downfield. He's had a big off-season adding fifteen pounds and with his size, athleticism &amp; mean streak, I love his upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Michael McLaughlin, 6'4" 270, Peoria Notre Dame, 2024</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Michael is flying a bit under the radar right now, but that could change quickly. He's got loose hips, strikes defenders on a rise, and plays with an attitude. He's a smooth mover as a gap scheme puller, is quick to the point of attack, and could be a swing guy who can kick down to guard or center if in a pickle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Parker Brault, 6'3" 270, Palatine, 2025</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brault is a violent puller that can bend at the knees, hips, and ankles. He's shown that he can reset his hands in pass protection, can open clear running lanes on man blocks, and quickly identifies incoming threats on zone double teams. I think he's a no-brainer FBS prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='537276' first='Zak' last='Stoilov'] 6'5" 265, Maine South, 2025</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Size, production, and consistency, that's the story of Mr. Stoilov. On film, Zak is quick out of his stance, plays with a wide base, and has exceptional footwork as a pass protector. He's patient against the rush, can hook second-level defenders, and has terrific body control for someone his size. Power-five type ability in my eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Casey Thomann, 6'8" 260, Richland County, 2026</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Casey has a very high ceiling, quite literally and figuratively. He's calm and can set back as a pass protector, can generate a ton of force from his upper half, and takes great angles to the block. He's raw, but he's only going to be a sophomore, and I think the upside is certainly there with his size, god-given strength, and movement skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->