These KY Offensive Linemen Ready to Make a Push in 2023
While the growing popularity of 7-on-7 leagues/showcases might prompt some to forget this simple fact, it remains indisputable that–without the big guys up front–the game of football becomes little more than basketball on grass. Sure, we all love to watch…
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Continue ReadingWhile the growing popularity of 7-on-7 leagues/showcases might prompt some to forget this simple fact, it remains indisputable that–without the big guys up front–the game of football becomes little more than basketball on grass. Sure, we all love to watch fast and athletic competitors run, catch and throw, but the bulk of the sport’s physicality enters the arena primarily when the offensive linemen (and their defensive counterparts) join the fray. And despite the physical/mental demands placed on those playing these five positions, one can reasonably argue that there is not a more selfless (and most often anonymous) position in any sport than offensive line. Some of top returning offensive linemen worth keeping an eye on this fall include the following:
After starting all 12 games in 2022 at right tackle for the Indians, Howard returns for his senior season primed to establish himself as one of the top offensive linemen in Kentucky’s Class AAAAA and help lead his team to a deep playoff run. Sound footwork and hip flexibility enable him to consistently cover up first-level targets and establish a fit that generates push in the run game and helps ensure that he maintains contact throughout the play. As well, his athleticism and wide base make him an effective blocker versus second-and-third-level defenders, and his tight, inside hand placement makes it very difficult for them to shed blocks as he continually exhibits active feet and a balanced demeanor. While his pass protection–particularly versus wide/loose speed rushers–remains an area for continued focus, his fundamental mechanics are present, and with additional reps, his kick-slide and intersect points will improve. Projects well as an interior lineman (either guard or center) at the next level.
Jerome Justice
Jerome Justice
A massive, powerful prospect with the athleticism to play center, Justice started all eleven of his team’s contests in 2022 and returns for his senior season as one of the more experienced, seasoned offensive linemen in his area. In the Pirates’ tight, double-wing offensive system, he displays the balance and footwork necessary to back-block effectively, and he also proves adept at base blocking first-level defenders aligned head-up on him or even reach-blocking those shaded playside. Given the fact that his team attempted a total of 28 passes for the entire 2022 season, the one remaining unknown component of his game is pass protection, but given his fundamentals in other areas, one can project his ability to master those specifics, too, with future practice and repetitions. At the next level, center seems his most likely position but depending on the program’s offensive system of choice, guard is certainly a possibility as well.
Jacob Leger
Jacob Leger
While a bit undersized as a sophomore starter for the Rockets in 2022, Leger proved himself an exceptionally versatile, competitive and fundamentally sound component of his team’s offensive front. Most often playing left tackle in his team’s spread offense, his primary forte stems from his agility and athleticism, as he proves particularly effective pulling and wrapping to second level defenders as the backside tackle in “counter-trey” blocking schemes. In fact, he often would flip from left tackle to right in order to execute this same role when counter-trey would be called to his offensive left side. As a play side base blocker, too, his footwork, leverage and aggressiveness enable him to execute successfully even against bigger opponents, and these same fundamentals project quite favorably on his development as a pass blocker over the next two seasons.
Connor Robinson
Connor Robinson
A large, wide-bodied prospect who started all eleven games at right tackle last season, Robinson provides the Eagles a consistent and durable blocker who tends to absolutely overwhelm first-level targets when base blocking in the run game. As well, with sound footwork, a wide base and balanced demeanor, he proves very adept at fitting, staying on and finishing blocks when releasing inside to second-level defenders. With a strong inside pass set, long arms and accurate hand placement, he proves extremely effective versus inside/B-gap pass rushers, and while wide, loose speed rushers sometimes prove to be more of a challenge, his kick-slide mechanics and persistence will ensure ongoing improvement in this facet of his game, too. Given his size and build, he projects very well at transitioning to an interior offensive line position at the college level.
Cameron Taulbee
Cameron Taulbee
Starting 12 games at left guard during his sophomore season in 2022, Taulbee returns as one of the offensive leaders for the Engineers this fall and has proven himself a fundamentally sound, durable and reliable competitor. While often most effective versus “odd” or 3-man defensive fronts that leave him primarily base blocking linebackers on the second level, he exhibits the fundamentals and pad level necessary to succeed when covered with a 2-technique defender aligned on him or shaded to either side. However, what he currently does best is pull/trap, as he gains ground with his initial step, establishes an inside-out/upfield track and displays consistently sound fits that do not enable targets to work back underneath him to the point of attack. His pass protection, too, is well served by his natural agility and footwork, as his quickness and active feet enable him to consistently maintain position between his blocking assignment and the football’s launch point.