Underrated and Undecided 2024 Trench Workers
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I don’t think it’s a coincidence that a football starts in the middle of the trenches. Arguably some of the most important positions in football, offensive and defensive linemen slam into each other play after play in hopes that their…
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Continue ReadingI don’t think it’s a coincidence that a football starts in the middle of the trenches. Arguably some of the most important positions in football, offensive and defensive linemen slam into each other play after play in hopes that their teammates will be able to make something happen. In this list, I’ll be looking at some under the radar offensive and defensive linemen whose recruiting is still open.
Coming in at just under six feet tall and a stout 265 pounds, Dominic Castagnetto Dominic Castagnetto 5’11” | 260 lbs | DL Chanhassen | 2024 State MN is a pure nose tackle who can singlehandedly disrupt an opposing team’s running scheme with his sheer size and strength. He has good instincts, knowing when to hunker down and plug up holes rather than try to pursue and make a tackle. This allows his linebackers to fill into the few gaps opposing running backs have left and make a stop. Castagnetto’s bull rush also proves to be very problematic, and can send Centers barreling back into their Quarterbacks against their will. His pad level is great, especially against double teams, and I noticed that most lineman don’t fare well against him one-on-one. This guy is an interior terror, and the scariest part is he still has one full season of prep ball left.
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The first two words that came to mind when I watch Noah Bearth Noah Bearth 6’0″ | 290 lbs | OL Park | 2024 MN ‘s film were versatility and quickness. For an offensive guard, Bearth has surprising speed that gives his offense a lot of options for play calling. He can lead block on screens, pull across the line of scrimmage to attack filling linebackers, and can trap block with the best of them. If this wasn’t already good enough, Bearth’s feet, hips, hands and aggressiveness make his drive blocks a sight to behold. On one play, I watched him drive a backer nearly 20 yards vertically down the field before pancaking the poor guy. These attributes, along with a stance that never telegraphs what play is coming, makes Bearth a next level talent to say the least.
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Calling this kid powerful would be an understatement. Coming in at 6-foot-3 and weighing 270 pounds, Gavin Lofgren Gavin Lofgren 6’3″ | 295 lbs | OL Mayer Lutheran | 2024 MN is the type of blocker that can lift you clean off your feet if he gets ahold of you. Throughout his film, I counted defender after defender who would shirk away from contact, hoping that they would not get hit with Lofgren’s full power. He has the ability to work up to the next level frequently and effectively, which is impressive enough for any linemen, much less one of his stature. He also exhibits an uncanny motor, which allows him to finish blocks through the whistle and keep defenders down and out of plays once he takes them to the turf. His hand placement and feet keep him locked on once he gets ahold of you, and the cherry on top is the fact that he plays both offensive guard and tackle.
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Protecting your Quarterback’s blindside can be a gargantuan task, yet left tackle Matthew Larson Matthew Larson 6’2″ | 235 lbs | OL Lakeville South | 2024 MN seems to do it with ease. This is one of the many skills Larson has, as he is a contributor at Tackle, Guard, Defensive line, and even as a Long Snapper. On offense, Larson is more often than not the first one off the ball, and his ability to fly out of the gates allows him to deal with larger defenders. At 6-foot-1 and roughly 220 pounds, Larson is on the slightly smaller side, yet he can still flatten defenders on down blocks, which helps create massive openings for his running backs to dash through. On defense, his hand fighting helps him cut through the line of scrimmage and get to the Quarterback, where he showcases an uncanny ability to bat down would be completed passes. The fact that he can contribute on offense, defense, and special teams shows how much of a baller this kid is, and the fall should bring about a successful season for Larson.
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Listed at 6-foot-4 and just a hair over 200 pounds, Pierce Dols Pierce Dols 6’4″ | 230 lbs | DL MPLS Washburn | 2024 State MN is definitely the smallest linemen on this list weight wise, but he sure doesn’t play like it. For Washburn’s shotgun heavy offense, Dols is an asset, a pass blocking specialist who can keep any kind of defender in front of him. Whether it’s a speedy outside backer or a sturdy defensive tackle, Dols keeps his hips low and his feet moving, which prevents pressure and allows his Quarterback to go through all of their progressions before making a throw. He works well on the double team, has a great understanding of spacing, and is overall just a solid linemen who can get it done on any down.
Bennett Pierson Bennett Pierson 6’7″ | 335 lbs | OL Mora | 2024 State MN to me is like if the Hulk decided to put on pads instead of fight crime. This kid is 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, and has an unmatched aggression on the gridiron that is every offensive line coach’s dream. Despite being over six and a half feet tall, Pierson’s pad level is superb, and he can get under opponents that are much shorter than him with ease. As a Center, he dominates the line of scrimmage with his powerful push forward and his urgency to attack once he snaps the ball. He is already garnering some Mid Major interest thus far, and I wouldn’t be surprised if more offers came rolling in when coaches got a better look at this guy.