Who are Missouri’s Most Underrated 2024 Offensive Linemen?
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Strength, height, high pad level, athleticism, speed, undersized? Take your pick. We see offensive linemen get overlooked for all sorts of reasons before they get to college. Below, I identify several prospects whose tape will soon outweigh the opinions of…
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Continue ReadingStrength, height, high pad level, athleticism, speed, undersized? Take your pick. We see offensive linemen get overlooked for all sorts of reasons before they get to college. Below, I identify several prospects whose tape will soon outweigh the opinions of critics.
Jaxson Lewis
Jaxson Lewis
Jaxson Lewis is the right guard for Staley High School. Jaxson is an athletic prospect who projects to center at the next level. It does not take recruiters long to notice Jaxson’s competitiveness once the film comes on.
Jaxson’s quickness and flexibility shows sustaining laterally in zone blocking schemes. Strength shows down blocking at the point of attack, while Jaxson’s effort and leg drive finish defenders into the sideline.
Carter DeVore
Carter DeVore
Carter DeVore is a versatile lineman who has played center and right tackle for the Bruins. Carter visited Butler University earlier this month. With four junior day invites and multiple teammates receiving offers, I would expect Carter to be the next Rock Bridge prospect coaches are visiting Columbia to meet.
Coaches like Carter’s flexibility and lateral quickness he shows when working laterally to gain leverage on defensive linemen. Next level strength shows overpowering defensive linemen at the point of attack after arriving late to his double team. Recruiters like seeing Carter’s football IQ in the angles he takes to block linebackers at the second level.
Ryan Ross
Ryan Ross
Ryan Ross is a three-sport athlete who is the left tackle for Hannibal’s dominant run game. Coaches will be sure to notice big #72 leading the way when they are evaluating Ryan’s teammate, the best 2024 running back in the state. Expect Ryan to switch to an interior position at the next level.
Good lateral quickness shows sliding in pass protection to greet blitzers. Ryan’s explosiveness and athleticism shows reach blocking outside linebackers aligned outside of him at left tackle. Ryan shows good strength in his sustain ability after gaining leverage reach blocking.
Ryan Mitchell Ryan Mitchell 6’3″ | 310 lbs | OL Marquette | 2024 State MO plays left tackle for Marquette High School. Surprisingly, the interior line prospect does not have any offers according to his Twitter account. I would expect Ryan’s recruitment to heat up and the explosive lineman to be a highly recruited iOL down the stretch.
Ryan’s knockout power shows dropping linebackers with one punch. Quick feet and good change of direction shows picking up pass rushers, while good football IQ gets displayed in Ryan’s quick recognition of stunts. Next level strength shows when poor pad level still leads to pancake blocks in the run game.
Highlights
Braden Gifford Braden Gifford 6’6″ | 285 lbs | OL Liberty North | 2024 State MO plays left tackle for Liberty North High School. Braden just returned from Wyoming’s junior day and has been invited to North Dakota as well; He holds one offer from the University of Central Missouri. Braden is a good athlete who has the size and competitive attitude to play multiple positions at the next level.
Braden shows good football IQ redirecting his path as a puller to gain proper leverage on linebackers. Strength and effort show finishing blocks yards away from initial contact at the point of attack. Braden’s quickness, acceleration, and flexibility show gaining leverage as a backside blocker on inside zone.
Highlights
Quinton Bradley Quinton Bradley 6’3″ | 300 lbs | DL North Kansas City | 2024 State MO is a force for North Kansas City on both sides of the ball. Quinton has been invited to five total junior days spanning from division three to the FCS. With the literature pouring in, I would expect to see Quinton’s first offer coming soon.
Quinton’s good instincts and quick feet show redirecting to block the most dangerous threat at the second level. Power shows in his finish while Quinton’s good flexibility consistently shows in the leverage he displays as a run blocker. Coaches like Quinton’s patience in pass protection and the next level athleticism he displays mirroring speed rushers as a left tackle.
Highlights
Garrett Jackson Garrett Jackson 6’6″ | 330 lbs | OL Lafayette | 2024 State MO is an experienced, versatile tackle for Lafayette High School. Garrett holds one offer from Missouri State. He visited a Mizzou spring practice and has been invited to five other junior days; With ideal size for tackle, we should see Garrett’s recruitment continue to build throughout the spring.
Garrett’s next level power shows sending pass rushers flying with his punch. Athleticism shows quickly climbing to the second level, while size and effort shows driving smaller linebackers downfield. Good feet and balance show blocking in space when aligned in the slot, yes, the slot.