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Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln

Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson June 21, 2023 @ 03:50 PM
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In this article:

Colton Bendery
Colton Bendery 6'4" | 250 lbs | OL | 2024
IL
Jace Hackman
Jace Hackman 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL | 2024
IL
Jace Pankey
Jace Pankey 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL | 2024
IL
Blake Wendt
Blake Wendt 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL | 2024
IL
Jake VandeWiele
Jake VandeWiele 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL | 2024
IL
Jack Anderson
Jack Anderson 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL | 2024
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The trenches seem like a bottomless supply of trench talent. Because of that we are seeing multiple athletes on both sides of the ball slip under the radar as June comes to an end. To make sure these student athletes get the spotlight that they deserve, I have identified three members of the OL and three members of the DL in the Class of 2024 that need to be on more radars. We start with a big OL out of United Township.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["210380"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top hidden gems that I have come across in the offensive trenches is the United Township OT. Hard to miss the 6'4u0022 284 lbs LT with a massive 6'7u0022 wingspan. On tape, Jake towers over the competition and his line-mates. The LT uses that superior size and the strength that comes with it to maul DL in the run game. When he gets on his path, Jake is able to walk his man off the line with his heavy hands and wide, powerful base. The big fella has range to his game as well. You will see him out wide leading plays and landing blocks on DBs. Jake is a tone setter in the trenches and will be an instant positive impact in the running game for a program. Jake doesn't have any reported offers yet. Don't miss out on the massive prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b0476"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15750181/63472c0764e0420510b51730' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a624"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["271324"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another imposing OL working towards his first offer is Iroquois West's [player_tooltip player_id='271324' first='Jace' last='Pankey']. The 6'4u0022 275 lbs checks off the box when it comes to build. He has that thick, strong upper body and a more athletic lower body. Jace uses that athletic lower body to get out of his stance and get into the chest of the DL. His upper body strength and running his feet allow him to generate a big push in the run game. Once he clamps those big mits onto his man Jace doesn't let go until he puts his man in the dirt. Pankey never stops his motor from snap to whistle. The high effort, strong, athletic OL needs more attention. Give the raw prospect a look.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b050b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16654589/6352f9450c5deb0a54763600' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a6eb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["279419"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 8A State Champion OL is another athlete along the OL that needs more attention. The 6'4u0022 280 lbs '24 has experience playing all along the OL. In pass protection, the big man has a strong anchor to absorb bull rushers and uses his length to engage and control. Colton also has efficient lateral agility to be able to mirror on the interior or out at tackle. In the run game, Loyola Academy likes to pull Colton and get him up to the second level. If he can continue to build his strength Bendery is going to have a very well rounded skill set to offer the next level. Give his tape a look below.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b0556"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14754056/638539e864e0ae05087f6880' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a77d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272340"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jace is an athlete who has so much potential and room for development when watching his highlights. It is exciting to project. He is listed at 6'4u0022 225 lbs, and his frame looks like it has room to put on a lot more size than that. Even at his current size, Jace has the strength to set the edge against the run game. He can stuff the OT/TE at the line, disengage, and then has the range to be able to chase down ball carriers. That range and his high motor have keyed a lot of the highlights on his tape. Jace plays smart too. He defeats his block, breaks down, and finds the ball. You don't see him taking himself out of plays. Check out his game by game highlights.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b059a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16037719/63330a795b3e310300445700' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a808"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["157647"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6'3u0022 260 lbs DL out of Glenbard South is the most highly recruited athlete in this article. He holds offer from Platteville, Butler, Valpo, and has a PWO from UCF that he just announced today. The two way stud needs to be on the radars of even more schools though. On offense, Jack has a dominant blend of quickness and power. He bursts out of his stance in the run game, gets into the chest of his opponent, and then runs them far away from the ball. The big man's balance jumps off the tape as well. He is able to recover from awkward angles while maintaining his block, and he doesn't reach or overextend himself. Instead, he stays in an athletic/powerful stance and that gives him that ability to be a dominant run blocker. The same positives stand out on his defensive tape as well. Jack is quick off the snap, has the strength to hold the line of scrimmage, and he uses his hands well to disengage from blocks. Again his balance is impressive as he sheds blocks, changes directions, and pursues the ball. Give this kid a look. He is a steal in the making.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b05de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15708520/631486577bdcb50a94ab0739' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a89e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["252447"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 6'1u0022 260 lbs DL out of Carmel Catholic is another recruit that is more under the radar. He holds offers from McKendree, Arizona Christian University, and Butler. Turning on the tape, you instantly notice the impressive blend of power and burst. Blake explodes out of his stance, and the ball of power is able to run through blocks, split double teams, and has the range to chase down plays in the backfield. The athletically gifted prospect also has developed the nuanced part of the position. He plays with his hands, has a couple pass rush moves, and on top of it all Wendt appears to play with a high motor. Don't be surprised to see a breakout year from the compact, strong, athletic DL prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649259b5b0621"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16346345/63812369f326f607201f30a4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649362b07a927"} /-->

The trenches seem like a bottomless supply of trench talent. Because of that we are seeing multiple athletes on both sides of the ball slip under the radar as June comes to an end. To make sure these student athletes get the spotlight that they deserve, I have identified three members of the OL and three members of the DL in the Class of 2024 that need to be on more radars. We start with a big OL out of United Township.

Jake VandeWiele

Jake VandeWiele

IL
OL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 285
POS OL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Jake
VandeWiele OL
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
Weight
285
HS
United Township (East Moline)
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
One of the top hidden gems that I have come across in the offensive trenches is the United...
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jake VandeWiele

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: United Township (East Moline)
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jace Pankey

Jace Pankey

IL
OL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 275
POS OL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Jace
Pankey OL
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
Weight
275
HS
Iroquois West
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
Another imposing OL working towards his first offer is Iroquois West’s Jace Pankey . The 6’4″ 275 lbs...
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jace Pankey

State: Illinois
School: Iroquois West
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Colton Bendery

Colton Bendery

IL
OL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 250
POS OL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Colton
Bendery OL
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
Weight
250
HS
Loyola Academy
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
The 8A State Champion OL is another athlete along the OL that needs more attention. The 6’4″ 280...
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Colton Bendery

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Loyola Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jace Hackman

Jace Hackman

IL
DL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Jace
Hackman DL
Class
2024
Height
6'4"
Weight
220
HS
Pekin
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
Jace is an athlete who has so much potential and room for development when watching his highlights. It...
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jace Hackman

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Pekin
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jack Anderson

Jack Anderson

IL
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Jack
Anderson DL
Class
2024
Height
6'3"
Weight
260
HS
Glenbard South
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
The 6’3″ 260 lbs DL out of Glenbard South is the most highly recruited athlete in this article....
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jack Anderson

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Glenbard South
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Blake Wendt

Blake Wendt

IL
DL
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Blake
Wendt DL
Class
2024
Height
6'1"
Weight
260
HS
Carmel Catholic
|
IL
Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
The 6’1″ 260 lbs DL out of Carmel Catholic is another recruit that is more under the radar....
Written by Mark Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Blake Wendt

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Carmel Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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