Under the Radar Linemen in the Land of Lincoln
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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.
One of the top hidden gems that I have come across in the offensive trenches is the United Township OT. Hard to miss the 6’4″ 284 lbs LT with a massive 6’7″ 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.
Highlights
Another imposing OL working towards his first offer is Iroquois West’s Jace Pankey Jace Pankey 6’4″ | 275 lbs | OL Iroquois West | 2024 State IL . The 6’4″ 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.
The 8A State Champion OL is another athlete along the OL that needs more attention. The 6’4″ 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.
Highlights
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 6’4″ 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.
Highlights
The 6’3″ 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.
Highlights
The 6’1″ 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.