Six Illinois offensive linemen set for breakout senior seasons
The six offensive linemen on this list all come from different parts of the state but they have a lot in common. They’ve all had solid junior seasons and have been putting in the work this offseason. Some of them…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe six offensive linemen on this list all come from different parts of the state but they have a lot in common. They’ve all had solid junior seasons and have been putting in the work this offseason. Some of them have already picked up offers, while some of them are still flying under the radar. Look for all of them dominate this fall.
Mark Helm 6’5 260 (Glenwood HS) – Mark dominated the camps he attended this summer, so much so that in state programs EIU and SIU offered. Every OL coach at the college level is looking for guys that play with great physicality and he checks the box. His wrestling background shows on film playing with great leverage as he moves people in the run game. He also has good feet being able to play in space and cover up second level defenders. Look for Mark to carry his offseason success into his senior season.
Kwan Johnson Kwan Johnson 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Eisenhower | 2024 IL 6’4 290 (Eisenhower HS) – Kwan picked up an early offer this summer from EIU and for good reason. He is a physical athlete at the tackle spot that loves to dominate his opponent all game long. He can get out and run in space showing up on screens and outside runs. He is someone I believe is just getting started and his best football is still in front of him.
Russell Cunningham 6’2 280 (Kenwood HS) – When you turn on the film the first thing you’ll notice about Russell is his ability to finish blocks. He plays with a nasty streak that college coaches will love to see. In pass pro he has a great strike able to stop defenders in their tracks. He has a strong build and projects to be an interior OL at the next level.
Caden Dickey 6’3 300 ( O’Fallon HS) – Caden is great at the fundamentals, a true technician on the field. He is also a smart player being able to bounce from guard to center without any problems. Caden also possess quick feet, changing direction quickly which benefits him when pass protecting or pulling. He’s picked up a few D2 offers this summer and I bet more are coming this season.
Alex Poholik 6’2 295 (Mt Carmel HS) – Alex will be transferring to an already loaded Mt Carmel team this fall. I don’t expect he will skip a beat, picking up where he left off last season at Lincoln-Way West. Alex is one of the more polished pass protectors I’ve watched this year. He often beats his defenders to their spot with his great feet and rarely gives up ground. Much like most of the guys on this list he loves the pancake blocks as well.
Dylan Johnson 6’6 245 (Breese Central HS) – Dylan is very athletic at his size. hH is built like a power forward on the field. He has long arms and good feet which makes him a dream at the tackle spot for OL coaches. Dylan is just scratching the surface of his potential and I believe he will have a strong fall. He’s drawn some recruiting attention this off-season but after a strong senior season more coaches will take notice.