Uncommitted IL Trench Monsters
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new Prep Redzone subscription! Illinois is home to a slew of massive, strong, athletic freaks that play offensive and defensive line. Among the D1 commits in the trenches are several 2024s who are…
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Illinois is home to a slew of massive, strong, athletic freaks that play offensive and defensive line. Among the D1 commits in the trenches are several 2024s who are still on the market and looking for their collegiate home. The eight trench monsters in this article are must know prospects. Kids that dominate Friday nights, and will be able to control the line of scrimmage and create mismatches, and set the tone at the next level. Let’s get it started with a highly recruited DL out of Simeon.
When I say heavily recruited I mean it. The Simeon DL holds 27 D1 offers at this time, and it is a good time watching the tape that has helped earn them. Beeler has a well put together 6’3″ 260 lbs frame with elite 34″ arms. That length allows him to create separation, and then use his pass rush moves or quickness and agility to beat OL. Mikeshun has repeatedly shown the strong, heavy hands to be able to club linemen. The stud DL has also shown nimble feet that allow him to move laterally while on his rush path. Finally, Beeler has shown that he can win with strength and leverage over speed. He has an impressive, well rounded game. Pumped to see where he commits.
Lucas has clearly been putting in the offseason work these past few months. The 6’7″ athlete played at 235 lbs in 2022, but he is currently listed at 260 lbs. A lot of time, coaches are forced to project how much or if a kid is able to add size. Lucas has shown he can do it and maintain his explosive athleticism. What else I love about Austin’s development is he previously played TE. I love seeing the big athletes eventually make the switch to OT because the athleticism jumps off the tape when they slide a position or two in. That superior size/athleticism combo stands out for Lucas. He has effortless range to get to the second level or reach down the line of scrimmage. Lucas also plays with very impressive knee and ankle flexibility that allow him to play low and with leverage so he can drive linemen off the ball in the run game. Lucas is just scratching the surface on his potential. If he goes into the season uncommitted, we could see him really take off with that added size, and more experience under his belt. Get on this kid now.
Highlights
Next up we have the biggest trench monster of the article. Conor checks in at 6’7″ 285 lbs, and he uses that size to bully and maul defensive linemen. In the run game, Conor uses superior strength to dig DL out of the trenches and bury them into level two. Right from the initial contact Conor packs a punch. The left tackle is very sound technically, always maintaining a wide base and getting hands inside. In pass protection the big man shows light feet and the ability to get deep into his pass set and change direction to mirror edge rushers. The big man has the talent to stay out at OT at the next level.
The 6’3″ 270 lbs OG is fun to watch on tape. Kyle’s short area agility is next level ready. He can quickly shift himself laterally, or turn his body to get the angle and put himself perfectly between the ball and defender. Once he gets that positioning there is no going through the strong anchored OG. Kyle is an absolute bully in the trenches too. He plays with the mean streak and tenacity you want along the interior. Someone who will help establish the run, punish DL every single snap, and reset the line of scrimmage downfield.
Highlights
Ivan fits the title of this article. The 6’4″ 215 lbs DE is a long athlete with the frame to continue to fill out and add good weight and strength to. The ’24 is a mismatch for OTs. You expect him to use strength and length, and he does that well, but the DE will also win with surprising burst out of his stance and overall speed that leaves OTs watching him close on ball carriers or QBs. As mentioned above, Moore also does a very good job of winning with strength. He is only 215 lbs, but the Kenwood product is stout on the edge against the run. He can stand up the OT, hold his ground, and then shed the block and make the tackle at the line. He has shown he can win on all three downs, and as he continues to fill out that frame I believe he will be able to do so at the next level also.
You will find the 6’3″ 270 lbs DL at DE in the Stevenson three man front. Ethan has built up a powerful, thick frame that serves him well for his role. Ethan has a strong lower body that doesn’t give up ground in the run game. He has heavy hands that can keep himself clean with a single swipe. The big man has shown to be a mismatch with his short area quickness and agility also. He can win with his first step quickness or quickly cross the OL face, or laterally cut over a gap before the OL can mirror him. Aghakhan looks the part of a DE in a 3 man front at the next level where he can use his strength and quickness.
Highlights
The 6’4″ 285 lbs center looks like he is shaping into a big time steal in the IL trenches. It looks like he is still looking for his first offer, so I highly recommend heading over to the film. The big man is asked to do some zone blocking type movements and he has shown the range and body control to be able to move along the line of scrimmage, hold the line, and control his man while opening up running lanes and cut back lanes for his RB. When covered by a NG, Kaden has shown he can get the snap off quick and still land a solid first punch. When uncovered, Garland does a good job of scanning for blitzers or giving help to his OGs in the pass game. In the run game, he provides help or uses that range to quickly close on LBs. There is a lot to work with and mold here. Give him a look.
We end with another big potential steal for a college coaching staff. The 6’3″ 270 lbs DL holds a pair of offers, so far, from Lindenwood and Indiana State. More coaches need to check this monster out. He plays both ways and is very talented at both DT and OG. On defense the big man is extremely nimble. He can change directions quickly, has a very strong burst out of his stance and those changes of direction. Cairo also is very strong. He can drive his OL back and get penetration and wreck havoc with power. Lastly, when he tackles it is as violent as it can be. That violence carries over to offense. He mauls and punishes the DL. He is simply looking to overpower everyone and put them on their backs in the dirt. This kid is a big time hidden gem.