Wheeling University FNL Camp Standouts: (OL/DL)

Wheeling University held its Friday Night Lights Camp yesterday evening and the talent was in full force. Over 125 athletes made their way to the beautiful Highlands Sports Complex indoor facility to compete and earn an offer from the Cardinals. There were many standout performers and good-looking athletes on display. Here were some of the best offensive and defensive linemen I saw at Friday's camp.   Offensive Line:   [player_tooltip player_id='1114060' first='Cayden' last='Benton'] - Toronto (OH) | 2024   Toronto (OH) offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1114060' first='Cayden' last='Benton'] has one of the highest upsides at Wheeling University's FNL Camp. He's a legit 6'6 but only 215 pounds right now and you might think he's more of a defensive line prospect but I think his future is on the offensive line. I could see him playing along the defensive line in college if he can't put on weight but I'm confident he'll be fine in a college nutrition program. Benton will be a D1 prospect if he can get in the 250-pound range and is an athletic option at offensive tackle. His 40 time was decent for a kid his size at 5.34 but his 4.62 shuttle tells you he has some lateral quickness to play the position. I'm really high on this 2024 OL prospect who already holds numerous D2 offers.   Zach Dillon - Walsh Jesuit (OH) | 2024   2024 Walsh Jesuit (OH) athlete Zach Dillon is an interesting prospect and could project on the offensive line or defensive line at the next level. Dillon measured in at 6'5 220 so he would need to put on a good amount of weight to play offensive line at the next level. He plays tackle in high school and is a long athlete so I could see him moving to defensive end based on his testing numbers. Dillon ran a solid 5.14 40, a 3-yard broad jump, and a 4.62 shuttle time. Honestly, with those numbers, I could even see him playing some tight end in college. His position for the next level may be unknown but there's a lot to like about 2024 Zach Dillon and worth taking a chance on.   Jacob Ziegler - Perkins (OH) | 2024   Jacob Ziegler is a true mauler of an offensive lineman and very physical. He's 6'3 290 and played left tackle for Norwalk (OH) last season but is transferring to Perkins (OH) for his senior year. His testing numbers probably showed that he'll slide inside and play guard at the next level but he's very stout in the blocking game. Ziegler's junior highlights are loaded with pancakes and blowing defenders off the ball. He can get to the second level and block downfield as well. If he doesn't end up at a D2 school a D3 program will be getting a good player.   [player_tooltip player_id='377385' first='Jacob' last='Messina'] - North Hills (PA) | 2024   The offers have been rolling in this year for 2024 North Hills (PA) offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='377385' first='Jacob' last='Messina'] and that included an offer from camp host Wheeling University back in May. The Cardinals got an up-close look at Messina in camp on Friday and I'm sure that solidified their interest in him. He measured in at 6'3 260 with room to grow and tested well for a big man. Messina had a very good 40 time of 5.1 seconds, broad jumped 2.75 yards, and a shuttle time of 4.76 seconds. That kind of athleticism will certainly get you some looks for the next level and after watching his junior highlights I can see why colleges are high on him.   Ethan Ray - Champion (OH) | 2024   Another good guard prospect is 2024 Champion (OH) OL Ethan Ray. Ray is a broad 6'3 348 and plays right tackle and center in high school but will stay inside at guard or center in college. When Ray keeps his leverage low and feet moving he's a really good run blocker. He's tough to get around and a physical player. I'm not sure if a D2 school will offer him but if not a D3 school will be getting a steal and he should have a good college career there.   Jon Chaney - Clark Montessori (OH) | 2024   I think 2024 Clark Montessori (OH) prospect could play on the offensive or defensive line at the next level. He's 6'3 282 and plays both ways in high school. I watched his junior highlights and liked what I saw from both positions. Chaney is a physical player that clearly enjoys the contact of football. He can play offensive guard or defensive tackle and that kind of versatility will get him some college looks. Chaney is a stout and strong athlete and that was apparent when watching him play. He's a name to check out and watch for this season.       Defensive Line:   [player_tooltip player_id='855243' first='Isaiah' last='Danner'] - Hershey (PA) | 2024   The biggest prospect that I've seen all summer camp season is 2024 Hershey (PA) defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='855243' first='Isaiah' last='Danner']. Danner is a towering 6'7 and weighed in at 296 at Wheeling University's camp. To no surprise with size like that, he stood out right away and was the first athlete I took notice of. His highlights were as an interior defensive lineman and tight end but I wouldn't be shocked if he's eventually an offensive tackle. His athleticism will keep him at the D2 level and he earned an offer from the Wheeling Cardinals back in June. Danner is a handful to block and fires off the ball. With his size, there will surely be more offers coming and you take his commitment and figure out where he plays later.   Desmond Boyd - Stow-Munroe Falls (OH) | 2024   2024 Stow-Munroe Falls (OH) defensive lineman Desmond Boyd is a good-looking pass rusher prospect. He's 6'1 236 and pretty athletic running a 4.93 40 and a 3-yard broad jump. Boyd also had a 4.81 shuttle time and when watching his junior highlights he can really get after the quarterback. He has a D2 offer from Alderson Broaddus (WV) and I wouldn't be surprised to see him receive some more D2 interest. Boyd can put his hand in the dirt as a more traditional defensive end or he can be a stand-up edge rusher. I think there's enough athleticism there to keep him as a full-time edge rusher and let him pass rush.   Derek Croghan - Wheeling Park | 2024   Wheeling Park's Derek Croghan is a really big boy and measured in at 6'3 324 at camp. He's your classic plug-the-middle and eat up blockers type of interior defensive lineman and that will most likely be his role at the next level. Croghan is very good in run defense and is a handful for centers and guards. You aren't going to ask him to pass rush and you don't need him to when he's freeing up lanes for his linebackers. I expect Croghan to pick up some D2 offers this year.   James Rodino - Marion Catholic (PA) | 2024   James Rodino of Marion Catholic (PA) is a nice defensive line prospect and under the radar right now. He's 6'3 228 and I like him as a defensive end but he plays mostly inside in high school. His testing numbers were solid with a 5.14 40, 3 yard broad jump, and 4.63 shuttle. The Rodino's must be an athletic family because this is the third one that made my camp standout list. I'm not sure if he'll be a D2 prospect but he's a fun prospect that has some tools and size to work with.   Another notable defensive lineman:   Jackson Nolt - Ephrata (PA) | 2026   Long and young prospect that can play OL or DL. Measured in at 6'5 232. 5.51 40, 3 yard broad jump, and 5.28 shuttle. Plenty of time to keep developing and a promising future. Name to tuck away for a couple years.

Wheeling University held its Friday Night Lights Camp yesterday evening and the talent was in full force. Over 125 athletes made their way to the beautiful Highlands Sports Complex indoor facility to compete and earn an offer from the Cardinals. There were many standout performers and good-looking athletes on display. Here were some of the best offensive and defensive linemen I saw at Friday's camp.