5 Dominant Offensive Linemen Through 8 Weeks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're staying in the trenches today, more importantly strictly up front on offense. Football is won and lost and the trenches, let these guys help you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='541889' first='Nick' last='Bartels'] - Covenant Christian - OL - 6'4" 270lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartels was named an All-State offensive lineman and he's not only come out and picked up from where he left off last year, but he's taken another step. He's more violent, has stronger hands, and is dominating the line of scrimmage. My favorite part is that he's got years of experience playing Center and snapping the ball. Being the head of the line and having the IQ to succeed and make those adjustments at the bar shows the ability to process and play simultaneously. His frame is legit and he's well-built. While still developing into that frame, once he gets to college there will be no issue putting weight on. He's got the length to play on the outside, but ultimately think he stays on the interior, and wherever he goes, they are getting a starter in year 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Nick_Bartels</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1035836' first='Merek' last='Helvey'] - Noblesville - OL - 6'3" 295lbs - 2025</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helvey is an upcoming lineman who likes to play bully ball upfront. When he can, he likes to get his guy in the dirt and make sure he's playing through the whistle. He's good in the running game, as that's where he gets most of his work. He understands how to get low, use his base, and drive through the defender. He's someone who could go on the move as well but hasn't been asked to do so much. He's got sound feet in the passing game, but would likely need some work around the edges to get caught up to a college offense. Being a Center with the size he has is impressive considering his speed off the ball. For his size, he's deceptively quick and does a good job staying within his frame. Helvey is someone who can develop into a fine player anywhere in the interior down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@HelveyMerek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1035824' first='Gavyn' last='Blake'] - Mississinewa - OL - 6'2" 290lbs - 2024</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blake is a multi-year starter who looks as good as ever. He's someone who seeks contact and does a great job on the move being the one to dictate the rep. He's fairly quick for a lineman and does a good job getting downfield, yet being patient in screens not to get caught ineligible downfield. A subtle thing, but goes a long way when speaking about developmental traits. He seems to have the right instincts and does a good job just protecting. He picks up the empty man and can track through the mesh while keeping solid footwork. There are times he can rise a bit too high out of his stance, but other than that when he's staying fundamentally clean he's as strong as anyone. Blake is listed at 6'2" but seems a bit lengthier than that which is another thing that could really help him inside at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@GavynBlake34</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401633' first='Alec' last='Surber'] - Decatur Central - OL - 6'3" 250lbs - 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surber is a young offensive lineman we came across this past February as someone who stood out as a Freshman. He's on pace to be a 4-year starter at the 5A level if he stays on the field. He's a good athlete and has an incredible, yet raw frame. However, he's young and developing so he's just fine. He's got plenty of time to keep putting weight on, but it's a pretty good sign to be playing at a high level and dominating while you're a bit undersized. It shows true strength, grit, and ability, all of which Surber has plenty of. He's better this year and seems much more confident. He's not panicked or caught off guard and seems ready for everything now that he's seen it before. He's right where he should be to develop into a top-tier recruit when his time comes around. Surber is a recruit to jump on before it's too late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@AlecSurber</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1035852' first='Zane' last='Baker'] - Roncalli - OL - 6'1" 230lbs - 2026</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker is a young and developing lineman who is doing great just in the middle of the fire. He's a solid athlete who has good length. There's no doubt he's a bit light for the trenches, but he's able to handle his own and have success while he puts the weight on. He does a good job scanning in pass protection and staying off his heels. He's able to set a nice base and gain depth, but not always cleanly. Again, being a young recruit that's just fine because he's assignment-focused while clearly working on the fundamentals. There's no doubt by the time he's a junior and senior, he'll be much cleaner with his footwork. On top of that, if he puts the weight on, he could become a dominant run blocker. He's already able to create creases and have success now. Baker is absolutely a guy to keep on your radar over the next few years because he could light it up overnight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@Zane_Baker99</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->