CJ’s Top Giants: 6 Offensive Linemen That Need More Attention
This scouting report provides an assessment of 6 high school offensive linemen in Alabama. These players have demonstrated their skills and potential on the field, and their performances have garnered attention from me. The report aims to provide a concise…
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Continue ReadingThis scouting report provides an assessment of 6 high school offensive linemen in Alabama. These players have demonstrated their skills and potential on the field, and their performances have garnered attention from me. The report aims to provide a concise evaluation of their strengths and overall potential as they transition to the college level.
Riley McGehee
Riley McGehee
McGehee has a ton of power in his hands to jolt defenders, with vice-like grip strength and a strong understanding of how to use torque to wall-off opponents. Impressive combination of quickness and feel for positioning lets him win some snaps instantly. Capable of pulling and cracking backside pursuers. Works hard to climb to the second level or get out in space and execute. Overall balance is good; plays within his frame and keeps his head up and back straight. Plays snaps through the whistle and can be seen hunting down the field. In pass protection, plays with sufficient width in his base, shows some knee bend, and anchors easily against power. Covers enough ground with his kick slide to protect the edge against speed. Active with his hands, shooting them out and getting good extension overall. Light on his feet after contact to mirror.
McNatt hands are very powerful, with an excellent shove to knock defenders off-balance; able to overwhelm opponents on contact and rack up pancake blocks, crushing defenders under his girth. Keeps his feet going once engaged to generate push in a phone booth. Short-area quickness is good enough to climb up to the second level and cause problems. Dancing-bear type who’s surprisingly smooth and nimble for a player with his size; has adequate to above-average lateral quickness for the position in absolute terms, which is incredible relative to the few players with comparable builds. Plays with adequate knee bend and an appropriately-wide base. Hand placement and extension in pass pro are very solid, resetting well and showing a good level of activity. Has the anchor strength you’d expect given his size. Keeps his head on a swivel and destroys opponents as the help blocker.
Highlights
Nathan Sayle
Nathan Sayle
Sayle is tough, competitive player with excellent snap to snap consistency and polished technique. Looks fast in a straight line, with the short-area quickness to climb to the second level and engage in space, or cross and hook defenders. Can pull in either direction. Strong understanding of positioning. Functional strength is better than his size would suggest. Able to attack the outside shoulder of a defender and seal them inside. Shows active feet after contact to generate movement. Works hard to sustain through the whistle and shows impressive grip strength to stay locked on. Finishes when he has defenders on the ropes. Technically-sound kick slide with some knee bend, an appropriately-wide base, and excellent balance. Active with his punch and does a good job of resetting.
Caleb Pruitt
Caleb Pruitt
Pruitt has excellent combination of toughness, snap-to-snap consistency, and work rate. Has plenty of short-area athleticism to execute zone-blocking concepts. Low pad level and strong leg drive after contact to generate push. Resets hands effectively. Works hard to sustain through the whistle and takes advantages of opportunity to finish opponents. Form in pass sets looks good, with a sound stance, solid knee bend, and a straight back; consistently plays within his frame. Nice lateral quickness to protect the edge against speed or defend against inside moves; avoids overcommitting to stopping the speed rush. Able to pull in pass protection. Actively shoots out his punch. Excellent hand placement: close together, high, and inside. Overall grip strength is above-average to good. Drops an early anchor and has solid lower-body strength overall; able to keep defenders away from the passer even when he’s pivoting inside and riding opponents.
Tafari Alcime
Tafari Alcime
Alcime has a thick frame but is more flexible than usual for a player with his build. His grip strength is impressive, allowing him to sustain through the whistle. Has active feet after engaging to generate movement in the run game. Able to attack the outside shoulder and drive edge defenders off of their spots. Works hard to secure blocks in space, whether in the run game or when blocking for screens. Pass sets look solid, with a straight back, adequate knee bend, and controlled kick slide. Lateral quickness to mirror is adequate for a tackle, with above-average agility. Does a nice job of placing his hands in pass protection, with good activity when firing his punch and the ability to reset effectively. When working from a stable base, shows a solid anchor to absorb power.
Limaj Wallace
Limaj Wallace
Wallace plays the game with competitiveness, physicality, and a killer instinct; no questions about his temperament or toughness. Shows a solid understanding of positioning in the run game. Good enough athlete to get up to the second level and engage. Functional strength is very good, with active hands and the ability to jolt defenders on contact. Has active feet to grind down defenders and generate movement in a phone booth. Works hard through the whistle, with adequate hand placement and a strong grip to sustain. Pass sets look pretty good, with solid knee-bend and a sufficiently-wide base; does a good job of replicating his form on a snap-to-snap basis. Proactive about firing out his punch in pass protection, making full use of his length. Above-average hand-fighter who does a good job of resetting. Has a good anchor, which he generally drops early to defend against power.