Best Offensive Linemen of State Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The State Finals saw plenty of offensive outbursts. WE saw big passing performances, dominant rushing performances, and at the front of it all was many offensive linemen that need to be on the radar of college coaches and recruiters. These athletes controlled the trenches, set the tone, and helped win games in overpowering fashion. Today, we look at the best individuals of those groups. Let's get started!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["225872"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The man of the hour was Badger's [player_tooltip player_id='225872' first='Jackson' last='Braden']. You will see most of the Badger OL in this article somewhere, and the leader of the bunch is senior [player_tooltip player_id='225872' first='Jackson' last='Braden']. Coming into the day, I couldn't wait to see Braden and his dominant run blocking. There was no disappointment. The senior is overpowering with strong hands and the leg drive, plus the flexibility to play low and win the leverage battle. Badger set the D2 single game rushing record on the day, and only completed 1 pass. So the defense knew what was coming. It didn't matter. Braden was able to create a ton of movement in the trenches and open running lanes you could drive a truck through. Mankato has an absolute mauler on the way to them in 2024. It was a special final performance for Jackson.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65629a2766153"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["379966"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Shane is another senior standout OL who led a dominant rushing attack to bring home a State Championship. The South Dakota State commit looks the part of a D1 prospect. He has a budding, powerful frame at 6'5u0022 265 lbs, with room to continue to grow and add strength. Shane is a very athletic LT prospect. The senior is light on his feet and has the range to reach DL or get up to the second level. Willenbring also is very stout. He sets a strong wall when walling off DL to open up lanes for his RBs. The length, overall size, athleticism, and raw strength are there to mold at the next level. Shane is just getting started.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859cce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383717"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The OL talent was off the charts at State. The first junior to make this list Grafton's [player_tooltip player_id='383717' first='James' last='Nellis']. Nellis is shaping into a high end prospect. He already is filling out his long frame. The OT put his well rounded skill set on display. In pass protection, James uses his length to make initial contact, he has a powerful punch to stand up edge rushers. His anchor proved to be next level ready as he was able to shut down any bull rush attempts. The junior has smooth, quick feet under that big, powerful frame. He can move and mirror easily. In the run game, James is a bully. Grafton's OT was able to drive his man off the ball, opening up plenty of space to attack. James is one of the top names to know in a loaded 2025 OL Class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859d45"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405597"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The most balanced offensive attack of the State Finals came from Lodi and their loaded offense. Leading the way in the trenches is standout senior [player_tooltip player_id='405597' first='Josh' last='Klann']. Eau Claire has a special one here. One that I could see playing either side of the line at the next level. Klann caught my eyes most on the OL during the D4 Championship. His length, agile feet, and burst off the line stood out over and over. Josh was able to quickly engage, close the gap on, and control DL. The senior looked natural showing off the reactive athleticism as he mirrored edge rushers. Klann also looked at home out in space. I can't wait to follow his career at the next level and see how he is utilized.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859d9a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top under the radar senior prospects grabbed teh spotlight in his last game of his HS career. The 6'3u0022 255 lbs senior has the talent to play at the next level. He has no to trouble getting out in space and hitting smaller, more agile targets. Jack has demonstrated a solid anchor and good hand use to swallow up bull rush attempts and even put them in the dirt. The hidden gem also understands how to use leverage to his advantage. Especially in the run game. There Hardt shows that he can get underneath DL, deliver a strong first punch, and run them off the line with his strong base. Don't overlook the senior OL.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859deb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["700027"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Only a sophomore, Jackson looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. He is definitely a prospect to know going forward as a guard. Buchanan shined in the triple option, run heavy offense that Badger uses. He gets to burst out of his stance, close quickly on DL or LBs, and deliver big blocks that either flatten defenders or open up running lanes. Jackson has the range to get to the second level. He also has the power to maul DTs in the trenches and wash them down the line or walk them off the ball. Jackson brings that nasty mentality to finish his blocks with violence. I'm pumped for the next couple years of watching him in the Badger trenches.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859e3b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270645"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ryland is another senior steal on the OL. Day checks in at 6'3u0022 250 lbs, and he carries it very well. The room is there to continue to add the necessary size for the next level. Day also has the traits of a D2/D3 OL recruit. His pass protection was impressive vs a dominant DL. He trusted his feet to keep him between the rusher and the QB, used his length, and didn't overextend when engaging. Day was also surprisingly stout at his size. He could absorb contact without giving ground, and his hands always seemed to be dead center of his man's chest. Get this dude on your boards late.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859e89"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["685977"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Richard was another member of the dominant Badger OL that cleared the way for their record setting day. The junior was a force on the OL. He works best in short areas, getting onto DL quickly, and using his sheer size, and power to move them where he wants them. Richard's short area agility gives  him the ability to quickly get himself in position to wall off the defender. Badger will need him to continue to develop his game and leadership for next fall. He will be a key piece to their success again in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859ed8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["634992"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Edgar has been a force on the ground all season, and it was the same story in Madison as Graveen led the way to big yards on the ground. Graveen was a mismatch for the opposing D7 DL. He was quick off the line, got his hands involved and well placed. The way he would keep his feet moving while maintaining a wide base made him a an mover in the trenches. I believe he has a home at guard at the next level. Don't sleep on the small school standout.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859f23"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933308"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We wrap up with a senior who has really been on the rise over the past 6 months. Sebastian has made big time strides over that time, and is now looking like a sound next level prospect. Sebastian is a long athlete that is able to quickly engage with his opponents, make first contact, steer where he wants his defender to go, and then has the power to put them where he wants them and finish. Luevano has solid foot quickness to get into a deep pass set. We got a good look at the pass protection. Luevano can change direction with the rusher, can absorb bull rushers, and let's his length shine. I'm excited to see where the senior ends up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656548a859f6f"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Dominant OL to Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='685933' first='Jon' last='Kearney']</strong><em>, OL- Aquinas</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933308' first='Sebastian' last='Luevano']</strong><em>, OL- Franklin</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>William Flottmeyer</strong><em>, OL- Aquinas</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Max Maliszewski</strong><em>, OL- Aquinas</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Charles Garvey</strong><em>, OL- Wrightstown</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Brandon Watrous</strong><em>, OL- Badger</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->