In The Trenches: Highlighting 5 Linemen In The 2025 Class

<p>We're staying in the trenches today! Mainly on the offensive side of the ball, but we've also got a fantastic DT to highlight as well. Either way, football is won and lost up front, and these guys could be some help for the right program.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1197666' first='Josiah' last='Cross'] - Hammond Morton - DL - 6'1" 270lbs</h2>   <p>Cross was a bright spot for a defense last year that struggled in multiple areas. However, having a big-bodied tackle who can help stuff the run and force the ball carrier to bounce it to the outside can help alleviate some stresses. Cross is big and is nicely building his frame. As he develops in the weight room, it'll help chisel out the frame, but he's on the way. He doesn't rely too much on his hands and can shed blocks right up the middle. He put up 33 solo tackles this year and did a great job identifying where he could win at the point. On the offensive side of the ball, he's a decent tackle who can gain depth and redirect a lineman. He's not the most aggressive offensive lineman and seems to be cautious with his hand placement. He's not bad on that side of the ball, but I certainly feel his future should be attacking the ball because that's what he does best. A high-motor big-bodied guy who can play the interior is worth their weight in gold, and there's a chance Cross could develop into one.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@JosiahCross92</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='539947' first='Carson' last='Tells'] - Ben Davis - OL - 6'0" 250lbs</h2>   <p>It's been a steady path of development for Tells throughout his high school career, and this past year was his best yet. He was initially on the defensive side of the ball as a freshman, but came to the offensive side and never looked back. Any time you win the State championship, you have to have a good team with stars, but it's also the guys who help make the team go that don't get the credit. Tells is one of those guys up front. He's moved around, versatile, and willing to step up where and when needed. He's not the biggest lineman, but he's got a strong core and since he's a bit shorter, can be the low man most of the time. He keeps his arms tight to his body and won't get caught with them way off his body or on the outside of the defender's pads. He's aggressive in the running game and has no issue coming downhill. He's a bit more raw in the passing game, but he's still capable and does a fine job where he stands now. I like Tells because he seems simple. Show up, work hard, and let the results speak for themselves.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@CarsonTells</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='196646' first='Charlie' last='Riddle'] - Heritage - OL - 6'4" 265lbs</h2>   <p>If you like small school guys who work their tails off in the weight room and have a humble demeanor, then I have a guy for you. Riddle's impressive and coming off of a season wehre he was named All-State, and for good reason. He's violent and loves to put defenders on their backs. He's got massive hands and long arms that let him direct the rep time and time again. He's then incredibly strong and isn't easily out manuvered. He is fairly nimble and good on his feet for his size. He does have a tendency to want to grab the outside shoulder, but it's something minor and it's not something he's doing to compensate for lack of strength. He's often times the strongest guy on the field and has one of the strongest cores out of anyone in the class. Per his Twitter, he's able to squat 500lbs and clean 290lbs, which would verify what you see on tape. A strong big man who needs some work on the mechanics, but can dominate the running game. He turned me into a big fan, and I think Riddle really could surprise some people.</p>   <p>Twitter:<strong> @CharlieRiddle73</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1197661' first='Braxton' last='Woodall'] - North Putnam - OL - 6'2" 240lbs</h2>   <p>Woodall is a small school guy who has been on the field a ton since his freshman year and has done nothing but improved, rarely made the same mistake twice, and turned into a leader of the room overnight. He's got experience at both Guard and Tackle on the right side as well. While he does a good job upfront and can come crashing downhill, I do think he's a bit on the lighter end. As the weight gets up there, it'll help him be more powerful at the point of contact and control the rep. He's got the arm length and hand placement you're looking for, especially when protecting the quarterback. He's also then athletic enough to get downfield and either be a lead blocker in a screen or just be a hustle play and make an extra block to free up the ball carrier for an extra 5 yards. I would like to see what he does during the offseason and how much he weighs heading into camp, but nonetheless, Woodall has been a fantastic piece for North Putnam for years.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@BraxtonWoodall</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1197660' first='Manny' last='Egan'] - Cathedral - OL - 6'2" 255lbs</h2>   <p>One of the mainstays for Cathedral up front on the left side interior is Egan, who I think has a unique playstyle. He's quick and twitchy off the line and while he's not quite there yet in the weight department, you can tell he's getting there and putting the work in. So, it adds up for some pretty fun tape. He's as agile as they come up front and able to get downfield quickly. Sometimes when he's running downfield, he looks like a bigger TE because of the speed he has. He's always seeking contact and doesn't have an issue hitting someone full speed or absorbing a hit from a full speed blitzer. He knows how to work a double team up to the second level and can sense when to peel off to help the Tackle to the outside. He's also light on his feet and you can tell that he puts the time in trying to get his footwork right. It's hard, something you always have to work on, but it's good to be on it from the jump. Egan is a guy I can see making an impact at the next level if he finds the right fit, because the raw talent and ability is certainly there.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@M_Egan56</strong></p>

We're staying in the trenches today! Mainly on the offensive side of the ball, but we've also got a fantastic DT to highlight as well. Either way, football is won and lost up front, and these guys could be some help for the right program.