Class of 2027: Top Linemen in WNY – Part 2
When Freshmen come into High School, many don’t know if their future lies in the trenches. But nonetheless, these are the 2023 freshmen that were standout Linemen and are looking to improve their skill set. Gavin Smith HEIGHT 5'10" WEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingWhen Freshmen come into High School, many don’t know if their future lies in the trenches. But nonetheless, these are the 2023 freshmen that were standout Linemen and are looking to improve their skill set.
![Gavin Smith](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/GAVIN-SMITH-crop-324x213-1715963484.jpg)
Gavin Smith
Gavin Smith
The 2023 Lancaster Legends freshmen football team was anchored by Center, Gavin Smith. Gavin has fantastic awareness and picks up blitzers well. His snaps are on point and he blocks to the whistle. Gavin has a high football IQ, signaling when he sees blitzers coming and double teams with his fellow guards then pushes to the second level. Freshmen football is not a great indicator of what varsity football will bring but as long as Smith is doing the off season work, he should be Lancaster’s starting Center in the upcoming year or two.
![Lucas Aiken](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/LUCAS-AIKEN-crop-339x223-1715695419.jpg)
Lucas Aiken
Lucas Aiken
I don’t know how many times I can write about a Clarence lineman. There is just one after another. Enter Lucas Aiken; a Right Guard with excellent hand technique and good form. He drives with his legs and has exceptional footwork. He does not have ideal size but that can be fixed with time and his weight room routine. The talent is there for Aiken to flourish. He may spend one more season on JV but with hard work and dedication, Lucas will put Section VI on notice in 2025.
![Braden Ryan](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/BRADEN-RYAN-crop-359x236-1715695531.jpg)
Braden Ryan
Braden Ryan
A two starter on Williamsville East’s JV team, OL/DL Braden Ryan plays with sheer determination and grit. He is technically sound and competes with a lot of heart and emotion. He is going to have to bulk up to compete at the varsity level but that comes with the hard work we do not see.
![Alchemist Matthews](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Alchemist Matthews
Alchemist Matthews
Alchemist Matthews is a big wrecking ball at DT. His massive frame clogs holes and he possesses a great amount of strength. He has a nose for the ball and plays with a high motor. Matthews has excellent vision and can diagnose when a play develops. There is not a lot of film on him but this is a player with a ton of promise that can have a spectacular high school career.
![Louis Desantis](https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/LOUIS-DESANTIS-crop-330x217-1715695480.jpg)
Louis Desantis
Louis Desantis
Louis Desantis went from playing Modified in 8th grade recording 6 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles to being called up to varsity in 2023. Desantis started every game as a freshman showing his dominance and pure tenacity. Louis is a three sport star, also wrestling as well as throwing discuss/shotput. These next three seasons will be intriguing for how this Maryvale Offensive Line develops.