IA/NEB Combine Includes Impressive OL Prospects
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The IA/NEB combine held in Council Bluffs was a great opportunity for OL to put their footwork, hands and strength to the test while working on skills and drills and one on one blocking. Here are some really solid prospects…
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Continue ReadingThe IA/NEB combine held in Council Bluffs was a great opportunity for OL to put their footwork, hands and strength to the test while working on skills and drills and one on one blocking. Here are some really solid prospects from 2025, 2026, 2027 that I watched perform up close.
2025 OL Gavin Kelch Gavin Kelch 6'3" | 255 lbs | OL Syracuse | 2025 State NE 6-3 (262) of Syracuse (NE) heads into his senior year with a good performance at this combine. Hard worker and solid blocker at the line of scrimmage and judging by his HUDL film he is a good downfield blocker. Could be in line for a big fall if he consistently works on pad level. Should be a good leader up front. Nice prospect!
2026 OL Leo Kirkland Leo Kirkland 6'3" | 255 lbs | OL Winterset | 2026 State IA 6-3 (253) of Winterset (IA) had several good reps in OL drills. Recorded a very solid (4.81) in the shuttle drill and showed good balance and footwork in one on one blocking drills. Great prospect and has a very bright future in front of him.
2026 OL Cael Roberts Cael Roberts 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Southeast Polk | 2026 State IA 6-3 (298) of Southeast Polk (IA) performed very well and stood out to me with his size and ability to overpower defensive players in one on one’s. Really good demonstration of using his feet to shuffle in pass protection and knows how to get separation when pass blocking. Can really take kids for a ride once he locks horns. Very good prospect and knowledgeable about fundamentals.
2026 OL Caiden Hoops Caiden Hoops 6'5" | 310 lbs | OL DC West | 2026 State NE 6-3 (334) of Douglas County West (NE) is a mauler up front with a great future ahead of him. Youngster is learning with every repetition. Very strong at the point of attack and is learning how to finish blocks. Demonstrated good footwork, fundamentals and high football IQ.
2027 OL William Steenbock 6-2 (305) of Platteview (NE) is a very talented young prospect that has a frame currently that translates to offensive guard. Strong hands at the point of attack and understands pad level and leverage when run blocking. Developing pass blocker and will be a fun one to watch as his high school career takes off!
2027 OL Luke Wellman Luke Wellman 6'2" | 245 lbs | OL Columbus Lakeview | 2027 NE 6-2 (260) of Columbus Lakeview (NE) is going to be a good one up front. Will continue to gain good weight through weight training and conditioning. Understands how to communicate blocking up front and has a very good skillset for a young player. Wellman looks good as a future prospect.