Post Signing Day Best Available (Off. Linemen)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is one of the best position groups from our #TN2025 class and while most of the top guys are off the board, we still have several big men remaining w/ potential for the collegiate gridiron. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Possibly the deepest position group from our #TN2025 class is the offensive line. Out of our Top 20 ranked prospects from this group, 16 O-linemen are committed or signed. Beyond those sixteen, we still have several college caliber guys left out there to be had with potential one day to find themselves on the D1 level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our top ranked O-lineman that sits available is MUS offensive guard/center <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841185' first='Michael' last='Ray, Jr']</strong>. The Owls interior mauler picked up good steam on the recruiting trail early last offseason but for one reason or another, Ray, Jr saw the interest decrease, which left him on the open market.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That should definitely change by February as Ray, Jr has been talking to several schools from the D1 and FCS level with Air Force looking like the leader in the clubhouse.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest risers from our O-line class this cycle was Page big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808035' first='A.J.' last='Johnson']</strong>. Standing 6'4 285 pounds, Johnson took his game to another level this Fall where his added weight helped tremendously but so did his improvement with his footwork. Keep an eye on Johnson over the next several months as I could see an FCS school taking a shot on him.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1366469,"width":"311px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/ajjohnson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1366469" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There aren't too many tackle prospects left from our senior class but there are a few guys left that have some upside to stay on the outside in college. Besides Johnson above, probably the next best tackle prospect available would be Chester Co. senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832835' first='Kalvin' last='Meadows']</strong>. The Eagles big man is still raw and learning but has the athleticism to potentially develop at tackle.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you want an interior O-linemen, the senior class here in Tennessee provides a lot of options. Brentwood Acad. big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466284' first='Kaden' last='Mowl']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219352' first='Bryson' last='Daugherty'] </strong>from Lenoir City, Warren Co. guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466286' first='Xander' last='McCormick']</strong>, Overton senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466285' first='Kasen' last='Langley'] </strong>are rock solid, Top 150 ranked ball players that remain on the open market, looking for a college home.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At one time, Mowl held multiple P4 and D1 offers in hand but his senior season didn't pan out like he or others thought it might. The Eagles senior is a massive young man that can give you some snaps at right tackle but his game and potential sit best inside at guard.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daugherty is a multi year starter that brings versatility to the line of scrimmage and experience playing center. The Panthers senior is one of the more athletic, explosive interior blockers we have from the #TN2025 class, so it's a bit surprising to still see him available. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1296078,"width":"289px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/bdaugherty.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1296078" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCormick was a hot prospect early in the recruiting class but tailed off as the season went on. From a mauling standpoint, the Pioneers senior has the chops to contend early in college due to his run blocking. Langley is nearly built the same way, especially with his overall size and athleticism but is more suited right now to block in the run. He does have the athleticism to develop nicely however with his pass protection.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466282' first='Tyrin' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>Anthony Crawford </strong>definitely look the part but remain free for the taking. Both are interesting talents that have college size but need further development before they see their potential come to fruition. Williams handled tackle for the Red Devils but is suited better inside at guard. Crawford might wind up at guard as well but does show some traits to compete on the outside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind the guys mentioned above are a large group of developmental prospects that will take time to develop both with their bodies and performance on the field. Coming from the East TN region are three intriguing talents in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106241' first='Zane' last='Fields'] </strong>(CAK), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333373' first='Andrew' last='Gilbert'] </strong>(East Hamilton) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219443' first='Ty' last='Murphy'] </strong>from Anderson Co. that have shown flashes of college upside throughout their careers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1588619,"width":"312px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/tymuprhy.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1588619" style="width:312px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fields is a versatile guy that could provide work at right tackle but probably fits best at guard or center. He needs time to fill out his body before the Warriors O-lineman reaches his maximum potential. Gilbert put forth a breakout senior campaign where he enhanced his awareness and athleticism to show value on the next level. I like him best at center but Gilbert has filled out enough to contend at guard as well. Murphy was a linchpin from the interior of the Mavericks O-line for multiple seasons. He is a brute in the middle that does well with his run blocking while also bringing starting experience at center to the playing field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying out East, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841187' first='Brandon' last='Iezzi'] </strong>(Greeneville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361308' first='Mason' last='Smith'] </strong>(Coalfield), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353396' first='Reid' last='Rowland'] </strong>(Bearden) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323141' first='Hayden' last='Warwick'] </strong>from Carter are four other interior O-linemen that have a shot to stick on the college level. They are all available headed into the 2nd signing day due to either lack of ideal size and weight but all four have shown the talents and traits that can be developed in time. Smith and Warwick may have the most upside of the four.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving to the Middle Tennessee area and rounding out the best available, three interior prospects in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1262558' first='Jayden' last='Jackson'] </strong>(East Nashville), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834619' first='Wyatt' last='Bakker'] </strong>(Father Ryan) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834587' first='Ian' last='McCarthy'] </strong>from Summit all have some traits that I like for the college game but are a bit undersized. Jackson and McCarthy are two offensive guard prospects that show flashes of good athleticism along with the ability to drive their man to the second level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Probably the most upside of the three comes with Bakker. The Fighting Irish senior may be a bit shorter than some may like, he's a technician with good lower body movements and a certain grit about his game that coaches would enjoy coaching. He is also quite versatile. Bakker handled tackle for his offense but is better suited to slide inside to guard or center, where his biggest upside resides.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other Available O-linemen: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273621' first='Matthew' last='Worsham'] </strong>(Briarcrest Chrst.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277531' first='Will' last='Ford'] </strong>(Dobyns-Bennett), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258335' first='Cole' last='Sieveking'] </strong>(MBA), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1474424' first='Markel' last='Hamm'] </strong>(Hillsboro), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='962387' first='J.T.' last='Williams'] </strong>(Haywood), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1323060' first='Blake' last='Barker'] </strong>(Columbia Acad.), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300424' first='Cameron' last='Mosby'] </strong>(Southwind), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182668' first='Henry' last='Chambers'] </strong>(Maryville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1588622,"width":"308px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/jayjackson.jpg?w=716" alt="" class="wp-image-1588622" style="width:308px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->