Trench Talk Thursday: 2026 Indiana OL With Big Potential

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're hitting the trenches today for the upcoming Senior class and the potential this group has. They're talented and coming off a good year 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640856"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374a4d17949"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Horvath is one of the most physically imposing linemen in the state. Standing 6'8", he's got a massive frame and serious hand strength. Once he gets locked in, defenders struggle to disengage. He plays outside and moves people with ease in the run game. In pass pro, he sets his base and keeps rushers in front of him. There's no panic in how he plays. He earned All-State for a reason and sets the tone with how physical and consistent he is up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640884"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374a4d179ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mellor is nimble and quick off the ball with a first step that immediately puts him in position. He's good on his feet and does a great job creating movement in the run game. He fits well on the interior and plays with balance and control. He's not the flashiest guy, but he's consistent and has the traits you want in a reliable inside lineman. He gets the job done and doesn't need much help doing it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640860"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374a4d179f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller is a physical tackle with the kind of size, length, and strength you want protecting the edge. He plays with confidence, especially on the blind side, and doesn't flinch when matched up against top guys. He's violent at the point of attack, finishes plays with purpose, and sets the tone up front. You can tell he takes pride in how he plays, and it shows snap after snap. He earned All-State honors for a reason. Miller is just a tough, reliable presence on the outside who brings it every rep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401658"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374a4d17a7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McDaniel started all year and held his own up front. He's got a strong grip, fires off the ball fast, and can line up inside or outside depending on the need. He plays with good awareness and seems to pick up on things quickly, whether it's recognizing pressure or adjusting mid-play. He's not flashy, but he's reliable and steady. He had over 80 pancakes last year and gave up 0 sacks. He's just a good piece to have on the line who rarely puts himself in a bad spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401656"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374a4d17a3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tipton is coming along nicely and showing real signs of growth. He's light on his feet for his size and doesn't get grabby or hold when things get chaotic. He keeps a clean base, understands leverage, and doesn't try to do too much. You can tell he's coachable and putting the work in. As he continues to build strength and reps, there's reason to be optimistic about how he'll develop over the next year. He's trending in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->