Under the Radar - Part IX

Athletes who play inside the box get a lot of love with the latest Under the Radar story. Three big men on the line of scrimmage and a between-the-tackles linebacker hold four of the five spots in today's story.    The first thing I noticed when watching Schoeneck was his ability to lower his center of gravity to match or get under the pad level of smaller defensive linemen. Once he makes initial contact, he puts his man on his heels by raising his level. This forces the defender to stand up straight, making any defender easier to move. His low hips, broad base, and size make him tough to get around. The left tackle also moves well laterally and has the strength to finish blocks.     Pahlen has good upper body strength. He uses that advantage to manipulate defensive linemen and get his hips flipped to open a hole. He has solid hip level, which makes his upper-body strength even more effective. Pahlen transitions smoothly to the second level. He possesses good footwork, allowing him to stay with smaller players down the field. The Rebels' right tackle has the power and the tenacity to finish blocks with defenders on the ground. A two-way player, Pahlen also plays a solid defensive end on the other side of the ball.     O'Neil has good size and speed, and he utilizes both attributes effectively. His long strides allow him to separate in open space. However, what separates the Lakers' wide receiver is his ability to make contested catches. His size, athleticism, and hands make close coverage ineffective on deep balls. Not just a speed receiver, he doesn't shy away from contact. O'Neil is a solid blocker in the open field.     Schaller looks great as he comes out of his stance. He is a big man, but he comes out of his stance with a good first step and has good knee bend. His feet are solid, and he uses his footwork to turn his man away from the hole. Combining his solid fundamentals with his size and power, he moves people off the line of scrimmage. Moving well in space, he can stay with smaller defenders in the open field. Once engaged with a defender, he keeps his feet moving to keep his man on his heels.     Kinsel is at his best when he is coming downhill, attacking the line of scrimmage. He uses his quickness and speed to take away any angle a blocker might have on him. The inside linebacker has the straight-line speed to play sideline to sideline. A two-way player, Kinsel plays with speed, but breaks down well at the point of contact. He doesn't let his speed get him out of position. That measured play on defense translates to his patience as a running back. He then uses that speed once he finds an opening.

Athletes who play inside the box get a lot of love with the latest Under the Radar story. Three big men on the line of scrimmage and a between-the-tackles linebacker hold four of the five spots in today's story.