Central Indiana: Tackles with Upside and Grit

We're heading to Central Indiana today to highlight a group of talented tackles who are reliable week after week.    Oakley is a true left tackle with the kind of frame and power you look for on the edge. He's incredibly strong at the point of attack but still light on his feet, which makes him tough to get around. He's got a good base in pass protection and shows clean footwork, rarely overextending or getting caught leaning. There's a lot to like in how naturally he moves for his size, and he fits the mold of a guy you can trust to protect the blind side.     Sitzman had an underrated junior year and quietly became a reliable presence on the right side. He plays with a solid base, gets off the ball quickly, and does a good job getting downhill in the run game. His hand placement in pass protection is clean, and he doesn't waste movement. What stood out to me was how often he looked for work at the second level, staying active and trying to extend plays. He's not flashy, but he's steady, and that makes a difference up front.     Johnson is an intriguing prospect with the kind of frame that could go either way. He could trim into a tight end or grow into an offensive lineman. He's a good athlete with quick feet and solid lower body strength, and he brings power in the run game. Playing in a triple-threat offense has given him plenty of reps, and he's been asked to do a little bit of everything up front. Pass protection will need some refining, but that's more about system than skill. There's a lot to work with here, and he's the kind of player who could develop into a valuable piece no matter where he lands.     Badger plays with good fundamentals up front and keeps everything in front of him. He doesn't reach or get grabby outside the jersey, and his first step puts him in position early. He's got a good base and shows the ability to flip his hips and change direction without losing balance. He's still a bit light, but he strikes me as one of those guys who'll really bloom in college once the weight and strength catch up. For now, his clean technique and smart play keep him afloat, and that's not something you see from every younger lineman.     Wildoner got work on both sides of tackle last year and handled it well. He looked more comfortable on the right side, where his fundamentals stood out the most. He's got a quick first drop step in pass protection and doesn't waste movement once he's set. He's also quick enough to get to the second level and lead block in space, which adds value to his game. As he settles into a more defined role, I could see him becoming a steady piece on that right side.

We're heading to Central Indiana today to highlight a group of talented tackles who are reliable week after week.