Trench Technicians: Offensive Linemen To Know

<p>Playing offensive line requires far more than size and strength. These big men have to counter the elite athletes across from them with IQ, functional athleticism, and skill to provide time and space for their offenses. This group of lineman show Footwork, fundamentals, balance, and competitive toughness that contributes to team success. They separate themselves by consistently displaying the fundamentals, nuance, and athleticism to be contributors on a weekly basis.</p>    <p>Peterson's game is rooted in the fundamentals. He has the prototypical wide base to sustain through contact. His feet remain active with enough pace to keep himself prepared for moves and his understanding of leverage allow him to position himself to stay in front of the rush. With a rare combination of confidence and discipline he rarely over reaches or overreacts when facing pressure.</p>   <p>Peterson's hand placement is also very consistent and allows him to control reps from the snap. and maintain balance through contact. Peterson's technical approach and football IQ may not be flashy- but its repeatable and leads to big plays on a routine basis </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JadenPeterson23/status/1983595525560795304?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Sullivan is a technically refined Lineman that blends size, skill, mentality, and fundamentals to be a constant weapon up front. His foot quickness and balance allow him to consistently gain leverage and positioning. He's extremely adept at working angle blocks or combination blocks with controlled aggression and looking for opportunities to create movement at the second level.</p>   <p>Sullivans ability to absorb initial contact stand out in pass protection. He stays square to rushers, maintains balance with his strong core and lower body, and has quick enough hands to alter paths. On top of this skill he has competitive toughness coaches need up front.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/sawyersully/status/1989447636433473756?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Boshell is an uber athletic blocker who plays with a relentless mentality. His initial burst is off the snap is impressive and immediately puts guys on their heels. This athleticism continues to shine on pulls and perimeter concepts with his loose hips and mobility. </p>   <p>When advancing to the second level he's consistently seeking contact and the next guy to block. That level of urgency springs open big plays on a routine basis. When he finds his target he has the grip strength and hand power to finish reps on contact. Boshell consistently finds ways to sustain blocks and finish through the whistle at all levels making him one of the more underrated guys in his class. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Big_Bo74/status/2059388861667553673?s=20 </div></figure>    <p>Cooper's mentality epitomizes the standard you'd want on your front . He consistently looks to finish through the whistle and brings an enforcer mentality and high-motor that jumps off film. </p>   <p>With elite grip strength if Cooper locks in on a defender there done for that snap. In addition to his vice grips he has the leg drive to move guys to present gaps and generate vertical movement at the point of attack. </p>   <p>In pass protection his swift feet forces rushers to take an extended path to the quarterback. While maintaining a strong base he flashes smooth hips and sinks well. Once contact is initiated his lower-body drive to anchors against power and buys extra time for throws. Cooper is versatile, competitively tough, and athletic making him viable to operate in a phone booth or an island in protection. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MalikaiCooper/status/2039360009373438008?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kidd's progress throughout the offseason has been impressive. He's put himself in the conversation with strong showings at multiple camps, including appearances at several SEC programs. While validating his skills, physical tools and competitive nature against quality competition his body of work becomes more undeniable. Lastly his body has taken a noticeable step forward, adding lean mass while maintaining the fluidity in his movement to keep himself efficient in space.</p>   <p>Kidd's blend of strength, size, and competitiveness forces you to notice him. With a mauler's mentality he attacks blocks with urgency while remaining fundamentally sound. He also has enough mobility to climb, pull, and locate his target in space. With a new found momentum and a proven proof of concept look for Kidd to be a frequently mentioned prospect as we head into the season.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Watson_kidd5433/status/1988753895032553765?s=20 </div></figure>

Playing offensive line requires far more than size and strength. These big men have to counter the elite athletes across from them with IQ, functional athleticism, and skill to provide time and space for their offenses. This group of lineman show Footwork, fundamentals, balance, and competitive toughness that contributes to team success. They separate themselves by consistently displaying the fundamentals, nuance, and athleticism to be contributors on a weekly basis.