2023 Midseason Stock Risers: OL

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have now completed the first half of the 2023 season and there have been plenty of athletes that have seen their stock rise through the first five weeks of the season. Here are some offensive linemen that have really stood out during the first half of the 2023 season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["908618"],"_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_0_evaluation":"James Monroe junior lineman [player_tooltip player_id='908618' first='Brady' last='Baker'] has quickly emerged as one of Class A's top linemen this season. The 6'3 280 big man made our 2025 rankings as a defensive lineman but Baker has been great on both sides of the line this season. Admittedly, Class A doesn't have a plethora of linemen talent but that shouldn't take away from Baker's exceptional play thus far. He could play on either side of the line at the next level but his play on the offensive side of the ball should be noted as well. Baker is flat-out dominant in the trenches and often overmatches opposing defenders. He has shown the versatility to play left and right tackle and also plays with great leverage and physicality. Baker gets great push and often blows defenders off the ball and drives them 3-5 yards down the field. He hands out numerous pancakes each game and the scary thing is he's still just a junior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["487108"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another 2025 offensive lineman who impresses each week is Buckhannon-Upshur junior [player_tooltip player_id='487108' first='Daren' last='Daugherty']. Daugherty is a massive 6'3 330 and is as strong as an ox. The one part of his game that he needs to continue to develop is his footwork and agility but Daugherty does great in BU's run-heavy offense. You aren't going to push Daugherty backward as he's very stout and tough to move. He can get a little high at times and needs to continue working on his leverage but Daugherty is still just a junior and there is a lot to work with there. If he gets his paws on a defender they aren't likely to escape and Daugherty does a great job controlling them.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["896171"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Chapmanville's [player_tooltip player_id='896171' first='RJ' last='Jones'] is another 6'3 330 offensive lineman who has impressed this season. The senior big man plays left tackle for the Tigers but will likely slide inside at the next level. I actually think he moves well for a kid that size and is plenty strong as well. Jones plays with good leverage and he drives defenders downfield often. Jones has powerful hands and his lower body is also strong which you see when he drives defenders. He's often a bully on the field which is a great compliment for a lineman and you can tell he enjoys overpowering opposing players.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["937512"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Another hidden gem in Class A is Buffalo senior lineman [player_tooltip player_id='937512' first='Cade' last='Allman']. The big 6'1 310 senior has performed well on both sides of the line this season but I like his future on the offensive side of the ball at guard. The best aspect of his game that I noticed is how well he bends and plays with leverage. That's often a difficult task for many young linemen but Allman showed that he has that part of the game down. He also does a great job getting a full extension of his arms and getting his hands on defenders first which often stops them in their tracks. Allman is obviously a strong athlete as well and has a powerful punch that alone sends defenders to the ground at times.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["948679"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The third Class A offensive lineman who has impressed is Doddridge County's [player_tooltip player_id='948679' first='Ethan' last='Cross']. Cross looks bigger and stronger this season and is always a joy to watch. He's one of the more technically and fundamentally sound offensive linemen that I've watched this season. Cross is often dominant at the tackle position and is too much to handle for most Class A defensive linemen. He plays with great leverage and does a nice job getting his hands under opposing players' pads and controlling them. Cross is playing at a very high level right now and is one of Class A's premier linemen.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["884177"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"It's difficult for John Marshall senior offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='884177' first='Andreas' last='Hunter'] to increase his stock anymore as he's already the 3rd ranked OL in the 2024 class but he's taken his game to a new level this season. Hunter committed to WVU earlier this season as a PWO and also holds smaller D1 offers. He has the size and athleticism that you're looking for in a D1 offensive tackle and the 6'5 300 big man is playing at a high level this season. While he's not a completely polished prospect yet, Hunter has one of the highest upsides in the state at his position and could really develop into a top offensive lineman at the college level if he continues to put in the work.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["997461"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='997461' first='Brock' last='Kuttie'] has been a pleasant development this season for the Linsly Cadets and the 6'5 275 big man has a lot of potential. This is Kuttie's first season starting on varsity and the tough Linsly schedule is going to really benefit his development. His feet are pretty good for his size and age and will continue to get better as time goes on. Kuttie's size will get him plenty of college looks in the next year and a half and may have some D1 potential down the road. He wasn't on our radar before the season but has put himself in the conversation as one of the top 2025 offensive linemen in the state.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["370776"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Martinsburg junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='370776' first='Brady' last='Breeden'] has done a great job in the off-season getting his body in better shape and slimming down to a more viable playing weight and it has really paid off for the 6'6 280 big man. Breeden has lost upwards of 80 pounds since he was a freshman and is now moving much better because of his hard work. Breeden is playing inside right now as a big left guard but will likely be a tackle at the next level. He could play with better leverage at times but that's understandable for a player his size and age and playing guard. His length and size will get him plenty of college attention and has D1 potential if he continues to develop his game.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":[1105914],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"A new name on our radar this season is Mingo Central junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='907946' first='Logan' last='Hurley'] who comes to Mingo Central by way of Phelps (KY) for his final two years of high school. The 6'3 300 junior is a big boy and has had his way with some defenders this season. Hurley primarily holds down the left tackle position for the Miners but is likely a guard at the next level. He's still a raw prospect but Hurley has all of the physical tools that you're looking for in a high school offensive lineman and there is a lot there to work with and mold. Hurley is a very strong athlete and with his size, he pushes defenders around like it's nothing. He'll need to continue working on his footwork and hand placement but the future is bright for Hurley.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1022659"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Morgantown's [player_tooltip player_id='1022659' first='Ryan' last='Principe'] is a name that we've covered quite a few times this year and often impressed us during the summer camp circuit. Principe has taken that off-season work and applied it to the football field this season for his senior year and his efforts are paying off. Principe switches between left and right tackle for the Mohigans but as I've said before he'll likely slide inside at the next level. He's a true road grader in their Wing offense and with his 6'1 330 size, he sets the edge well. While his footwork and athleticism aren't elite, Principe makes up for it by being an intelligent player and beating his man to the correct spot he needs to be in to make the block. With his size and stature, Principe is built well to be a mauler in the run game and has shown that on film at the midseason point.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["875737"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Another standout from the summer camp circuit that always impressed me is Philip Barbour's Keaton u0022Beefu0022 McDermott. McDermott is also impressing on the field as well and is anchoring the Colts' line at the center position. He's the type of player that defenders hate going against as he's not the biggest player but he'll still manhandle you. The best way I can describe Beef is he's a bulldog. McDermott is listed as 6'0 250 and at that size, he's going to get under you easily and use his leverage to control you. He's also very strong for his size and that combination makes for a very long night for most defenders. McDermott has also shown the ability to be a good puller and is asked to do so a lot in their offense. He's one of my favorite players to watch and a must-offer for smaller colleges.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1022663"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Spring Mills has one of the most underrated offensive line groups in the state and multiple will play at the next level if they choose to. Their right tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1022663' first='Anthony' last='Williams'] is one I wasn't familiar with before the midseason point but I liked what I saw on his highlights. The 6'4 285 senior moves very well for his size and has quick feet. His first step is very fast and Williams can get out and block in space. While he still needs to continue adding mass and filling up his frame, Williams still has plenty of power and once he gets his legs churning he can plant you on the ground. Williams also performs well at nose guard and could even play there at the next level. There's a lot of raw ability and athleticism to work with in Williams' game and an intriguing college prospect that you should check out.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["908161"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Another Spring Mills Cardinal that I always enjoy watching play offensive line is junior [player_tooltip player_id='908161' first='Peyton' last='Neff']. Neff isn't the biggest lineman at 6'0 280 but those smaller linemen typically make up for their size with their technique which Neff does well. Neff is very stout and strong for his size and plays with great leverage that makes up for physical limitations. He also plays very physical and enjoys the contact of football. Neff has powerful hands and also has the lower body strength to drive defenders. While he's good in run block, his pass blocking also impressed me and when a defender comes on a blitz he often stops them in their tracks as if he's a brick wall.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["884184"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Yet another lineman who always impressed me during summer camp season was Tyler Consolidated's [player_tooltip player_id='884184' first='Shane' last='Bates']. The 6'0 250 senior is still performing well on the football field this season and has proved he's not just a summer camp warrior. Bates is playing like a man on a mission and you can tell he's hungry for success. He plays the offensive line position like it's meant to be played and as I've said before size is the only reason he doesn't have big-time offers. If you turn on his film from the Webster County game you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. Bates is driving defenders 15-20 yards down the field in that highlight tape and was as dominant as you can be on the offensive line. While Class A doesn't have a plethora of big lineman bodies that can move, Bates' play should still be highlighted and noted and he's doing exactly what he should be doing against that level of competition.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["884186"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"University's [player_tooltip player_id='884186' first='Seth' last='Drvar'] is another offensive lineman who is a joy to watch play the position and has the mindset and aggression that you love seeing at OL. Drvar is still the best pancaker that I have seen since evaluating West Virginia high school athletes, and it's very rare to see him not finish a block that ends up with the defender on his backside. He just plays with great technique and leverage and understands how to drive people and where to grip them to control them. He has the versatility to play guard and center and as is the case with many high school linemen, size is likely the only thing that may keep him from getting more offers. Drvar has some of the most impressive highlights that I've watched from the offensive line position and is a must watch for any college recruiter.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":15,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651a37df00b50"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->