Class of 2023 OL You’ve Never Heard of

Most players that play on the OL go unnoticed, and underappreciated for years. This does not just occur at the high school level of play, but all levels of play within football. In high school recruiting, even if OL are not flashy, their roles are essential. For many OL prospects, unless you are a generational talent, your ability will not be noticed as early as you would desire. Lucky enough for Georgia’s 2023 OL, we here at PrepRedzone like to be able to get a jump on things early, and recognize players before, and as they are starting to develop. Following this past sophomore season for 2023 prospects, we have noticed a ton of players worth a watch, even if you have never heard of them before. Feel free to check them out below. <strong>Ovie Dubre- </strong><em>McEachern</em> Not only does Dubre already have a wide base, and great frame, but he buzzes his feet well, and already moves incredibly well when engaging blocks. This allows him to pick up blocks well, regardless of how defenders use their hands, attempt to get around the edge, or even bull rush him when attempting to pressure the passer. His transference of strength in his blocks also allows him to deliver a good pop, and finish blocks effectively, which he does very often. Dubre also extends his hands very well, allowing him more control when maneuvering defenders' pass rush skills. As he will only continue to develop in size and frame, look for him to become a key player on the line for McEachern in the years to come. <strong>Peyton Williams- </strong><em>Pinewood Christian Academy</em> As a prospect within the 2023 class, Williams is already an absolute monster. He is 6’5, 275 pounds, and allows all of this to be used to his ability when he sets foot on the football field. Not only does he fire off of the ball well, but he rolls his hips well on contact. Once he makes contact with defenders, Williams also establishes a great base from his stance, and utilizes his footwork to do him a favor in being able to adjust to almost anything thrown his way. Along with this, perhaps one of Williams’ strengths is his ability to block for ball carriers. Not only does he engage well, but he sticks to his blocks in a manner that allows for time for the RB, or QB to turn the corner, and make any move they need to make to gain positive yardage. As he progresses, look for him to continue to become more consistent in his overall footwork, and expect his stock to begin to rise. <strong>Ian Geffard- </strong><em>Whitefield Academy</em> Not only has Geffard already proven to be a force for his offensive line, but his strength and ability to fire off of the ball with good leverage has already been key to the success of his team’s running game. His big body makes it very hard for defenders to get around him, and it is even more difficult for them when he uses his length and power to finish blocks, and bring them to the ground. Perhaps one of Geffard’s biggest upsides though is his ability to be athletic enough to pull and open up big holes for his RB. In an era where the running game has to get even more creative, this is certainly a positive factor, ultimately helping his offense to be as unpredictable as they possibly can. <strong>JaRodney Walker- </strong><em>Jonesboro</em> Walker, who can be a bit raw out of his stance sometimes may be an unknown prospect for many people. Regardless, this does not take away from any of his production this past season, as he has become one of the biggest contributing factors on his team’s OL, as he not only takes up valuable space when defensive linemen are trying to shoot the gap, but his feet are solid enough to maneuver, and adjust as needed. Because of this, he can be seen to be a huge factor as he pulls, and opens up lanes of space for ball carriers. Along with this, we like the way he rolls his hips on contact, and gets underneath defenders, making it almost impossible for them to make the tackle. When in pass protection, Walker can be seen to shuffle well with his feet, and that he can handle, and brace any impact necessary as well. Expect him to start receiving offers, and more attention as next season rolls around.