The Line Wisconsin: OL & DL MVP’s and Best of the Rest
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There can not be enough said about how well run The Line events have been. The coaches from Fist Football Academy and Cream City Combines do an absolutely fantastic job at organizing their events, staging them the right way, giving us scouts alerts on who is participating and feeling welcome at the event. If you want to know how to run a camp / combine, they’re the guys to ask.
Already look backs as session 1’s offensive and defensive line standouts along with session 2’s top offensive line and defensive line players. Now onto who the MVP’s were and the best of the rest.
OL MVP – 2022 OT Luke Dalton Luke Dalton 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL Marian Central Catholic | 2022 State IL , Marion Central, IL (6’5” and 300lbs) @LukeDalton_
Not sure what else can be said about Dalton, he’s a big-time player who will ultimately be a P5 contributor. He’s going to be great in anyone’s locker room, a tireless worker who has a super high ceiling. Dalton just started playing football recently, so he’s actually a bit raw, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching him. Crazy, but footwork, hand placement and passion are so impressive for a player who just is scratching the surface of his development.
DL MVP – 2022 DE Connor Murphy Connor Murphy 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Glenbard South | 2022 State IL , Glenbard South, IL (6’2” and 236lbs) @ConnorM42407009
An absolutely tireless worker who also will be a boost to a locker room. Murphy is always upbeat and never gets down, a very coachable attitude. It’s not just about that however, Murphy possess incredible ability as well, speed, strength and power, he’s got it all. As I went through my clips of 1v1’s, Murphy didn’t lose a single one, he was on all afternoon. He has worked extremely hard to be the player that he is, and it’s been very fun getting to know him and watching the progression.
Best of the Rest – Quick hitters
OT Ryan Yabi, Glenbard North, IL (6’2” and 314lbs) @Ryan_Yabi
Had some issues with speed rushers, but aside from that showed a whole lot of promise with a sound base and good punch.
2022 DE Jackson Funderberg, Bigfoot, WI (6’3” and 220lbs) @j_funderburg
Long and athletic, Funderberg showed a great get off the line. Like the upside here.
2023 OT Trenton VanBoening, Libertyville, IL (6’5” and 284lbs) @TrentonVB23
Speed rushers gave him trouble, but still held his own. Could see some varsity time this year but still has a lot of potential.
2023 OG Luke Griskey, Huntley, IL (6’3” and 253lbs) @GriskeyLuke
Needs more experience then his physical gifts will take over. Like the mean streak and another with lots of upside.
2024 DE Eddie Tuerk, Lyons Township, IL (6’3” and 223lbs) @Eddietuerk78
Shocked to talk with him and find out he’s so young. Got a lot of talent, in an a mature frame. Could blow up in a year or two.
2022 OG Gabe Rousseau Gabe Rousseau 6'3" | 275 lbs | OL Stoughton | 2022 State WI , Stoughton, WI (6’2” and 270lbs) @gaberousseau1
Not as tall as his brother but much more refined in technique. One to watch as he continue to improve.
2022 DE Jordan Tooles, Richards, IL (5’10” and 210lbs) @JordanTooles
On the smaller side but so quick, get get off on the line. Uses his leverage well and can move inside in pass-rush situations.
2023 OG Nathan Compere, Crystal Lake South, IL (6’2” and 265lbs) @CompereNate
Massive lower half with very quick feet. Could end up as a center, but has a lot of very good qualities.
2022 OG Cooper Phillips Cooper Phillips 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Macomb Dakota | 2022 State MI , Dakota, MI (6’3” and 297lbs) @cphilly73
Strong and powerful, moves his feet very well. Not overmatched by speed rushers due to great first punch.
2023 OT Jacob Welch Jacob Welch 6'6" | 285 lbs | OL Johnsburg | 2023 State IL , Johnsburg, IL (6’5” and 279lbs) @jacobwelch75
Long and strong, he carries most of his weight on the upper portion of his body. Showed good footwork and has good upside.
2021 DE Carter Helt Carter Helt 6'2" | 205 lbs | LB Sun Prairie | 2021 State WI , Sun Praire, WI (6’1” and 204lbs) @Carhelt34
Speed for days, consistently flew right by offensive linemen. He didn’t sign so we’re looking for home for the edge rusher.
2022 DE Krista Owen, Chippewa Falls, WI (5’10” and 200lbs) @Owenkrista3
The do-it-all little guy, went home without a shirt. It’s because linemen couldn’t help but grab his as his speed was a huge factor. Love the team first mentality from Owen.