5 Indiana Linemen With Something To Prove Next Fall
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We’re hammering the trenches again today this Thursday, and with that, we’ve got 5 guys who could add value to a collegiate program shortly but still have something to prove as they get back on the field. RaiShaun McHaney RaiShaun…
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Continue ReadingWe’re hammering the trenches again today this Thursday, and with that, we’ve got 5 guys who could add value to a collegiate program shortly but still have something to prove as they get back on the field.
RaiShaun McHaney RaiShaun McHaney 6'7" | 240 lbs | DL Indianapolis Lutheran | 2025 State IN – Indianapolis Lutheran – DL – 6’7″ 240lbs – 2025
There is a lot to unpack here with McHaney and where he is, where he could go, and what he can bring down the road. Few linemen have more length and reach than McHaney. For a guy who stands at 6’7″ he’s a great athlete who can bend and deal with a lot of traffic right in his face. He’s agile enough to get around slower offensive linemen and has a quick burst off the line that’s noticeably quicker than the guys around him. I also appreciate the effort and intensity that McHaney plays with. He will stick his nose into the middle of the line and do the dirty work. He’ll still make enough plays to impact the game, but as he hits the weight room, I’d like to see him get more comfortable playing the run and staying in his lane. Minor things with a recruit with McHaney can be cleaned up easily if the reward is right. McHaney’s Junior season saw him put up 38 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 4 sacks. The production hit last year and if he doubles down next fall, won’t have an issue finding a home.
Twitter: @Rai_Mchaney
Derrek Jones Derrek Jones 6'4" | 335 lbs | OL Wayne | 2025 State IN – Wayne – OL – 6’4″ 335lbs – 2025
Big men who come downhill and clear spaces are always worth their weight on a football field and Jones has the makings to be one of those players. I’m sure you only earn the nickname “Bus” by moving people forcefully for quite a long time. Move or be moved is one way to look at it. Last season wasn’t the best for the program, but it like every season, gave guys opportunity and Jones took advantage. Coming from a triple-threat heavy running style offense, Jones may be a bit behind the 8-ball in the passing game and footwork, but it’s not his fault. He’ll have just about as many rushing reps as you can get during a high school career, but there may be some learning curves as he gets to the next level. If he’s patient and stays in the weight room, Jones could easily flourish at the next level. His size, raw strength, and balance all point to good things coming.
Twitter: @Jxetra
Patrick Conery Patrick Conery 6'1" | 215 lbs | OL Penn | 2026 State IN – Penn – OL – 6’1″ 215lbs – 2026
Starting up front the entirety of his sophomore season, there’s plenty more we can expect from Conery moving forward. He’s compact and clearly in the weight room. His frame and body are in development and he’s good at keeping his body under control. His arms and legs stay tight to his frame and he doesn’t grab the outside of the defensive player’s shoulder pads. His footwork and ability to move laterally in the passing game is clean and something that sets him apart from other interior linemen. As nimble as he is and as light as he is on his feet, I’d wonder if he could play Center. Being as athletic as he is at the Center position is one of the biggest advantages an offensive line can have. He’s not the biggest offensive lineman and he’s still getting up there in the weight department, but Conery is a guy to watch out for. I can see him developing and becoming a starter for a Saturday program.
Twitter: @Patrick_Conery_
Andrew Laitas Andrew Laitas 6'4" | 235 lbs | OL Hamilton Heights | 2025 State IN – Hamilton Heights – OL – 6’4″ 235lbs – 2025
As this past season went on, Laitas’s confidence began to take off. He’s always had the size and frame, but up until last season, wasn’t as consistent as he could be. He’s violent off the line and loves to attack in the running game. He’s always seeking contact and will find himself downfield making blocks and clearing the way. There’s a different level of urgency that comes from Laitas when he’s downfield looking to clear lanes. It’s as though he takes hitting a defender downfield personally. In the passing game, he’s getting there. While his upper body could use some weight and development, his lower body is incredibly strong and is his anchor. He’s always able to stick his feet in the ground to build a wall and move east and west to protect the QB. Laitas has only played at Tackle to this point and I see him staying outside with his length and ability to protect the edge.
Twitter: @AndrewLaitas
Prab Singh Prab Singh 6'1" | 220 lbs | DL Zionsville | 2025 State IN – Zionsville – DL – 6’1″ 220lbs – 2025
An underrated player for Zionsville as he’s one of the guys in the middle of the trenches doing the dirty work, yet rarely gets any of the love. However, today is different and we’re highlighting Singh and the grimy work. He’s physical at the point of attack and can drive through contact. What I appreciate about Singh is he seems disciplined and won’t get too far out of his lane, yet understands when to break out to chase down the ball carrier. He’s not the heaviest DL, but most of his weight is muscle, which helps. Just by looking at him, you can tell that he’s big in the weight room, but then he’s got the numbers to back that up. He can bench 395, squat 480, and power clean 285. His 36 tackles last year were a career-high, but it’s the playstyle Singh combined with his gym strength that makes him such a unique target.
Twitter: @PrabSingh54