Riordan is a long and athletic offensive tackle out of Hinsdale Central. The 6’5, 275 lbs sophomore was incredibly impressive last season, as he plays with great physicality and technique. Riordan is a smooth puller, as he can easily work out of his stance and move towards the edge to pave rushing lanes for his running backs. On combo blocks, Riordan’s polished footwork allows him to hammer the nearest defensive tackle and work to the second level to bury opposing linebackers. As Riordan adds weight this off season, keep an eye on this rising star over the next 2 years.

Gene is going to be in the race for top OL in the Class. He has an excellent frame to build on at 6’4″ 275 lbs. The mass doesn’t affect him on the field. It only makes him more of a dominant force. Gene is an OT with an excellent blend of athleticism and power. He can win at the line of scrimmage against DL with a quick first step, accurate hand placement, leverage, and a powerful base/leg drive. In pass protection, Gene is light on his feet. He can get deep in his pass set, change direction laterally, and is still able to put DL on the ground. I’m excited of this development because there is still even more room for his balance and body control to improve and that will only make him more dominant.

Continuing a long line of Hinsdale Central Red Devil gifted offensive linemen over the last decade, which includes Brian Allen (Michigan State/LA Rams), Doug Kramer (Illinois), Tristan Nevotne (Fordham), Nick Piker (Holy Cross), Matt Allen (Michigan State), Mike Johnson (Army), Stefan Ivanisevic (Princeton), Brian Foley (Holy Cross), Nikola Ivanisevic (Princeton), Drew Christensen (WashU), and Jack McGarry (Mizzou), who together make a star-studded and accomplished crop of maulers that make the Red Devils a must-stop on the Land of Lincoln OL recruiting trail. Continuing the tradition is 6’4, 270 lb. freshman Gene Riordan Gene Riordan 6'5" | 275 lbs | OL Hinsdale Central | 2026 State IL , who possesses as much upside as any of the aforementioned studs on this list and comes in as the current OL #2 and #7 overall ranked prospect in the Illinois 2026 big board. Also a standout lacrosse defender, Riordan split time between varsity and the sophomore team of Hinsdale Central and looks bendy, comfortable, and effective working at the second level of the defense, and can fly out of his stance to pull or trap across the LOS. I also love his strength and leg drive once he gets engaged with an opponent, and he’s particularly nasty when working a double team on a helpless defensive lineman or linebacker. You can see the athleticism in his LAX highlights as well, where he can start/stop and flip his hips well in defense, and for his age and size Riordan moves very well and is light on his feet in impressive fashion. Hinsdale Central has another standout mauler on their hands!