The NFL Draft saw a run on OL here, so next up we go with one of the Sussex twins, Hunter Mallinger Hunter Mallinger 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Sussex Hamilton | 2027 State WI . Hunter’s arc of development and growth over the past two years have been elite. Physically and athletically he is so vastly improved and it has me excited for what he could become at the college level. The ’27 OL is now a mauler with the power to reset the line of scrimmage but also have the range and change of direction to provide secure pass protection.

Hunter and Hamilton Sussex faced off against a very talented Racine Case DL in Week 2 and came away with some outstanding tape. It was a very fast DL, and it gave Hunter a chance to show off his own quick twitch reactive athleticism as well as his range to get up to the second level and pummel LBs. It is impressive watching the 6’5″ 290 lbs junior fly out of his stance low, with great knee bend and be able to get underneath DL. I also love the way he has a closing burst when going to make that initial contact with a defender. It looks like an LB closing on a ball carrier, but instead it is a 290 lbs athlete. Dive into the tape for your own enjoyment!

Hunter has quickly become one of my favorite athletes in this Class. A big reason why, and also a big reason why I think he will grab a lot of attention this summer, is because of the huge improvement he made from freshman to sophomore year. Across the board too. He is bigger. He is far more athletic, pulling or getting out in space to crush DBs. His body control has made huge strides allowing him to be able to recover from a bad body angle or stumble while engaged. His flexibility in his lower body has also made huge strides and that has allowed him to play with more leverage and be able to mirror pass rushers in pass pro. Showing he can make these massive strides will show coaches that he has a high ceiling and should really peak their interest in him.

Rankings Rise: 18 -> 11

If Hunter can continue to improve his game like he has this past year, then we are going to see his stock continue to rise. He has grown into an OT frame with length, power, and impressive mobility loaded into it. That mobility, flexibility, and range are where he has made his biggest improvement. Hunter looks comfortable in his movements, clearly showing that he is quickly growing into his large frame. He can get out in space or easily mirror pass rushers as they attempt moves and counter moves. Mallinger has also done a great job on tape of showing he can turn that improved mobility into instant power on contact with defenders. I’m jacked up to see how the ’27 continues his development this offseason.

Hunter has made the jump that you hope to see from those special sophomores. As a freshman it was clear that Hunter had the prototypical massive, strong frame but he was still growing into it. As a sophomore, Hunter looks far more comfortable in that big frame and it has led to very impressive play on the field. The OT has excellent range to get out in space and land massive blocks on DBs. In the trenches, the sophomore is becoming a force. He has the powerful leg drive to wash DL off the ball or down the line away from the designed gap. The heavy hands and overall upper body strength jump off the tape as he punches or throws defenders to the ground. I’m very excited for the next few years of football where we get to watch Hunter continue to develop into a special OL prospect. Give the kid a look!

Another Mallinger to know on the Hamilton OL is the 6’5″ 260 lbs incoming sophomore. In 2023 we saw Hunter get experience at guard and tackle, showing some position versatility. The big man looked most at home at guard where his current strengths can shine. Hunter is a solid athlete that can pull and lead out in space or across the formation. He is light on his feet is short areas, quickly positioning himself between the defender and the ball/running lane. The incoming sophomore did a solid job of using his hands to make first contact. It will be interesting to see how his strength looks this fall. If that takes a step forward we will see him game take a big leap forward.