Hidden Gems: 2021 Linemen
This story is the extension made for just OL/DL athletes. The goal of this story is to extend recognition to some talented athletes in which I believe to be underrated. Whether that means they may be undersized, but have great…
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Continue ReadingThis story is the extension made for just OL/DL athletes. The goal of this story is to extend recognition to some talented athletes in which I believe to be underrated. Whether that means they may be undersized, but have great technique or may not be getting offers as of yet. The ones who make the list again are the ones I’ve seen in person, or which I have film access to.
Class 3A- 6’2″ 240 lbs. OG/DT- Parker Theobald Parker Theobald DL Stewartville | 2021 MN Stewartville Tigers
Theobald (54)- Scott Gulbranson
Theobald has the perfect reaction time to the snap of the ball at DT. His first step gains him enough ground to make a move to get in the backfield and disrupt the offenses play. His hand technique and positioning is second-to-none on both sides of the ball, he always engages first. He was the primary pull-blocker in the run game, leading the way up the gap and opening it even wider for his 2,000 yard rusher in Josh Buri Josh Buri 5'11" | RB Stewartville | 2021 MN . Theobald always shoots out low and drives through the defender until the whistle.
Class 2A- 5’11″, 230 lbs. OG/DT- Skye Welch Caledonia Warriors
Welch (64)- Dugan Thomas
Welch was one of the many good lineman on a stacked offensive and defensive line. What stood out to me about him was how he wasn’t the tallest guy out there but was in a constant attack-mode. He had a very high motor in each of the games I watched him play. Bull-rush does not work on him, he stuck every defender that tried to run through him and drive them back. Defensively, he was also quick off the snap and had pretty good awareness once he got in the backfield to find screens or draw plays. He also possesses a great deal of quickness and strength.
Class 1A- C- Mason Flor Springfield Tigers
In a read option/pass friendly offense, Flor did a good job holding down the middle of the line. After he snapped the ball he engaged the nose tackle immediately and did not let him through. He was also good in driving his feet to widen the gap for his RB or QB to keep the run game in motion. Flor did a good job sticking defenders on the pass game to give his QB time to throw the ball.
Class 9-man- 6’0″, 225 lbs. C- Landon Tanner Renville County West Jaguars
Tanner is a very athletic center, he has very impressive footwork once he snaps the ball. He gets in front of his defender and keeps his feet moving to keep him there in the pass game. In the run game, he is the second center I have ever seen pull block after snapping the ball. He also is good locking his arms out and driving his defender back to extend the gap for his RB.