The Line Wisconsin Session 1: Best DL performances
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Fist Football and Cream City Combines once again got together to bring The Line Showcase one last go around before the Illinois season starts. It brought in prospects from around the Midwest, showing that it is one of the best,…
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Continue ReadingFist Football and Cream City Combines once again got together to bring The Line Showcase one last go around before the Illinois season starts. It brought in prospects from around the Midwest, showing that it is one of the best, if not the best, lineman camp out there. Here are the best offensive line performances from the first group of the day on Saturday.
2022 DE Steven Wauer, Muskego, WI (6’3” and 218lbs) @StevenWauer
I first notice Wauer during individual drills, as his first step was extremely quick and he followed it up with very good handwork. His impressive showing during that portion translated over to the 1v1’s.
A standout performance from @StevenWauer this past Saturday at @thelineshowcase pic.twitter.com/3VEeeF2Rxi
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Wauer has a great frame, long and lean at the moment, with plenty of room to add on good weight. Speed is a big part of his game, but there’s some power there as well. Good bend on the edge, Wauer is one to watch in the ’22 class.
2022 DT Gabriel Alyousef, Oak Creek, WI (6’2” and 271lbs) @AlyousefGabe
Alyousef was a terror against his opposition all session, and it wasn’t just due to him being bigger than most. He showed a variety of moves which included a bull rush and swim move, both of them with great technique.
Very good footwork as well pic.twitter.com/fBLjFHbKfe
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Alyousef carries his weight extremely well, he was light on his feet which isn’t easy at his size. His strength stood out also, he was an absolute load for anyone across from him. Very impressed with what I saw out of Alyousef on Saturday.
2022 DE Evan Oberg Evan Oberg 6'4" | 255 lbs | OL DeForest | 2022 State WI , DeForest, WI (6’3” and 242lbs) @evanoberg28
A very good frame for Oberg, he’s got plenty of room to add on weight. He is quick off the edge and had a few moves in his back pocket when speed wasn’t working for him. A few times he was off-balance, but with more reps he can iron that out. Oberg was another guy that I saw for the first time and stood out.
2022 DE Kameron Shaw, Warren Township, IL (5’11” and 235lbs) @KameronShaw5
I have seen Shaw a few times prior to this weekend, solid but kinda was just a guy. He told me that he’s added on 20-pounds since I last saw him and his hard work has paid off.
An added 20lbs has really helped @KameronShaw5 game pic.twitter.com/0DQpQ0oLtf
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Shaw was almost unblockable off the edge, either he was faster or stronger than his opponent. If he was a few inches taller, Shaw would be getting a ton more looks. As it is right now, he’s still a player who has grown this offseason and with a big junior year, could see his recruiting pick up.
2021 Athlete Logan Burress Logan Burress 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL Hartford | 2021 State WI , Hartford, WI (5’11” and 196lbs) @loganburress60
Burress is such an interesting prospect, from his junior to senior year, he’s lost over 50-pounds and looks absolutely jacked. His future isn’t in the middle of a defensive line, with his current size, he would be a great outside linebacker.
Too fast 💨 @loganburress60 pic.twitter.com/IQesahZQ3r
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Burress has plenty of speed to drop back into coverage, lineup on the edge and rush the passer or blitz from the outside. Versatility is just so impressive, he’s a big time athlete. Burress needs to find a home for the upcoming season, he’s was too talented to get lost in the shuffle.
2023 DT Laquan Battle, Mount Carmel, IL (6’3” and 250lbs) @battle_laquan
The Caravan brought their talented young player and Battle was another that stood out. Love the size from Battle, as he has the frame to grown into a very good defense tackle. If he doesn’t get that much bigger, Battle could stay at end, he’s that talented.
Get this young man @battle_laquan on your radars, he’s got a lot of talent pic.twitter.com/qdkcSZAtxa
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
I had yet to see him in person but after he moved well, had a variety of moves and great footwork, Battle is a player that has my attention heading into the spring.
2022 DT Jhermari Mabry, Palatine, IL (6’ and 233lbs) @Jhermari2
Immediately during individual drill, Mabry’s footwork stood out. He gets himself in positions to use his strength due to his great base. The solid drill work moved over to the 1v1’s.
It was tough to block @Jhermari2 on Saturday pic.twitter.com/VvbfBbzrUQ
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Mabry will need to add some weight to stay on the inside of the line, but if that doesn’t happen he’s got the skills to kick outside and play end. I’m excited to see him over the spring season.
2021 DT Khalin Jackson Khalin Jackson 5'8" | 270 lbs | DL Menomonee Falls | 2021 State WI , Menomonee Falls, WI (5’8” and 270lbs) @khalinjackson40
If you just looked a body-type, you’d think Jackson was just an occupier of linemen, allowing his linebackers to clean up. Looks can be deceiving though, as Jackson is much more than that.
WOW @khalinjackson40 pic.twitter.com/0PhohU9Lc5
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
The University of Jamestown commit was extremely impressive, showing off good athleticism and power. They’re getting a good one in Jackson.
2022 DT Nick Blatnik Nick Blatnik 6'3" | 255 lbs | OL Arrowhead | 2022 State WI , Arrowhead, WI (6’3” and 250lbs) @NickBlatnik
The frame is great for Blatnik, he’s got plenty of room to add on good weight. It’s not just about his frame either, Blatnik is quick off the ball, showing some very good footwork.
That’s a quick get off for @NickBlatnik pic.twitter.com/2SDWMewKHP
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
During individual drills he showed great technique with his hands, which is when I noticed him initially. As Blatnik gets older and stronger, he will continue to be a force on the interior of a defensive line.
2022 Athlete Sam Scullion, Glenbard South, IL (5’11” and 175lbs) @SamScullion4
Once again, Scullion proves that size isn’t everything on the football field. He know’s that at some point in the future, his position is going to change, but he embraces what his high school team needs him to do, rush the passer.
Size doesn’t matter for @SamScullion4 pic.twitter.com/fc8wZAJdPo
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) March 1, 2021
Scullion’s technique has gotten better since the last time I have seen him, he’s always getting in extra work. I love that he doesn’t back down, no matter how much bigger the opponent is. He uses his speed, great hands and quick feet to get by lineman and make his way to the QB. Scullion has plenty of power to his game as well. I can’t wait to see him hit the field in a few weeks.