The Hog Mollies – Names to Know
When Dave Gettelman was entering his first draft as general manager of the Carolina Panthers in 2013, he had a lot of work to do. He needed to make the team bigger and tougher. Enter the phrase, ’hog molly.’ It’s…
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Continue ReadingWhen Dave Gettelman was entering his first draft as general manager of the Carolina Panthers in 2013, he had a lot of work to do. He needed to make the team bigger and tougher. Enter the phrase, ’hog molly.’ It’s actually a nickname for a certain type of fish that is very strong for its size, since it spends its life fighting against heavy currents in fast-moving streams. To Gettelman, however, the term came to represent a strong, big-bodied football player who knows how to fight in the trenches. In order to build a team the right way, you have to, as he puts it, “look at the big hog mollies.”
Here, we’ll take a look at five linemen who embody this term, including a hidden gem in the town of Centerville, about one hour north of College Station.
OT James Wright – 6’6″ 315 / Centerville HS — Class of ’24
It’s not often you come across a player of Wright’s caliber in a small town of less than 1,000 people. He flashes some athleticism on tape, and is a very physical presence up front for the Class 2A powerhouse. I’d like to see more film of him getting out in space, but the talent and upside are definitely there.
James Wright Junior Season – Hudl
C Jacob Ingram – 6’4″ 295 / Cayuga HS — @BigIngram77 — Class of ’23
The small town of Cayuga, population 200, has an interesting prospect in Ingram. He’s a true center with prototypical size for the position. Plays hard and could develop into a quality starter for a smaller program in a couple of years. The elite athleticism isn’t there, but I love his toughness and physical style of play. A true road grader who excels as a run blocker.
Jacob Ingram Junior Season – Hudl
DT Jabrahlyn Jones – 6’3″ 275 / Garrison HS — @LongNameJay — Class of ’25
The soon-to-be sophomore is just getting started. The Class 2A standout in the east Texas town fires off the ball, stays low, and bull rushes guards and centers with ease. Shows great instincts and a natural feel for the position. Over the next few years, should develop into a dominant interior rusher as a 3-technique.
Jabrahlyn Jones Junior Season – Hudl
OT Colton Lewis – 6’6″ 250 / Frisco Wakeland HS — @ColtonLewis2023 — Class of ’23
The right tackle for the Wolverines, Lewis is quite impressive. He looks solid in pass protection, with enough athleticism to stop defensive ends from getting the edge. Shows the ability to get to the second level and pave lanes for his running backs. In the ground is where he really looks the part. Wins with good hand placement, and consistently gets a nice push.
Colton Lewis Junior Season – Hudl
OT Ryan Larson – 6’4″ 290 / Nacogdoches HS — @RyanLar40207239 — Class of ’23
A first-team all district selection at left tackle a season ago, Larson plays nasty. Top-notch athleticism allows him to get out in space and protect his quarterback’s blind side at a high level. Bends at the knees very well and dominates at the point of attack. Recruiting stock will undoubtedly rise this season.