Today we are taking a look at some of the big guys in the trenches. Some names you may have heard of some others you need to know this fall. We feel like these recruits are a special batch of hidden gems that are quickly on the rise and could make huge impacts on for their respective teams this season.
Top Hidden Gems
Zachary Sessions (23), Morton Ranch
Zachary is a bulldozer in the running game. He shows a devasting punch that can absolutely flatten defenders. Looks light on his feet for a big fella. Shows he can pull around and terrorize defenders at the next level. Holds 6 division I offers to schools like Alabama State, Prairie View A&M, and Sam Houston to name a few. In 2021 was named 6A first-team selection as a junior.
Robert Sweeney (23), Highland Park
Robert is one guy who has been flying under the radar and his recruitment is seeing a rise. Not a lot of tape on Sweeney; from the tape, we did see Robert looks like a violently-athletic offensive tackle who can move the pile and open up running lanes. Also looks very good in pass pro-technique-wise and with physicality. A huge hidden gem who holds 4 total offers at the moment to Florida State, Maryland, Penn State, and one from his own backyard in SMU.
John Taplett (23), Southwest Christian
Only holds three offers at the moment however, John is a huge hidden gem (literally and figuratively) If you want big offensive linemen that can absolutely fly pulling around and put defenders into the dirt. Showcases a heavy-handed punch and can have a very big mean streak in him. He can get around the edge and kick him out. Didn’t see too much pass pro on tape.
Lajuan Owens (23), Fossil Ridge
Lajuan literally just picked up his first offer yesterday from Tulane. He is an offensive lineman with great measurables at 6-4 and 325 lbs. He is definitely one offensive lineman on the rise whose recruitment could take off this season.
Wes Tucker (23), Argyle
Wes’s recruitment has taken off this year and offers are flying in. Offers from Tulane, Sam Houston, and Colorado State, all seemingly back to back this year for Tucker. Most recent offer coming today from San Diego State.
Kolt De La Torre (23), Denton Ryan
Kolt is one of the best centers in his class in our opinion. Looks like a leader on the field and can move the pile. Has earned offers to Army, Houston, SFA, and Texas Tech.
Aidan Gilmore (23), Parish Episcopal
Aiden has picked up all three of his offers this year from Marshall, SMU, and Sam Houston State and holds interest from others. The measurables are there for this guy at 6-5 and 290 lbs. Shows the athleticism to pull and on-screen plays. Has some good technique in pass protection and plays until the whistle blows.
Hunter Mastin (23),Trinity Christian Lubbock
Hunter is one prospect to keep your eyes on who could be special. Is starting to pick up some interest from schools like Texas Tech, Tarleton, and a few others.
Barrett Eddlemon (23), La Vernia
Barrett’s name is a familiar one and is still considered a hidden gem because we think this guy could easily have double the offers that he has right now (15). Barrett holds offers to schools like Houston, UNT, UTSA, and others. He’s got some extremely long arms and a stout build, looks like a typical left tackle with his ability and size. Pass pro needs some improvement but Eddlemons very physical and will drive defenders out of the building.
Charlie Johnson (23), All Saints Episcopal
Charlie looks like an anchor on that offensive line and not much gets passed him. Looks like defenders run into a brick wall when defenders meet Charlie. At 6-4, and 290 lbs Charlie has some good size, and strength and uses his leverage to his advantage.
Gage Stanaland (23), Jim Ned
Gage is one recruit who has been a hidden gem but has been recently uncovered and has seen his total offers go from zero last year to 3 within a matter of days last month in April. Gage shows no problem using his leverage to his advantage in washing down defenders on that offensive line. A versatile player who can play both ways and doesn’t look back in the defensive trenches either.
