Top FCS Offensive Linemen
When doing the early Payton and Buchanan Lists I mentioned one lineman and thought that it would only be fair to give the offensive line more love with a list of some top names to keep an eye on for preseason All-America lists, NFL prospects, and the best returning players in FCS.
OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova, Sr.- If he is not the first name mentioned by a media outlet or anyone who claims to be int he know then they just aren’t in the know. Ijalana has the big butt, thighs, and long arms that NFL teams covet and he is just plain dominant. Not only is the two-time first-team All-CAA and 2009 first team All-American player at NFL prospect because of his body type and dominance he shows the ability to bend, is great at the second level, and shows he can handle the speed rush, bull rush, and technically sound players with his feet and use of hands.
OT Johnny Culbreath, South Carolina State, Sr.- Culbreath is another highly regarded NFL prospect because of his body type, quick feet, and strength. While he is inconsistent and sometimes plays down to his competition he showed against South Carolina and App State that he more than has the ability to play at the next level. He enters 2010 as a two-time first team All-MEAC, 2009 MEAC OL of the Year, and 2009 second team All-American and should be among the top names on any preseason All-America list.
OT David Pickard, Southern Illinois, Jr.- Pickard had a breakout season in 2009 and clearly put a stamp on the fact he is one of the best in the nation. He has the feet, technique, and strength of a potential NFL player. Keep an eye on this returning first-team All-Missouri Valley selection as he could be one of the best to ever come out of the league.
OG David Arkin, Missouri State, Sr.- Arkin has talent and could be a potential NFL prospect with another good season. He returns as a three-time All-Missouri Valley selection and has the reputation as one of the best already. His ability in pass protection and his good footwork make him a very tough player to face.
C Ryan McKnight, South Dakota State, Sr.- While most would say Arkin is the most dominant in the league you could make a case for McKnight as the best as well. As a returning first-team All-Missouri Valley selection, the awards back up that statement. While not a NFL prospect he is a hard working player that just moves defenders and opens up huge holes for RB Kyle Minett to plow through. Don’t be surprised if McKnight falls through the cracks when the media starts selecting preseason awards but remember the name. It would be shocking if he does not repeat as a first-team All-Missouri Valley player despite the lack of reputation nationally.
OG D.J. Hall, Texas State, Jr.- It is rare to see a junior high up on preseason lists on the line, let alone two, but this year that is the case. Hall has a good body as well with tree trunk thighs, long arms, and the overall body type that NFL teams look for. He shows good strength and footwork and should only get better. He is a returning two-time All-Southland selection and was named first-team in 2009 and he still has two more years to play. Keep an eye on this young kid as he possesses the talent to become one of the best in the nation.
OTHERS WORTH MENTIONING
OT Mike Person, Montana State, Sr.
OT Theo Sherman, James Madison, Sr.
OT Will Rackley, Lehigh, Sr.
OT Derek Moore, Eastern Kentucky, Jr.
OT Jeff Adams, Columbia, Jr.
OT Tom Compton, South Dakota, Jr.
OT Leonard Payton, Jacksonville, Jr.
OT Mark Tos, UC Davis, Sr.
OT/OG Daniel Kilgore, Appalachian State, Sr.
OG Corey O’Daniel, Gardner-Webb, Sr.
OG J.C. Oram, Weber State, Jr.
OG Pat Illig, Wofford, Sr.
OG Brant Clouser, Villanova, Sr.
OG Jon Opperud, Montana, Jr.
OG Tylor Chambers, Jacksonville State, Jr.
OG Slade Adams, Tennessee Tech, Soph.
C Alex Verlanic, Montana, Sr.
C Drew Lachenmayer, Richmond, Sr.
C Joe D’Orazio, Penn, Sr.
C William Falakiseni, Norfolk State, Sr.
