Continuing my series on players emerging from the shadows in 2023, let’s take a look at some offensive linemen.
1. Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Overshadowed by: Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson
The extraordinarily athletic Nittany Lion left tackle opted to come back for his senior season despite being considered a borderline first-round pick. With arguably the draft’s two top tackles now gone from the Big Ten, don’t be surprised if Fashanu is an early contender for the Outland Trophy.
2. JC Latham, Alabama
Overshadowed by: Broderick Jones, Darnell Wright
Latham was outstanding as a redshirt freshman in 2022, and now with Tyler Steen off to the NFL, he should kick over to the left tackle. He has the upside of being not only the best tackle in the SEC but the best in the country.
https://twitter.com/SartiranaLuca/status/1575920949546741760
3. Beaux Limmer, Arkansas
Overshadowed by: O’Cyrus Torrence, Warren McClendon, Emil Ekiyor
The SEC has no shortage of interior offensive linemen, but Limmer is arguably the best one that no one talks about. And it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s a Razorback, as we all know that they have a long tradition of developing burly, physical blockers. Limmer, though, is much lighter on his feet than most and has a chance to become the top IOL taken in next year’s draft.
https://twitter.com/Chad_Maxwick/status/1621724845904986112
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4. Justin Dedich, USC
Overshadowed by: Andrew Voorhees, Brett Neilon, Atonio Mafi
Dedich wasn’t even the best lineman on his own team last year – that would be Voorhess or Neilon – but he was still outstanding in his own right, leading the Power 5 in pass blocking grade per PFF in 2022. Now the unquestioned leader of the Trojans’ line, he has a chance to show why he has the potential to be an elite interior player.
