Friedman's East Spotlight: The best OL I've seen in 2023
National recruiting analyst Adam Friedman scouted more than a dozen high profile games this season in person. With the playoffs now underway in the East region now, is a good time to take a look at some of the players who shined in those games. Today we look at the offensive linemen.
MORE IN THIS SERIES: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers
*****
FINAL 2023 TEAM RANKINGS: Comprehensive (overall) ranking | High school/JUCO ranking | Transfer portal ranking
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals100
TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer portal player ranking | Transfer portal team ranking | Transfer Tracker | Message board
*****
The top-ranked offensive lineman in the Rivals250 did not disappoint this season. Seaton is a devastating run blocker and a technical and patient pass blocker. He does a good job finishing his blocks and opens big lanes for running backs. He’s also able to land key blocks down the field to spring his running backs for big gains. As a pass blocker, Seaton has the lateral quickness to keep outside rushers from getting to the quarterback and is able to redirect fast enough to stop countermoves to the inside.
*****
It’s hard to build an offensive line prospect better looking than Sanders. The 2025 five-star is a great run blocker who has gotten much stronger over the last year. He can drive defenders backwards and is solid at the point of attack. Pass blocking is where Sanders really shines, using his agility and sense of timing to keep defenders at bay. Sanders has sky-high potential and he has a chance to push for No. 1 overall in the 2025 Rivals250.
*****
Baker checks all the boxes physically as a top offensive line prospect. The Texas commit uses his size to open running lanes for his backs and is able to push around some of the most talented defensive linemen in the nation. In pass blocking situations, Baker does a good job keeping defenders in front of him while making sure his quarterback doesn’t feel any pressure.
*****
Carter may not be in the best physical shape of any of these offensive linemen but he is one of the most effective. The Auburn commit is a huge prospect with surprisingly quick feet and very strong hands. Carter does a good job driving defenders off the ball and has a good sense of timing and spacing in pass protection. Watching his physical development over the next few years will be really interesting as he moves into the college ranks.
*****
Pepe has shown a lot of development over the last few years and it’s going to be his time to shine soon enough. He has the size and long arms to be a very solid pass blocker and the strength he’s added has made a huge difference in the running game. Pepe does a nice job moving defenders off the ball and making sure his running backs are able to find open lanes.