Risers In The CFB Saturdays College Football OG/C Rankings

With a few weeks of the season in the books and an opportunity to see how players have developed we have updated the College Football OG/C rankings. A few notes before we discuss the rankings themselves.

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the college football OG/C rankings here.

Here is a look at a few of the offensive guards and centers who have made big moves up in the rankings.

Tristen Hoge – BYU

BYU has had an incredible season. Quarterback Zach Wilson gets a lot of credit for the Cougars success, but the offensive line has done an excellent job of protecting him and opening up holes for the running game. Tristen Hoge missed part of the year with an injury but has been excellent since returning to the field. Hoge is a powerful run blocker who has a strong base and can drive defenders off the ball. He also excels as a pass blocker on the interior, showing the length and athleticism to keep interior pass rushers at bay. Hoge is a complete blocker, who is an asset to the offense in any scheme or situation. His ability and performance helped him climb into the top ten of our rankings this update.

Cole Banwart – Iowa

Iowa has a reputation for tough offensive linemen and Banwart lives up to the billing in 2020. The senior has clearly improved his game and is playing the best football of his career in 2020. Banwart is not as physically imposing as some interior offensive linemen, but he plays with toughness and relies on his technique. Banwart has become a polished interior blocker who can do a little bit of everything for the Hawkeyes. He is a solid run blocker and is also proficient in pass protection. Banwart has cemented himself as an integral part of the Iowa offensive line and is a big part of the team’s success this season.

Grant Gibson – NC State

North Carolina State has bounced back from a disappointing 2019 season and had a successful 2020 campaign. Gibson has improved his play significantly since last season and is now one of the best centers in college football. Gibson has stepped into a leadership role on the offensive line and does a good job of making sure the unit is on the same page. Gibson was recruited to North Carolina State as a defensive tackle, he still displays the quickness and burst of a defensive lineman and is able to use these skills to his advantage at the center position. Gibson is agile and does a good job of finding defenders in space and makings blocks downfield. Gibson is a key piece of NC State’s turnaround this season and is only getting better as he gains experience.

Kendrick Green – Illinois

Green is another defensive lineman turned offensive lineman. He has been a key part of an Illinois offensive line that has been very successful opening up running lanes for their backs. Green is a dominant run blocker who is quick off the ball and strong at the point of attack. He has the ability to drive defenders off the ball and create push at the line of scrimmage. Green is still working on the nuances of pass protection, but he has the physical tools to become a good pass blocker with experience. Overall, Green is a force in the run game and capable in pass protection already, he is a good lineman now with the potential to get even better.

Emil Ekiyor Jr – Alabama

Alabama’s offense has been incredible in 2020. The success is built on an offensive line that is one of, if not the best in college football. Ekiyor is a first year starter at right guard for Alabama and has made the most of his opportunity. As he has gained experience, Ekiyor has improved his skills. He is a powerful blocker who wins at the point of attack. Ekiyor has good feet and is comfortable pulling and finding defenders in space. His pass blocking has gotten better as he has gotten more game reps. Ekiyor debuts on the list, but is a player that should continue to improve and work his way up the rankings with more experience.

Drew Dalman – Stanford

Dalman has been a leader on the offensive line for Stanford so far this season. He anchors the Cardinal offensive line and leads the way for a power running attack. Dalman is an intelligent player who is rarely surprised by what the defense throws at him. He is quick enough to adjust to blitzers in pass protection, but thrives when he is able to fire off the ball and get downfield to punish defenders in the running game. With Walker Little opting out, Stanford needed a leader to emerge on the offensive line and Dalman has filled that void for the Cardinal in 2020.

Click here for the Top 25 OG/C Rankings.

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