Small School Offensive Linemen
by Jim Schmatz
By Matt Feminis and Josh Buchanan (D2 Football)
A pair of small schoolers rate amongst the best offensive linemen available at any level this year.
TACKLES
Chad Rinehart (6-5 312), Northern Iowa (I-AA)
Reinart started at tackle as a freshman in 2004 before undergoing surgery that ended his season. He was a first-team All-Gateway selection at left tackle in 2005, earning All-America mention. He was named second-team All-America by the AP in 2006, and closed his career by earning All-America honors again this season. Rinehart is a good technician with good foot speed. He has been a dominant force at tackle over his career, though scouts believe he is versatile enough to succeed at multiple positions along the offensive line, including center. He’ll participate in the Senior Bowl, and is expected to be drafted somewhere in the 3rd-4th round range.
Demetrius Bell (6-5 283), Northwestern State (I-AA)
Bell is one of the most interesting stories in the 2008 draft class, as well as further evidence to the scouting cliché, ‘If you can play, they’ll find you.’ Also a basketball player, Bell didn’t even play football before 2005, when he played in one game as a defensive end. Reluctantly, he made the switch to offensive tackle prior to the 2006 season, and started every game since. He became an All-American in his senior season, and has drawn major NFL interest. His stock has been on the rise. Bell needs to bulk up, but he has long arms, and his athleticism provides a foundation for NFL coaches to build upon. He has given up on basketball to concentrate fully on the post-season process, which could boost his value further. One NFL general manager has already made a personal visit to the Louisiana campus, and is planning a return trip. Bell participate in the Texas vs. Nation game, and appears a safe bet to be drafted, possibly as high as the fourth round.
GUARDS
Heath Benedict (6-6 335), Newberry College (Division II)
Benedict transferred from Tennessee after redshirting in 2002. He started at right tackle in 2004, and in 2005 earned first-team all-conference honors. He earned first-team all-conference plaudits in 2006 and 2007 while being named the Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner each year. He was named first-team All-America as a junior and senior. Benedict’s athletic ability is among the best in the nation, as he ran a 4.97 40 in the spring at over 330 pounds. He has the potential to be a pro bowler due to his speed, foot quickness, and upper body strength. He is working on his lower body strength and endurance, as he sometimes gets tired in games. He has also been bored at the Division II level so he takes plays off. Toughness is also a question. Benedict is considered an early day two prospect right now, but should move up after the combine. Expect him to blow away scouts with his performance and move back into the 2nd-3rd round range. He’ll participate in the Senior Bowl.
Kerry Brown (6-5 310), Appalachian State (I-AA)
Brown came to Appalachian as a raw guard from Georgia who was not highly recruited. His sophomore season his potential flashed, as he earned first-team All-SoCon honors and helped guide Appalachian State to its first of three straight national championships. He closed his career by winning the SoCon Jacobs Blocking Trophy as a junior and senior, earning first-team All-America honors each year. He also received votes for the coveted Walter Payton Award (I-AA Offensive Player of the Year) this year, becoming the first offensive lineman to receive votes for the award. Brown is still raw, as he has lacked NFL level coaching and plays too high at times. He needs to show more bend at the knees and finish his blocks. What is so impressive about him is that he has used pure raw strength and power to dominate. Against Michigan, he flashed the potential to be dominate at the next level, as he posted over 20 knockdowns and threw the Wolverines’ bigger tackles around for most of the day. Once he learns the technique, he will be a Pro Bowl-caliber caliber guard. He also possesses the feet to play tackle. He entered the season with a 6th-PFA grade and currently carries a 5th-6th round grade by most. Expect him to move into the mid 4th-early 5th round by draft day.
Mackenzie Bernadeau (6-4 303), Bentley College (Division II)
“Mac’ has been inspected up close by every NFL team, including several organizations which have sent multiple scouts to Waltham, Mass., to gauge Bernadeau’s potential. An All-American and three-year all-conference performer, he possesses the requisite athletic ability, feet, and hands to succeed. Bentley’s level of competition doesn’t do him any favors, and he’ll need to improve his upper-body strength, but Bernadeau is a durable, intelligent, character kid who is regarded as a campus leader, according to coaches. Bernadeau will be in an NFL camp come summer, and could hear his name called somewhere between the fifth and seventh round.
Other notables:
-Tackles: Brandon Keith (Northern Iowa); Brock Pasteur (Stephen F. Austin); Nate Safe (North Dakota State); Mike Butterworth (Slippery Rock); Brandon Barnes (Grand Valley State); Ben Hochstein (Nebraska-Omaha); Matt Roan (Southern Utah); Thaddeus Coleman (Mississippi Valley State
-Guards: Stephen Sene (Liberty); Bill Bourdlais (Ferris State)
-Center: Brennan Carvalho (Portland State)