I personally get the chance to coach the offensive and defensive linemen at each combine. On Saturday, I was managing the combine, but I still stayed close enough to the action to form an opinion. After each combine I’ll present my personal evaluation about what we saw “In the Trenches”, this will focus on the big boys. The guys who don’t get the press, but they are responsible for a large amount of a team’s success. My first report comes on the heels of out first combine of the season. Our first combine was held on Saturday, March 4th at the Univeristy of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Offensive Line: Chris Jacobson is about as laid back as any kid you’ll come across, but as soon as he gets in a three-point stance something clicks and he becomes not so nice. Jacobson, who hails from Pittsburgh (Pa.) Keystone Oaks, has already ended his recruitment by committing to the University of Pittsburgh back in February. Dave Wannstedt and his staff are getting a good one. Jacobson checked in at 6-foot-3 ½, 291 pounds. He ran a respectable 5.44 forty on the slow surface at Pitt. He posted a 4.65 shuttle time which was tied for the top spot at his position and an 8-2 standing broad jump which was also among the best measured for offensive linemen.
During the one-on-ones is where Jacobson clearly imposed his will. Jacobson’s combination of strength, speed, and toughness were too much for the opposing defensive tackles.
Scouting Report:Jacobson is extremely light on his feet, and agile. He is surprisingly athletic and he uses his leverage well, he delivers a blow and locks on, and often driving would be defenders into the turf or riding them out of the pocket until the whistle blows. He stays nice and square, and has tremendous flexibility. Jacobson is very explosive off the line of scrimmage, and has no trouble getting to the next level to seal off defenders. Could very well be a three-year starter in college.
 What would an “In the Trenches” article be without the silent but violent award? Enter Paul Simkovich, a bruising 6-4, 296 pound offensive lineman from Latrobe (Pa.). Simkovich first caught my eye in San Antonio, Texas at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in January. On Saturday, I got a better look and walked away even more impressed. First of all the kid is a hockey player, that is bonus points in my book. Simkovich ran a 5.34 in the forty and a 7.87 in the 3-cone drill.
During the one-on-ones, much like Jacobson did, Simkovich was basically unstoppable. The firey red-head just continued to send dejected defenders back to the end of the line shaking their heads.
Scouting Report:Simkovich probably improved his stock as much as any offensive lineman at the combine along with Donny Barclay, A.J. Strum, and Shawn Sailor. Simkovich has very good feet, which is probably because of the ice hockey. He is an exceptional pass blocker. Right now he needs to improve on his explosion which was evident by his numbers in the vertical and standing broad jump. I expect him to start receiving offers by the end of the spring.
Dan Barry of Mentor (Ohio) Lake Catholic could very easily receive the silent but violent award as well. 
I have met Barry three times and he’s probably said less then 20 words but in two combines he has been selected to the All-Combine team twice. On Saturday, Barry showed outstanding lateral speed and change of direction by running a 4.69 shuttle and a 7.69 3-cone.
During the one-on-ones, Barry, 6-4, 282 pounds, was a stalwart. He not only has the physical tools, but he seems to outthink his opposition as well. The cerebral Barry is always one step ahead.
Scouting Report: He is very quick out of his crouch and delivering a punch. Barry is one of those kids that I would label as a technician; he is just a very fundamentally sound lineman. He should grade out as one of the top linemen in Ohio this year.
 Shawn Sailor of Maple Heights (Ohio) passed everyone’s look test. At 6-7, 300 pounds, Sailor has a frame and the footwork that all college coaches crave. Sailor ran a 5.41 forty and had a 7-11 standing broad jump.
During the one-one-ones, I saw Sailor get beat once and that was by Washington (D.C.) standout Tony Tucker who beat every tackle in attendance at least once. Sailor uses his reach and strength to his advantage and he does it very well.
Scouting Report: I could easily see Sailor gaining 30 pounds of good weight and being an absolute force. You can tell he is raw, but there is so much potential there it is scary. Once Sailor hits the camp circuit the offers will be flowing.
Defensive Line In this business people are quick to point out when we are wrong, but back in early April of last year at Duke I featured Tony Tucker in this very same segment. Now a year later, he is bigger, stronger, and faster and back “In the Trenches”. 
The Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College star may not get the hype that is bestowed upon the likes of Marvin Austin (Coolidge) and Arrelius Benn (Dunbar), but he is quickly becoming another elite prospect himself. Tucker tested well, he ran a 4.75 in the forty, 4.33 in the shuttle then he posted a 30.5 inch vertical and an 8-0 standing broad jump.
During the one-on-ones, Tucker lost his first battle of the day, but from what I saw it was the last time he was defeated. At 6-2, 225 pounds, Tucker is often too fast for tackles and deceptively strong for his size, as was the case Saturday.
Scouting Report:Three years ago I met another bright eyed junior from the same school looking to make a name for himself…Rico McCoy. Not only did McCoy make a name for himself the Tennessee freshman linebacker became a U.S. Army All-American. Tucker seems to be on a collision course to the same fate as McCoy. Tucker is athletic and fast enough to be a linebacker, but he is strong enough to be a defensive end. Tucker is a very hot commodity heading into the evaluation period.
 Michael Goosby of Pittsburgh (Pa.) Penn Hills was the surprise of the day among the defensive linemen. Goosby tested well running a 4.78 in the forty, and a 4..44 shuttle. He then posted a 30.5 vertical and a 8-11 standing broad jump.
During the one one ones is where Goosby opened everyone’s eyes. The 6-2, 230 pound, athlete used his speed and strength to dominate. The scary part is he relied on speed and power and little technique.
Scouting Report:: Goosby is a prospect worth watching throughout the evaluation period and into his senior season. If he has anywhere near the success that he had on Saturday he’ll likely earn a scholarship from someone.
Who will be next years Tony Tucker?  Justin Brown of Youngstown (Ohio) Ursuline very well may be that guy. Brown didn’t post eye-popping number during the testing phase.
During one-on-ones the 6-3, 230 pound, sophomore showed he belonged with the big boys. Relying on strength and sheer enthusiasm the young defensive end gave offensive linemen fits and he made a name for himself.
Scouting Report: I feel pretty comfortable proclaiming this kid as a future star. Some kids just have the “IT” factor, you can’t always put a finger on “IT”, but he has “IT”. As his strength and speed improve, Brown has a chance to become one of the top prospects in Ohio next season.
Next week’s report will cover the offensive and defensive linemen that attend the Scout.com combine in Waco, Texas on Saturday, March 11th.
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