Player Evaluation: Urijah Gerdes

Class of 2034

Height: 4’10” | Weight: 125 lbs

Team: West Orlando Jags

Position: Offensive Guard (OG) / Defensive End (DE)

Instagram: @urijah_babyman_gerdes

Highlights: YouTube Link

Strengths:

Urijah Gerdes is a dedicated and promising young lineman with an impressive commitment to his craft. His greatest assets are his explosive acceleration and strong hands, which allow him to generate an immediate surge off the snap and effectively reset the line of scrimmage. Despite his youth, he has shown great development in terms of footwork, strength, and overall technique, especially after attending multiple Top 100 camps where his skills have noticeably progressed.

In his offensive guard role, Urijah thrives in the trenches, using his strength and leverage to open running lanes and protect the quarterback. His versatility in rotating between offensive guard and tackle highlights his adaptability, but guard is where he delivers the most impact. His ability to stay low and maintain a solid base gives him a strong foundation in one-on-one matchups.

Defensively, as a defensive end, his acceleration helps him penetrate the backfield quickly, and his physicality allows him to disrupt plays effectively. His motor and determination are evident, making him a consistent performer on both sides of the ball.

Areas for Improvement:

Urijah’s hand placement is one area that could benefit from refinement. Developing better hand technique will enhance his ability to control and drive defenders more consistently. However, given his strong work ethic and commitment to improvement, this is a manageable area of growth.

Football IQ and Work Ethic:

Urijah shows a high level of dedication and a willingness to learn. His participation in Top 100 camps and consistent improvement demonstrate his desire to elevate his game. His experience with successful programs like the Duval Jags, where he helped secure a Florida Elite Super Bowl victory, has given him a solid foundation in teamwork, discipline, and high-level competition.

Overall Assessment:

Urijah Gerdes is a rising talent with all the tools to become a dominant force in the trenches. His physical strength, acceleration, and relentless attitude make him one of the top young linemen in his area. As he continues to refine his technique and gain experience, Urijah has the potential to develop into a standout player at higher levels of competition.