2026 Big Men to Know Entering the Offseason
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I’m back in my home state, looking at some of the top freshmen big fellas on both sides of the football. In year one at the high school level, these youngsters have shown the size, athleticism, and strength, among other…
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Continue ReadingI’m back in my home state, looking at some of the top freshmen big fellas on both sides of the football. In year one at the high school level, these youngsters have shown the size, athleticism, and strength, among other traits to be big-time ball players at the next level. I will be monitoring their progression this off-season, as it should be a crucial part of their recruiting process.
If you have any prospects you’d like for me to watch, please @ them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
DT: Jaden Weaver, 6’2″ 250, Sandburg
- Is quite sudden on tape with consistent pad level.
- Explodes through tighter interior gaps like a missile.
- Can sit back and anchor down against opposing double teams.
- Displayed a powerful rip once engaged.
- Exceptional lateral movement skills.
OL: Gene Riordan Gene Riordan 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Hinsdale Central | 2026 State IL , 6’4″ 250, Hinsdale Central
- Moves more like a tight end than an offensive lineman.
- Has some nastiness to his game early on in his career.
- Double teams are hip-to-hip with his linemate, creating major vertical displacement on opposing defensive linemen.
- Can bend at the knees, hips, and ankles.
OL: Jaquarius Green Jaquarius Green 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL Peoria | 2026 State IL , 6’4″ 300, Peoria
- A guard prospect with ridiculous strength at the point of attack.
- His striking ability is off the charts.
- Is under control with good balance when blocking at the second level.
- Rolls his hips on contact as a run blocker.
DT: Jonathan Rulo, 6’2″ 285, Belleville East
- Slippery at the point of attack.
- Shows quick hands and an outstanding first step.
- Hips are loose and can create a ton of force on contact.
- Has an innate ability to cause disruption in the run game.
- Impressive twitch for a big man.
OL: Rico Schrieber, 6’7″ 320, Marist
- Has the size right now of a starting power-five tackle.
- Shows outstanding body control and can maintain blocks on much more agile defenders.
- God-given strength made him look like a man amongst boys in 2022.
- Solid feet for a big man and has shown he can redirect east and west in his pass set.
DE: King Liggins, 6’3″ 215, Brother Rice
- Raw as a pass rusher, but has the god-given physical traits to develop nicely over the next three seasons.
- Motor is always fueled and ready to roll.
- Held up well in the run game and was able to disengage much bigger offensive linemen & make tackles on 1 on 1 blocks.
- Keeps his shoulder square to the line of scrimmage if left unblocked in the run game.