2026s Proving Trenches Aren’t Just For Upperclassmen

2026s Proving Trenches Aren&#8217;t Just For Upperclassmen

Ian Guerin May 14, 2023 @ 08:58 PM

Every year, some national college broadcast team does a feature on the offensive linemen at BYU or Army or any other school where football players are often put on hold for outside requirements and end up playing at an older age.    They are more developed. They've had more time to train. They're wiser.   The same can be said for many of the best trench standouts in the high school ranks; they're typically near the upper end of the eligibility spectrum. They've had more time to develop. They've spent more hours in the weight room. They're better acclimated to the offense.   Yet, even as high school freshmen, plenty of players in the Class of 2026 proved they can hang with those three years older than them. In total, 14 of the 56 players we currently have holding down the rankings have yet to finish their first year of high school.    DEFENSIVE LINE   Between interior lineman, ends and even someone who could probably be considered more of an outside linebacker, the guys with their hands in the dirt waiting for the snap have proved they can hang.   Yes, we've got a couple projection rankings here. West Ashley's [player_tooltip player_id='367827' first='Bristol' last='Biegenzahn'] has only recently transitioned from tight end. And [player_tooltip player_id='284133' first='Deontra' last='Allen'] of Aiken and Loris' [player_tooltip player_id='473018' first='Landon' last='Conner'] may very well move back to a true linebacker spot before it's all said and done.   But if you're looking for production up front, the tale of the tape doesn't lie for each of them.   Nor can we disregard that four of these guys were firmly planted in the middle of it all at as young as 14 years old. West Florence's [player_tooltip player_id='617662' first='Jamie' last='Williamson'] (pictured), Beaufort's [player_tooltip player_id='816738' first='Jayden' last='Simmons'], Phillip Simmons' [player_tooltip player_id='473026' first='Michael' last='Garnett'] and Wagener-Salley's [player_tooltip player_id='816739' first='Rayfield' last='Bell'] all started or at least played significant minutes last fall for teams that all won seven or more games.    Speaking of winning, no one can ignore that Oceanside Collegiate and Chester not only did so last year, but will continue to do so again in 2023. Landsharks defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='816747' first='Michael' last='Jones'] is about to go from role player (nine games, 22 total tackles) on senior-laden line to a guy with big expectations after two huge losses.   And then there's [player_tooltip player_id='816734' first='Terry' last='Radford']. We could tell you about the Chester edge's 63 total tackles or his 27 tackles for loss. Or we could just let you see for yourself.    OFFENSIVE LINE   Philip Simmons decided [player_tooltip player_id='473030' first='Quamaine' last='Vaughn'] was ready to get on the field, and while they're still deciding between offensive and defensive line, expect him to see some extensive time at the offensive guard spot this fall. He's pushing 290 pounds and with some added footwork and another couple inches, he could even shift outside.   Just down the road in Dorchester, Woodland had its offensive line most set last year behind an all-star senior and an all-American junior. Now, put [player_tooltip player_id='473028' first='Donovan' last='Miles'] into the mix. At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, there's no reason to believe he won't be another recruiting win for someone.   Much like with some of our selections on the defensive line, [player_tooltip player_id='473017' first='Kyler' last='Johnson'] might be defined as a project for Trinity Collegiate. But 6-foot-4 freshmen aren't exactly common. He's going to get rep after rep after rep, and we think he's going to be manhandling most of his opposition sooner rather than later.   [player_tooltip player_id='617718' first='Kenshon' last='Speaks'] has already shown that ability. During Beaufort's Class 3A title run last year, the then-right guard helped push the Eagles to one of the most ridiculous postseason rushing attacks we've seen in recent memories. Remember, this team didn't complete a pass in the Lower State finals or even attempt one in the state championship victory.    That brings us to [player_tooltip player_id='473011' first='Desmond' last='Green'].    And, it's totally natural to put a freshman at center while playing most in shotgun sets, right? Right?

Every year, some national college broadcast team does a feature on the offensive linemen at BYU or Army or any other school where football players are often put on hold for outside requirements and end up playing at an older age.