2026s Proving Trenches Aren’t Just For Upperclassmen
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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…
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Continue ReadingEvery 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 Bristol Biegenzahn Bristol Biegenzahn 6'5" | 205 lbs | DL West Ashley | 2026 State SC has only recently transitioned from tight end. And Deontra Allen Deontra Allen 5'9" | 200 lbs | DL Aiken | 2026 State SC of Aiken and Loris’ Landon Conner Landon Conner 5'11" | 220 lbs | DL Loris | 2026 State SC 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 Jamie Williamson Jamie Williamson 6'1" | 290 lbs | DL West Florence | 2026 State SC (pictured), Beaufort’s Jayden Simmons Jayden Simmons 6'0" | 225 lbs | DL Beaufort | 2026 State SC , Phillip Simmons’ Michael Garnett Michael Garnett 5'11" | 270 lbs | DL Philip Simmons | 2026 State SC and Wagener-Salley’s Rayfield Bell Rayfield Bell 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Wagener-Salley | 2026 State SC 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 Michael Jones Michael Jones 6'1" | 265 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2026 State SC 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 Terry Radford Terry Radford 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Chester | 2026 State SC . 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 Quamaine Vaughn Quamaine Vaughn 6'2" | 285 lbs | OL Philip Simmons | 2026 State SC 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 Donovan Miles Donovan Miles 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL Woodland | 2026 State SC 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, Kyler Johnson Kyler Johnson 6'4" | 300 lbs | DL Trinity Collegiate | 2026 State SC 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.
Kenshon Speaks Kenshon Speaks 6'3" | 295 lbs | OL Beaufort | 2026 State SC 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 Desmond Green Desmond Green 6'4" | 330 lbs | OL Timberland | 2026 State SC .
And, it’s totally natural to put a freshman at center while playing most in shotgun sets, right? Right?