Sophomore Sleepers: Offensive Line Edition
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The big fellas up front are crucial to any team’s long-term success. They set the tone early and are tasked with protecting the game of football’s most coveted position: quarterback. The class of 2026 offensive linemen featured in this piece…
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Continue ReadingThe big fellas up front are crucial to any team’s long-term success. They set the tone early and are tasked with protecting the game of football’s most coveted position: quarterback.
The class of 2026 offensive linemen featured in this piece have each shined in their own way at different levels of high school football. However, they’re still flying under the radar a bit and in my eyes could be coined “sleepers”. Not to worry though, they still have plenty of ball ahead of them and will have their fair share of opportunities over the next three seasons to prove themselves.
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Cooper Paukstis Cooper Paukstis 6'2" | 245 lbs | ATH Wheaton St. Francis | 2026 State IL 6’2″ 245 St. Francis
Cooper gets his second step in the ground in a hurry, he can get out on the perimeter & block in space and shows an overall aggressive playing style. He moves more like a tight end that an offensive lineman, he’s firm at the point of attack and takes great angles to the block. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and can facilitate a plethora of knockdowns.
Tim Harkins Tim Harkins 6'0" | 230 lbs | OL Mount Carmel | 2026 IL 6′ 240 Mount Carmel
Harkins is undersized from a vertical stature standpoint, but he more than makes up for it with toughness and his ability to finish. He pulls with nasty intentions, he has exceptional body control and a ton of raw upper-body strength. He’s got major pop behind his punch and has the power to displace down linemen. This young man plays the position the way it’s supposed to be played.
Casey Thomann Casey Thomann 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL Olney | 2026 State IL 6’7″ 270, Olney
Thomann is a massive human that overwhelms his opponents with pure size and moves fairly well for a man of his stature. He mirrors well as a pass protector, has impressive grip strength once engaged, and can sink his hips & secure blocks at the second level. I think his ceiling is through the roof and he’s just beginning to scratch the surface as an offensive tackle prospect.
Brandon Easley Jr Brandon Easley Jr 6'2" | 230 lbs | ATH Simeon | 2026 IL 6’2″ 230, Simeon
Easley was gifted with easy feet, a strong lower half, and a natural feel for the game. He’s quick out of his stance, he knows how to catch a rusher lunging, and can sustain 1 on 1 blocks. He plays through the whistle with extensive knee drive and shows impressive lateral quickness.