Highlighting 5 Offensive Linemen With Saturday Upside
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We’ve got 5 fantastic offensive linemen in today’s piece who are not only talented, but all just had great years and put themselves on the map respectively. Cole Kozecar Cole Kozecar 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL North Judson-San Pierre…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve got 5 fantastic offensive linemen in today’s piece who are not only talented, but all just had great years and put themselves on the map respectively.
Cole Kozecar Cole Kozecar 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL North Judson-San Pierre | 2025 State IN – North Judson-San Pierre – OL – 6’3″ 290lbs – 2025
One of the best-kept secrets in the state in the 2-time All-State selection from NJSP. Certain guys have the ability to flip the switch when they step on a football field and Kozecar is one of them. He goes from a nice guy to an animal, and at least I appreciate that. He’s violent at the point of attack and comes off the ball with a purpose. He’s able to drive defenders back in the running game with ease because he gets the leverage and has the strength to match because he’s a big weight room guy. While of course he’s still got time to hit the weight room and add to his repertoire, where he’s at right now is fairly promising. He’s also sound in the passing game and can set his feet, redirect defenders, and gain depth while staying off his heels. He does so many things well that there’s a reason he’s been one of the best offensive linemen in the state since he got into high school, and it’s because he’s earned everything the hard way, but the right way.
Twitter: @ColeKozecar
Brooks Aigner Brooks Aigner 6'4" | 225 lbs | OL Booneville | 2025 State IN – Boonville – OL – 6’4″ 225lbs – 2025
Starting in multiple spots up front for Boonville was the upcoming Junior who checks a handful of boxes right off the rip. His frame is nice, he’s got a great lengthy build with a lower base that is more than strong enough to support a powerful lineman like him. He’s absolutely fantastic on the move and that is one of his best traits. Having him get a head of steam, find a B in the 2nd level, and clear the way is what works for them. He’ll get 10-15 yards downfield and look for contact and someone to hit. While he’s fairly dominant in the running game, he’s a bit less sharp in the passing game. While not bad, if he’s able to clean up his mechanics he could take off. He’s a clear leader for Boonville upfront and isn’t a guy who gets too animated. The ability to move around, go on the move, and raw frame potential should be enough for Aigner to pick up traction fairly soon.
Twitter: @Brooks_Aigner
Ayden Hiner Ayden Hiner 6'0" | 200 lbs | OL Knightstown | 2026 State IN – Knightstown – OL – 6’0″ 200lbs – 2026
There’s a group of young talented players down in Knightstown and Hiner is another upcoming stud. He’s coming off of a fairly good sophomore year and is a guy they’re going to rely on moving forward. He’s a thicker and a bit more compact lineman who has a great center of gravity and is the one who does the people moving. He’s nimble and bends well which allows him to be effective on the inside. He’s off the ball quickly and does a good job picking up blitzes and handing off a rushing defender. His hand placement in the passing game is decent and he doesn’t get caught with his hands on the outside. Over the next few years, if he can hit the weight room and keep developing in those areas, Hiner has the makings to be a nasty guard who does the dirty work.
Twitter: @AydenHiner54
Matthew Kafka Matthew Kafka 6'2" | 265 lbs | OL Lake Central | 2026 State IN – Lake Central – OL – 6’2″ 265lbs – 2026
One of the more impressive linemen in the 2026 class to this point, Kafka is quickly turning into a star lineman and guy who should be on every radar from coast to coast. He’s wrapping up his 2nd year starting and being a top-notch lineman. He was the freshman of the year and only got better as a sophomore. He was more confident in what he was doing and didn’t have that moment of hesitation. There were things he cleaned up and focusing on the mechanics while hitting the weight room seemed to help more than he even realized. He was the best freshman lineman in the southern part of the state and likely doubled that up this year with his play. He’s violent and doesn’t have an issue doing the gritty work. Being able to gain depth and protect the edge is one of the hardest things to do in football, and Kafka has quietly done it for his first 2 years and should fly up boards once people catch on.
Twitter: @M_Kafka26
Bentley McClellan Bentley McClellan 6'3" | 305 lbs | OL Monrovia | 2026 State IN – Monrovia – OL – 6’3″ 305lbs – 2026
Earning the nickname “Bus” early on, it’s easy to see why there’s plenty of reason to be excited about McClellan and what he could offer down the road. His sophomore tape was decent but was cut short due to an injury. However, the few games we got of Bentley and his year 2 progress was great. He’s clearly got a large build, but it’s about how you use it and McClellan understands his game. He’s violent in the running game and can clear the way with ease. He’s capable in the passing game, but that’s where he needs the most work in my opinion. I say that because with his length and size, he’ll be on the outside at the next level, and being able to protect the edge is arguably one of the most important things in football. He’s more than trending in the right direction and if he plays well next fall, McClellan is a name that we’ll begin to hear much more of.
Twitter: @Bus_Bentley