Rising Stars in the Trenches

Prep Redzone provides coverage of a recenet combine in Kansas.

Wade Cargile February 5, 2024 @ 03:34 PM

Offensive and defensive linemen at the high school level come in all shapes and sizes but there are certain similarities that single thread through them. To a player, they are usually, tough, smart, rugged, selfless players who do whatever it takes for the team to win.   And, even though the "skill players" generally get the most attention, games are won and lost on the front lines. The team that controls the line of scrimmage dictates how the game will be played, which is what most coaches are looking for.   To manhandle the opponent in the trenches requires big, strong, athletic players who are willing to battle week in and week out in relative obscurity. They are the foundation the team is built on, but usually don't get the attention and fanfare they deserve.   The following report is the first in what will hopefully be an on-going series of articles shining a spot light on stellar play along the line of scrimmage. To kick this off I have selected five rising stars who have been battling in the trenches and helping lead their respective teams to successful 2023 seasons.   One player I was particularly impressed with was Cheney's All-State Center, A.J. Quick, 5'11, 240, who entered the 2025 rankings at #253. He epitomized the kind of play coaches build programs around with his excellent mechanics and relentless play. No doubt he will be accelerating upward in the rankings as we near the 2024 season.   The first group of 2025 offensive and defensive linemen battling in the trenches is outlined below:   [player_tooltip player_id='1115446' first='AJ' last='Quick'], 5'11, 240, C, Cheney is currently ranked #253 as mentioned above. He helped Cheney win the state championship last year with his consistently high level of aggressive play. His combination of overall body strength, quick, nimble feet and a scrapper mentality he locks on his opponents and drives them until the whistle is blown. Once he drills in on his target it is usually lights out for the defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228512' first='Devan' last='Caley'], 6'0, 300, OL/DL, Winfield is not currently ranked but comes highly touted by legendary coach Monty Lewis. Following a breakout season last year, he started making a name for himself throughout the league as powerful brawler along the defensive line. A powerlifter in his spare time, he delivers a serious blow on impact and gets in the backfield in a hurry. He definitely will be a force to be reckoned with in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1115443' first='Hudson' last='Rice'], 6'2, 275, OL/DL, Liberal is currently ranked #172 and is getting a significant amount of attention for his junior-season play. Along with his size and length, he is a devastating hitter along the defensive line and blows plays up in a hurry. On the offensive side of the ball he is very athletic, pulls well, and is a pile-driving blocker. He has perfected the pancake block. Expect to hear more from him as the off-season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='733208' first='Rhett' last='Ihrig'], 6'3, 240, DL, Goodland, is currently ranked #110 in the 2025 rankings. Similar to Rice above, being as far west in Kansas as you can get, these guys sometimes don't get the attention they deserve. Following an excellent junior season, he will be looking to continue to take his game to the next level. An active defender, he delivers a decisive blow, keeps his eyes in the backfield, and routinely wrecks plays before they even get started. He is catching scouts eyes by always being on the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='268059' first='Koby' last='Le'], 6'1, 245, OL/DL, Emporia is ranked #35 in the 2025 rankings. Last but certainly not least, this multi-positional player is giving the Emporia team a centerpiece to build on for the upcoming season. As an athletic, physical ball buster along the defensive line, he picks up the play and gets in the backfield in a hurry. He is particularly punishing off the edge, where he overwhelms ends and backs with his combination of size speed, and strong hands. Keep him on your watch list, as he is a rising star.   The next report on "Battling in the Trenches" is currently underway as we finalize the next round of players and the right scheduling sequence. If you have any recommendations feel free to let me know.

Offensive and defensive linemen at the high school level come in all shapes and sizes but there are certain similarities that single thread through them. To a player, they are usually, tough, smart, rugged, selfless players who do whatever it takes for the team to win.