Trench Warfare: Measuring Up 2027's Top Linemen

Just call them the diamonds in the rough.   The future of linemen play in the Palmetto State looks bright in the Class of 2027. Among the promising tackles, ends and guards on the list are players who've already helped their team to playoff success and made all-state in their respective classifications.   Given their upside, these linemen should not face the prospect of sophomore jinxes and look to improve and grow both from a physical and mental standpoint.   Dennis Glenn DL, Boiling Springs   By mid-season, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound rising sophomore was already the focus on opposing offenses. Paired with senior [player_tooltip player_id='771223' first='Calvin' last='Jackson'] last season, Glenn was a matchup problem for offensive lineman who could not individually handle his quickness out of the stance or his overall strength. With more playing time, expect Glenn to rack up more tackles and sacks from the nose guard position over the next couple of seasons.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172344' first='Ray' last='Harris'] DL, South Aiken   The sheer physicality exhibited by the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Thoroughbred jumps off the video screen. Whether chasing down a quarterback or making tackles while going through bigger guards, Harris stands out on the Thoroughbred defense. He already has seemingly mastered the quarterback pressure technique and possesses strong stamina. Whether at tackle or end, Harris could potentially develop into the top five of his graduating class.    [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] DL, Irmo   For most of the season, the Yellow Jackets' defense was as dominant as its offense. The addition of the 6-foot-2 freshman to a defensive line already blessed with All-State talent like Mal Clay provided Irmo with an effective "one-two" punch upfront to go with an experienced linebacking corps and secondary. The win against Ridge View was truly Bryant's breakout game as he showed various ways to disrupt an offense. He used his length to deflect passes, displayed quickness off the snap at defensive end and showed unhinged ferocity in laying hard hits. As Bryant adds more muscle to his 195-pound frame, look for him to take a more active leadership role.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings'] DL, White Knoll   Coming off a state championship appearance, the Timberwolves will look to replace key defensive contributors. Ends [player_tooltip player_id='1142785' first='Lincoln' last='Ilunga'] and Nick Pierce were among the team's leading tacklers. Fellow departing seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1142518' first='Demenico' last='Banks'] and Palmetto Champions Class 5A Lower State Defensive Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='911089' first='Jaiden' last='Kimble'] often saw as much action upfront than from their coverage area at linebacker. At 6-foot-2 and 285 pounds, Jennings showed potential as a run-stopper at tackle. He tallied only nine total tackles this season and, in video from games against Fort Dorchester and Cane Bay, relied upon raw physical talent to make plays. He is the type of player the defensive-minded coach Nick Pelham has proven to mold into an All-State Class 5A prospect.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036757' first='Peyton' last='Bradshaw'] DL, Crestwood   The 6-foot-2, 255-pound rising sophomore showed glimpses of potential playing at both nose guard and defensive end. On video, he's consistently in position to make a tackle. He shows quick lateral movement around the line of scrimmage and is always hustling to wherever the football is.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172361' first='Matthew' last='Ponkow'] DL, Bishop England   The Bishops are currently looking for new sideline leadership following the resignation of head coach John Cantey. Whomever succeeds him can look toward the 6-foot, 180-pound rising sophomore to help with the program turnaround. Ponkow was a bright spot on defense for the Bishops. He finished with 88 tackles, including 17 for loss, eight sacks, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Ponkow's speedy movement, coupled with a slender build, makes him look like an outside linebacker playing at defensive end. He'll get even more problematic for offenses with additional muscle.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036772' first='Rahiem' last='Saunders'] DL, Whale Branch   At 6-feet-2 and 305 pounds, the rising sophomore is the biggest lineman uses his size and strength to literally overpower whoever is in front of him on both sides of the line. At nose tackle, he amassed 21 tackles and three sacks in seven games for the Warriors. As he gains more experience and develops his technique, look for Saunders to get increased attention.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172369' first='Wells' last='Lewis'] OL, Cardinal Newman   Combining strength as a nationally ranked weightlifter with adept footwork and sound technique, the 6-feet, 245-pound rising sophomore was a welcomed addition at center for the Cardinals. His play upfront both in protecting quarterback Duncan Skelton and opening holes for running backs [player_tooltip player_id='139303' first='Cortez' last='Lane'] enabled the offense to average 40 points per game. Depending on Lewis' physical development, he could get utilized more at the guard position.

Just call them the diamonds in the rough.