DFW Class of 2026: Trench Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The trenches are where games are won, they have a large impact on games win or loss and the DFW area has some up and coming players who are setting the tone this offseason. These players are big and physical but their athleticism is what sets them apart and makes them stand out. Here are several trench warriors in the Dallas area who are names to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229556"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Best is a technician, he plays with excellent leverage, he has a stout base and his powerful leg drive enables him to drive his opponents off their axis. He has long arms with violent hands, he delivers a stiff punch that allows him to get control off defenders early at engagement. Best was a 1st Team All-District selection in 2023 and he had an MVP performance at the Under Armour Dallas camp, showing that he is one of the top interior offensive linemen in the 2026 class. He has the skill set that is attractive to college programs with Texas Tech coming with an offer early and SMU most recently sending an offer his way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1229526"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"West is an explosive playmaker off the edge, with a quick first step and he has the flexibility to bend and explode on the ball carrier. He plays fast with excellent leverage, he uses his hands well to keep blockers from getting into his chest and he closes on offensive players with bad intentions. He has a high motor with superb short area quickness and when he gets in close he has a knack for causing turnovers. Errol had an impressive showing at the UA Dallas event recently, winning multiple reps and showing off a killer spin move that left his opponents reaching for air. Texas State and North Texas have brought offers to the table. West will be a key returner for Ryan heading into his junior season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1229565"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"At 6'7 280, Ojo passes the eye test, he has a large wingspan with huge mitts that he uses to get hands on his opponent at engagement. He delivers a stiff punch to get defenders off the axis early when he locks in and he is a powerful blocker that finishes his blocks with violence. Felix has clean footwork, he has excellent short area quickness and he gets to the second level with ease, making blocks on linebackers and defensive backs in the open field. He shows good hip bend, he gets into his pass set quickly and he is a wall at the left tackle position. Ojo has seen his recruitment pick steam with offers from Houston, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas State, SMU and North Texas this offseason.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1229575"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Poe is active on the interior, he has an explosive get off at the snap and he closes on the ball carrier with violent intentions. He plays with excellent leverage with a low center of gravity and his ability to beat blocks at the point of attack allows him to cause havoc to offensive game plans. The 6'3 250 pound rising junior, will be a welcomed addition to the Desoto defensive front. Poe turned heads at the UA Dallas camp recently, winning multiple reps against elite competition. You expect him to get more eyes on him this spring heading into the fall season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1229605"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Houston is physical at the point of attack, he has a stiff punch at engagement and he uses his power to bully his opponents in the trenches. He uses his extended wing span to stun blockers with his stiff punch and his ability to shock and shed getting rid of blockers allows him to attack with great speed off the edge. Kordae has an explosive first step, he has excellent short area quickness and his closing speed to the ball carrier enables him to cause havoc to opposing offenses. Johnson is a prospect in the trenches to keep an eye on and he has the skill set that fits perfectly into the u0022Death Rowu0022 defense that South Oak Cliff has been known for in recent years. Early offers from North Texas and Nevada are indicators that he has the attention of college programs and you can expect his offer sheet to increase heading into the fall season.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6609dc12c7d65"} /-->