Breaking Down the 5v5 Individuals from Trenches Elite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the third article of a three part series breaking down the Trenches Elite 5v5 football team. I previously broke down the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/breaking-down-trenches-elite-o-linemen-from-the-5v5-trench-wars/">Offensive Linemen</a> and the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/breaking-down-trenches-elite-d-lineman-from-the-5v5-trench-wars/">Defensive Linemen</a> from their top two teams. This article breaks down the Individual players who also competed with Trenches Elite at the 5v5 Trench Wars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow Trenches Elite on their socials:<br>X/Twitter: <a href="https://x.com/TrenchesElite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@TrenchesElite</a><br>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091617931472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trenches Elite OL/DL Training</a>&nbsp;<br>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trencheselite/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3CQfnVXSSEey8H5hmmcNDfyTarh4kY9E6CrrCC9ykwmcFm6T5ex9YA0jE_aem_AapQz6ImIWNYgpeA4w4fofN3rycn8HTaSpd2td8pTa5EM7UTvi7ZhlyRdioeOzV127XzazO4QhFOqlnuUS6ui8It" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trencheselite</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thank you again to the Trenches Elite for inviting me out to the Trench Wars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***I normally write for Prep Redzone Virginia. <em>I only publish outside of Virginia when I cover events, and </em>this article contains players from North Carolina. Be sure to follow our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep Redzone North Carolina</a> page on <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a> for further content on North Carolina prospects. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Linemen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1331258' first='Aamir' last='Morgan']</strong> | OT | 6'7" 340lbs<br>Rolesville HS (NC) | Class of '27<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19299488/aamir-morgan">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/AamirMorgan2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amir has elite height and size, and he holds that weight well on his body with thick legs carrying a good part of that weight. Shows good flexibility and bend for his size. He got some good reps against some very good pass rushers at the Trench Wars that will only make him better. He has high upside and is one to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TrenchesElite/status/1791665349634502672","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TrenchesElite/status/1791665349634502672 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Matthews</strong> | OG | 6'1" 270lbs<br>Apex HS (NC) | Class of '26<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17695869/brady-mathews">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/BradyMathews15" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brady has very good build at 6'1". He shows good footwork and keeps a strong base with good bend throughout his pass pro. His <em>Hudl</em> film shows his ability as a run blocker where he displays good block fit and leg drive while consistently playing with good pad level and leverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BradyMathews15/status/1777714202993438876","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BradyMathews15/status/1777714202993438876 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1330156' first='Patrick' last='Mahoney']</strong> | OG | 6'3" 280lbs<br>Broughton HS (NC) | Class of '27<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17753672/Patrick-Mahoney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/patrickmahonis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Patrick has solid height and good size for a Guard. Displays quick feet in his initial set points and ability to reverse his set against the inside rush and run the defender away from the QB. He has room to develop his power and explosiveness in his initial punch which will take his game to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/patrickmahonis/status/1787983873676054616","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/patrickmahonis/status/1787983873676054616 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Merrit</strong> | Center | 6'0" 265<br>Wake Forest HS | Class of '27<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22377191/carter-merritt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/53Merritt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising sophomore showed that he can play with the big boys taking on defensive tackles larger than himself at the Trench Wars. He looks to quickly work his hands to the inside chest of the pass rusher and drive him away from the QB. He is <a href="https://x.com/53Merritt/status/1790367404050043152">working in the gym</a> and as he builds mass and size, he should develop a very good anchor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/53Merritt/status/1787585425168629927","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/53Merritt/status/1787585425168629927 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dewayne Brownson </strong>| OT | 6'4" 250lbs<br>Rolesville HS (NC) | Class of '27<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19554856/dewayne-brownson">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/DewayneBrownson">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shows flexibility to play on the right and left sides of the line. Has a wide frame with room to add mass. He looked good against similar competition but did struggle to keep up with the varsity players at the event and those are vital reps for his development. His <em>Hudl </em>film shows the same as he consistently played well as the left tackle on JV as a freshman, and I expect he will be a good starter on Rolesville's varsity team in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1330990' first='Brandon' last='Pittman']</strong> | IOL | 6'0" 275lbs<br>Sanderson HS (NC) | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16893404/brandon-pittman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Bpittman_72" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brandon shows good strength and was able to win reps against some of the better pass rushers at the event. Showed mental toughness to get back to the line and win the next rep after being beaten on the previous rep. Displays good anchor ability to hold his ground against the power rush.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Bpittman_72/status/1787831022366666847","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Bpittman_72/status/1787831022366666847 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='925656' first='Zaiden' last='Smith']</strong> | IOL | 6'2" 285lbs<br>Southeast Raleigh HS (NC) | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19441973/Zaiden-Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/ZaidenSmith77" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zaiden plays all five offensive line positions but was working at Center at the event. Zaiden displays the ability to process and react with his hands to counter the defender's pass rush. His film shows him as a physical player with good explosiveness in the run game. He has an <a href="https://x.com/ZaidenSmith77/status/1784723207712276613">offer from Peru State</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Bulldog_Recruit/status/1792375782989271379","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Bulldog_Recruit/status/1792375782989271379 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='211931' first='Ian' last='Hemilright']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ian-hemilright/"></a> </strong>| IOL | 6'3″ 280lbs<br>Rolesville HS (NC) | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16144466/ian-hemilright" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a></em> / <em><a href="https://x.com/Ian_Hemilright" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ian was not at the event but his film is worth noting. He can play Center or Guard and is quick off the ball and displays good leg drive in his Gap blocks to drive defensive tackles out of the game. He has the athleticism to Pull block, get to the second level, and block backers in space. He is heading into his senior year and has transferred to Rolesville where he will play alongside many of the linemen featured in my three articles on Trenches Elite. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Ian_Hemilright/status/1786013281678749713","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ian_Hemilright/status/1786013281678749713 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Linemen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050668' first='Frank' last='Shewalter']</strong> | DE | 6'3" 220lbs<br>Millbrook HS (NC) | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16347212/frank-shewalter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/pfshewalter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frank displays the ability to dip and bend his shoulder to corner the offensive tackle and was able to win a rep against one of the better tackles at the event with that technique. Also displayed the ability to set a base and anchor himself in pass protection on the offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jarell Clemons</strong> | DT | 6'0" 250"<br>Jordan HS | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16346520/jarell-clemons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/JarellClemons54" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jarell likes to utilize his explosiveness and strength to win a pass rush. He was able to go up against some good competition at the event and won his fair share of reps. He is relentless in his pass rush and showed the competitive toughness to fight each and every rep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JarellClemons54/status/1787297251049529576","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JarellClemons54/status/1787297251049529576 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zy'Keith Bass-Best</strong> | DL | 5'8" 260lbs<br>Wilson Prep (NC) | Class of '26<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19957914/ZyKeith-BassBest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/zykeithbassbest">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Displays good strength and physicality despite his height. Most of his <em>Hudl </em>film is him playing offensive line where he can play Guard and Center. His strength is found in defending the run on the defensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reginald Holmes</strong> | DT | 6'3" 315lbs<br>Wilson Prep (NC) | Class of '26<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18213428/reginald-holmes-jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/R_HolmesJr79" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reginald's strength is found in his run stuffing ability, but he can constrict the depth of the pocket with his strength in pass rush. Also plays Offensive Tackle on offense and is a run blocking mauler in Gap blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cody Alston</strong> | DL | 6'1" 245lbs<br>Rolesville HS (NC) | Class of '25<br><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17698757/Cody-Alston" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/cody1_alston" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into his senior year with an offer from Virginia Union, Cody can play from the 3 Tech through the 9 Tech. Shows the ability to use speed and power rushes. He displays a strong base to hold his ground and push the pocket. He also displays very good balance to stay on his feet when in awkward positions to continue his pass rush. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/cody1_alston/status/1787268729744547887","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cody1_alston/status/1787268729744547887 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content | <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scout&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->