PRZIA '25 Rankings Update | OL Prospect Profiles (Top 7)

In conjunction with the recent release of our updated Class of 2025 Rankings, we producing write-ups on the Top 7-rated student-athletes at each position. Below is a look at standout offensive linemen in the cycle:   [player_tooltip player_id='847892' first='Nick' last='Brooks'], OT, Cedar Rapids Kennedy   Ranking: No. 1 OL/No. 1 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19427864/655db1d9b018a60d34f8c064">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Brooks looks a lot like a guy that could start as a true freshman in college like fellow in-state offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) and Kayden Proctor (Alabama). He almost always wins his one-on-one battles at the prep level but also helps out teammates within the system to energize the potent Cougar attack. He's athletic and nimble for his size, while exhibiting unusual strength for a high schooler. What makes Brooks so special and exciting is that he has so much more room to grow physically and as a player before reaching his immense upside. His <a href="https://x.com/SteezoDsgn/status/1780363233846804774">top six prospective colleges</a> are Iowa, Texas, Georgia, USC, Tennessee and Colorado.   [player_tooltip player_id='847962' first='Will' last='Tompkins'], OT, Cedar Falls   Ranking: No. 2 OL/No. 4 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17985313/656fe3b70dcaa60bccfdedf8">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: When you pluck a player out of the Cedar Falls program, you know he's going to be fundamentally sound and prepared for the next level. Tompkins definitely fits that mold, and like others on this list, his best football is in front of him. The Tigers played him at right tackle last season, but he has position flexibility as a strong, athletic blocker. Tompkins utilizes his hands well, understanding how to guide defenders away from the ball without holding. His energy and commitment to playing through the whistle results in plenty of pancake blocks and opponents getting up shaking their heads.   [player_tooltip player_id='252328' first='Joey' last='VanWetzinga'], C, Pleasant Valley,   Ranking: No. 3 OL/No. 5 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16308768/6541174996809706a48cbe22">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Like Brooks, I was blown away scouting VanWetzinga in person. His unrelenting motor often proves difficult for opponents to match. He just gets after it on every play. That says a lot for a guy going all out on both sides of the ball in the state's largest class. No doubt VanWetzinga could succeed at defensive tackle at the next level. He operates with great strength and leverage in there, clubbing the opposition with violent hands. However, Iowa likely will start him out at center, which makes a ton of sense. He potentially could play early with his advanced physicality and football IQ.   [player_tooltip player_id='1209595' first='Marcus' last='Mcgregor'], IOL/OT, WDM Valley   Ranking: No. 4 OL/No. 15 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16452714/6535a2f702b14a0a3c3078c8">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: McGregor has been one of the state fastest-rising recruits this offseason. Once colleges saw his junior highlight video, some programs were convinced they should offer, while Iowa, Iowa State and others are bringing in to camps next month. Valley usually ranks among the state's best at producing talent for the next level, and that can sometimes mean guys like McGregor must wait for their attention. He's shown that he deserves it. He lines up at left tackle for the Tigers, who take advantage of his athleticism and ability to get to the second level smoothly. He overwhelms defenders with a power, slick feet and violent hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='1277264' first='Nick' last='Darling'], Johnston   Ranking: No. 5 OL/No. 20 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14964115/652fdb2ea676a30350fd3a13">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Darling enjoy the game's physicality. Anyone lined up across from him best be prepared for that or risk being served a pancake. Johnston takes advantage of Darling's athleticism, pulling him from right guard quite often. He rewards the Dragons' staff by reaching backside defenders and opening up running holes. He also does that well in tight quarters. Darling's athleticism shines through in the run game and in pass protection. He's agile and shows slick footwork. With his combination of agility and strength, it's a chore to disengage from his blocks. Minnesota State has reportedly offered him a scholarship. Darling visited South Dakota, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, St. Thomas, Illinois State and Western Illinois so far this year. He's scheduled camps at Iowa and North Dakota so far.   [player_tooltip player_id='1183033' first='Connor' last='Best'], Cedar Falls   Ranking: No. 6 OL/No. 23 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16134562/658e3340478d8601f832d693">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Like Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Falls should be stout up front on offense with Best, [player_tooltip player_id='847962' first='Will' last='Tompkins'] and company. We recently <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/top-available-class-of-25-prospects-part-vi/">wrote about Best</a> being one of the top available '25 prospects in state. Best stands out as a versatile linebacker capable of smashing defensive linemen right in front of him or getting out in space to wipe out linebackers and defensive backs. Strength is not a problem for him, and he complements that with violent hands. Best understands the importance of being the lower man to win one-on-one battles and drives through the chest of defenders. He took junior day visits this spring to Western Illinois and Northern Iowa. His Hudl page displays his bench press at 305 pounds, squat at 485, deadlift at 500 and clean at 345.   [player_tooltip player_id='1279124' first='Tyler' last='Rindels'], Iowa City High   Ranking: No. 7 OL/No. 39 Overall   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16105007/6543ff38578d220474647060">JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS</a>   Why He's Here: Rindels has steadily improved during his prep career and there's still room to grow, which should be attractive to programs on the next level. He's built for the interior as a powerful performer playing with good pad level and toughness. He moves quickly off the snap and often gains an advantage on his opponent that he does not relinquish. Rindels works well off of the guys beside him. He blocks the run and holds up well in pass protection. He reports an offer from Grand View, and he visited South Dakota State, Northern Iowa and South Dakota for recent junior days.

In conjunction with the recent release of our updated Class of 2025 Rankings, we producing write-ups on the Top 7-rated student-athletes at each position. Below is a look at standout offensive linemen in the cycle: