Rundown Of The Deep 2026 OL Class: #17-#12

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my opinion, the 2026 offensive lineman class is one of the deepest position groups in the state. The amount of big, nasty, talented guys we have in this 2026 class is incredible. In this article series, I'll be deep diving a few players at a time, and offering some insight on each prospect in order of how they are currently ranked. We'll continue on with our #17-#12 in our rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #17 | [player_tooltip player_id='1148709' first='Jack' last='Vanderheide'] | 6'7 245 | Traverse City Central | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wasn't too familiar with Jack until recently, but after reviewing his film, I am optimistic. First, I think he is going to fill out that 6'7 frame, and it will be extremely important to continue to push to build muscle. I do like his mobility and strong hands a lot. I think there is some room to improve in a couple departments, like ensuring he stays low which will be incredibly important at his height. His lateral movement seems solid, and I think he will continue to develop there. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Jack now that he is on my radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #16 | [player_tooltip player_id='1225769' first='Kinnus' last='Paul II'] | 6'3 290 | Orchard Lake St. Mary's | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fact that Paul is ranked where he is shows just how loaded this OL class is. Paul is an extremely strong and explosive player out of his stance, firing into defenders and absolutely mauling them. I really like his initial pop, and I love how strong his legs and upper body are. He truly absorbs someone trying to pass rush by him. He will need to continue to work on his movement and footwork to ensure fluid passing sets, but his stock is rising in my eyes a great deal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #15 | [player_tooltip player_id='563420' first='Evan' last='Gooden'] | 6'1 250 | Cass Tech | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evan has done a ton to really develop his skills, despite being a bit undersized to be considered an elite prospect yet. He definitely doesn't lack in the technical department, and that part of his game is fun to watch! He is very mobile, he doesn't lean, and he can win a rep in a variety of ways. Whether it be with a solid punch and some power, to sliding his feet and staying low to stay in front of speedier defenders. My favorite thing to watch him do is get out in space on screens and bulldoze his way through the secondary. He is quick enough to stay in front of his ball carrier, and he brings some pop with him! Keep watching for Evan to rise up in the rankings, it is definitely coming. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #14 | [player_tooltip player_id='568183' first='Eli' last='Macauley'] | 6'2 260 | Forest Hills Northern | </strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I just did a write up on Eli, but I would like to hammer home just how impressive he is. He shows off above average mobility, aggression and an ability to drive guys completely out of the play. He is a steamroller when it comes to run blocking, and in the passing game, he doesn't give an inch. He is very good at setting up shop right at the line of scrimmage and absorbing the defenders initial pop. Eli is a guy that I can see totally outplaying his current ranking, and I look forward to seeing this seasons body of work! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #13 | [player_tooltip player_id='1225665' first='Pavel' last='McCutcheon'] | 6'7 285 | Marquette | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pavel is another guy both Alex and I have admired from down here in the lower peninsula for awhile. He absolutely has all of the physical tools to be a potential D1 prospect, and D2 is the floor. Pavel is committed to his craft, as he has posted he will be getting out to some camps this summer. Pavel does a great job of getting under the pads of his assignment and driving through them, totally taking control in the process. I think his passing sets are coming along, and there is a ton of time to continue to evolve there. Thanks to Hudl, I'm able to see what he can do even though Marquette is over 350 miles from me, but nothing will beat seeing him in person in the near future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>| #12 | [player_tooltip player_id='1148708' first='Jeremiah' last='Benson'] | 6'3 255 | West Bloomfield | </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benson is coming into his own, and colleges are starting to take notice. I wasn't able to attend, but I saw he had a great day at our event recently. On film, he's aggressive and has quick feet. Sometimes he gets off balance and crosses his feet which will need to be fixed, but he has the physical tools and the raw ability to stop someone in their tracks that will translate no matter what. When he gets out and moves a little, he does a really good job of finishing his blocks. That kind of tenacity will take him far, and I look forward to seeing what else is in store for Benson. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->