2027 Rankings: Young Talent Up Front

There's something important to remember about the guys ranked on the offensive and defensive lines in the 2027 Class.   For the most part, they're 15 years old. And to a man, they're already making a name for themselves against guys who are older and stronger. With these guys, it hasn't seemed to matter. At every position on the offensive line and both inside and out on defense, there are some sophomores across the state who are simply getting it done.   Here's a look at some of them.    BREAKING DOWN THE POSITION   [player_tooltip player_id='1036776' first='Israel' last='Harris'] James Island   First off, Harris is a massive individual. What you notice on his film, though, is how well he moves. And the Trojans move him around a LOT. He can play guard or tackle, has done both, and is absolutely at his best when he's pulling to bring an extra body to the point of attack and open holes. He's very, very good at it and James Island depends a lot on the mismatches he creates.   [player_tooltip player_id='691267' first='CJ' last='Brooks'] Gaffney   Brooks has the unique situation of playing on a line with a ton of high-caliber talent, and opponents can't concentrate their efforts on beating him. He's found a home a tackle, where he's a plow-ahead blocker in the run game, using strength and power to overwhelm guys in front of him and finishing off blocks way downfield.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172369' first='Wells' last='Lewis'] Cardinal Newman   Like all good centers, Lewis is insanely quick when delivering the snap and then getting his hands back to the business of blocking. He's good engaging at the line, and wins a lot of matchups there, but he's also particularly adept at getting to the second level and getting a hat on a linebacker to help spring big plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1271255' first='Hayden' last='Crockett'] Hilton Head   Crockett is another versatile, athletic guy who's capable of playing both tackle and guard. His wingspan helps him hold off defenders and steer them to where he wants them to go, and his footwork ensures he's almost always where he's supposed to be.   [player_tooltip player_id='1153356' first='Ashton' last='Thompson'] AC Flora   Thompson does a ton for the Falcons' blocking scheme. He typically lines up at right tackle, but he'll block anywhere along the line at the snap. He's long and quick, and he can get to defenders quickly. He's one of the keys to what A.C. Flora is able to do up front.    BREAKING DOWN THE POSITION   [player_tooltip player_id='1036731' first='Dennis' last='Glenn Jr'] Boiling Springs   Glenn (pictured) is one of the best defensive linemen in Region II-5A, regardless of class. He's an absolute monster up front for the Bulldogs, and has been since he first walked onto the field. He's got a tremendous first step to get by defenders, and if that doesn't work, he just uses his power. He's big enough to swallow up runners, and plays with a desire to get upfield and a mean streak.   [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] Irmo   Bryant brings near-constant pressure for the Yellow Jackets. He's a beast off the edge, and he's made his mark already. He had 44 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks as a freshman, and he's continued to impress in his sophomore year. Bryant makes Irmo extremely tough to deal with up front.    [player_tooltip player_id='1271251' first='Jordan' last='Johnson'] Philip Simmons   Johnson is essentially a walking violent collision. That's what he causes on every play, and he wins a whole bunch of them. He's massive, and his size allows him to shuck blockers and take on double-teams. He's also way better at chasing down plays from behind than a person his size should be, playing with an almost freakish athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422598' first='Zavier' last='Polite'] May River   Polite gets upfield in a hurry, and he spends a ton of his time in the opponents' backfield, causing havoc in the process. He makes a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage, and he's already got seven tackles for loss and three sacks to go with 29 tackles this season. He plays fast and physical, and he's a disruptive force for the Sharks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422635' first='Anthony' last='Strong'] Cheraw   Strong looks like he was born to play with a hand in the dirt. He's quick off the edge, but he's physical enough to play inside, and he sheds blockers to take on backs in the hole regularly. He's a guy who's capable of making both the guy beside him and the guy at the next level behind him look better because of the things he's able to do.

There's something important to remember about the guys ranked on the offensive and defensive lines in the 2027 Class.