Over-Performing Underclassmen Pt. 3: Linemen

In football, the linemen are often the unsung warriors whose performances can dictate the outcome of the game. With offensive linemen focusing on protection and creating space for playmakers, while defensive linemen strive to disrupt the rhythm of the offense, the battles in the trenches often decide who wins or loses. These players need to blend raw power with technique and intelligence, constantly adapting to the fast-paced nature of the game. In part three, we turn our attention to the underclassmen in the trenches who are making a real impact this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Line</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1399752' first='Derrick' last='LeBlanc'] is already a real playmaker for Hamilton's defense and he's not even halfway through his high school football career yet. He has two games this season with multiple sacks and has racked up a total of six in seven games. Coming through the interior of the line, he has great but that proves to be too much for most offensive linemen to handle. Keeping his eyes locked on the ball, LeBlanc makes quick decisions and wastes no time attacking whoever has it. When he's lined up against some size across from him, his strength really shows as he effortlessly drives back linemen who are bigger than him. As he continues to grow and develop, LeBlanc is a prospect coaches will want to keep a very close eye on.      Jake Nicholas has some really nice length and he puts it to good use for Scottsdale Prep's defense. With 46 total tackles on the season, nearly half of them have been for loss. (21) That type of production is a huge part of why the Spartans find themselves with a 7-1 record. With Nicholas effortlessly getting into the backfield — using his long arms to keep offensive linemen from engaging with him — he has nice speed that he uses to track down the ball carrier before they even make it back to the line of scrimmage.     [player_tooltip player_id='883397' first='Mekhi' last='Hodge'] has some impressive footwork coming off the edge for Cesar Chavez. He fires off the line of scrimmage and will bait opposing linemen out of position, giving him a free lane to the backfield. At a lean 6'3" and 215 lbs, he has the speed to work around tackles once he has them out of position but still possesses the strength to deliver hits that running backs will undoubtedly remember long after the whistle blows. Hodge has 4.5 sacks so far through his sophomore season, showing just how effective he can be against top-tier competition.      [player_tooltip player_id='1603423' first='Brayden' last='Lee'] has been a force to be reckoned with thus far in his sophomore season. Always playing really aggressively, he regularly overpowers offensive linemen — using his strong base to will his way into the opponent's backfield. He's already amassed 7.5 sacks through the team's first eight games, adding another four tackles for loss. His relentless motor and keen instincts allow him to read plays quickly, making him a truly disruptive presence. As he continues to develop, Lee could turn him into one of the top pass rushers in 3A.     The sheer strength that Aaron Whitten has displayed in just his first year of high school football is nothing short of spectacular. He has no trouble moving opposing linemen against their will, and his bull rush move is a sight to behold as he drives them back. Whitten does a nice job reading the flow of the offense, allowing him to anticipate plays and react with power. As his game continues to fully develop, particularly the use of his hands, he's going to be a name to remember in the coming years.     [player_tooltip player_id='1603437' first='Zion' last='Aguebor'] is a true playmaker in the trenches for ALA West Foothills. Doing a little bit of everything, he currently has 19 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback pressures, and an interception as a defensive lineman who lines up with his hand in the dirt. An athletic and long 6'4" 210 lbs, Aguebor has some room to add a little weight to his frame, which will allow him to break through the line just a touch faster and be able to turn some of those pressures into sacks. He's certainly established himself as a player to watch through his next two years of high school football.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Line</h2>    Our top-ranked prospect for the class of 2027, regardless of position, [player_tooltip player_id='677481' first='Jake' last='Hildebrand'] has been showing everyone why he deserves that spot through the first seven games of the 2024 season. Standing at a daunting 6'6" and weighing 285 lbs, he's an imposing presence walking onto the field. Already holding a plethora of Division 1 offers — including Oregon, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Florida State, and others — Hildebrand manhandles his opponents. He's the type of player who will block until the final whistle and is always looking to put his assignment onto their backs, often succeeding. The future is very bright for Hildebrand, and he's poised to make a massive impact on Saturdays in just a few years.      [player_tooltip player_id='1399740' first='Brayden' last='Mendoza'] is very technically sound on the end of Vista Grande's offensive line. His long arms make it incredibly tough for defenders to get around him while his massive strides allow him to get depth quickly when in his pass set. When his offense hands the ball off, Mendoza is a little less of a technician and relies more on his aggressiveness and overpowering strength. At 300 lbs with a solid base, he can really drive off the line of scrimmage and open up huge running lanes for the running backs. Mendoza is a player coaches will want to be in on early, before his recruitment really skyrockets.      [player_tooltip player_id='884143' first='Chase' last='Grohman'] has some nice footwork in his pass sets and a whole lot of power when run blocking. His strong base mixed with his quick feet allow him to quickly chip and work to the second level before linebackers are able to to fill the gaps. Grohman does a great job of using leverage against his opponent and consistently gets the upper hand in one-on-one matchups. As he continues to gain more experience, Grohman has the potential to become one of the top offensive line prospects in the state.

In football, the linemen are often the unsung warriors whose performances can dictate the outcome of the game. With offensive linemen focusing on protection and creating space for playmakers, while defensive linemen strive to disrupt the rhythm of the offense, the battles in the trenches often decide who wins or loses. These players need to blend raw power with technique and intelligence, constantly adapting to the fast-paced nature of the game. In part three, we turn our attention to the underclassmen in the trenches who are making a real impact this season.