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The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!

The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
Robert Davis
Robert Davis March 16, 2025 @ 08:36 AM
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In this article:

Liam Chang
Liam Chang 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL | 2027
CO
Hayden Buckingham
Hayden Buckingham 6'0" | 235 lbs | OL/DL | 2027
CO
Cooper Fast
Cooper Fast 6'0" | 205 lbs | OL/DL | 2027
CO
Josiah Thomas-Flores
Josiah Thomas-Flores 6'4" | 235 lbs | DL | 2027
CO
Connor Anthes
Connor Anthes 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL/OL | 2027
CO
Jacob Gillit
Jacob Gillit 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL | 2027
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you are NEW and looking to subscribe, use CODE: Davis30 for a discount off of your first subscription! The Prep Redzone Combine Series is back! April 26th we have both Middle School and High School events going that day. Make sure you get signed up with early bird specials and make sure to use CODE: DavisCombine25! SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1637367"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9ea84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A dominant presence in the trenches, Cooper is a lineman with the ideal combination of size, strength, and technique. He effectively utilizes his arm length to gain leverage against defenders and finishes blocks with power. In the running game, his quick first step and low pad level allow him to open running lanes and drive defenders out of the way, creating cutback lanes for his backs. As a combo blocker, he seamlessly transitions to the second level, taking on backers and giving his backs room to run. In pass pro, he keeps defenders in front of him while using his strength to neutralize pass rushers, giving his quarterback a clean pocket to make throws. Cooper is poised to make a major leap and will be an impact player this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1635057"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9eb00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A disruptive force on both sides of the ball, Thomas-Flores is a game changer for his team. Defensively, he plays with power at the line of scrimmage, collapsing gaps and clogging running lanes. His ability to disrupt passing plays by batting down balls down at the line shows his vision to make things happen. He also contributes on special teams, with the potential to block field goals. Offensively, he showcases strong hand placement and the ability to seal the edge, opening up running lanes for his backs. He excels in space, getting downfield on screens and setting up explosive plays. Expect Thomas-Flores to be a player that pops onto radars and turns some heads this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1626007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9eb58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An interior defensive lineman with the ability to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage, Anthes is a nightmare for opposing blockers. His quick hands and explosive get off allow him to shed blocks in a hurry and make plays in the backfield. He has a natural ability to take on and split double teams, making him a key run stuffer for his team. His relentless motor and pursuit of the football ensure he is always around the action. On the offensive side, his agility allows him to climb to the second level, where he continues to open running lanes with good hand placement and drive. Anthes is an up and coming player that you must know on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1625146"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9eba9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A physically imposing interior lineman, Gillit combines size, strength, and technique to dominate in the trenches. He consistently reaches the second level, creating clear running lanes for his backs. His quickness allows him to stay in front of shiftier defenders, while his strong base and pad level make him an effective zone and power run blocker. In pass pro, he maintains a solid base, keeping defenders at bay and keeping a clean pocket for his quarterback to make throws down the field. Always looking for work, he plays with high awareness and physicality being able to pick up blocks. Gillit is a player on the rise and will be a must know name as we hit the offseason circuit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1639922"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9ebf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high IQ player and likely Academic All-State honoree, Buckingham plays with relentless effort and strong technique. Defensively, his high motor allows him to shed blocks quickly and disrupt opposing offenses rhythm. He consistently finds ways into the backfield, making big tackles for loss and forcing hurried plays. Offensively, he constantly has great hand placement, locking onto defenders and driving them out of position to create running lanes. His ability to pick up blocks downfield makes him a key player for this team in the ground game. One of the top linemen to watch in 2A, Buckingham is shaping up to be a dominant two-way player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1640181"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d6d3fa9ec44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A towering presence at 6'6, Chang is a formidable pass protector with the athleticism and footwork to keep defenders in front of him. His long arms and strength make it difficult for pass rushers to gain an advantage, while his quick feet allow him to mirror defenders effectively. In the run game, he uses his agility to set the edge, eliminating defenders and creating lanes for his backs. He is an excellent combo blocker, and his ability to clear paths on screen plays gives his ball carriers two-way go options. With a young but talented offensive line, his team could be a dominant force up front, drawing attention from Power 4 programs. Chang is a name to watch closely moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

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Cooper Fast

Cooper Fast

CO
OL/DL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 205
POS OL/DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Cooper
Fast OL/DL
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
205
HS
Resurrection Christian
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
A dominant presence in the trenches, Cooper is a lineman with the ideal combination of size, strength, and...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Cooper Fast

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Resurrection Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Josiah Thomas-Flores

Josiah Thomas-Flores

CO
DL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 235
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Josiah
Thomas-Flores DL
Class
2027
Height
6'4"
Weight
235
HS
Denver South
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
A disruptive force on both sides of the ball, Thomas-Flores is a game changer for his team. Defensively,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Josiah Thomas-Flores

State: Colorado
School: Denver South
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Connor Anthes

Connor Anthes

CO
DL/OL
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 260
POS DL/OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Connor
Anthes DL/OL
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
Weight
260
HS
Basalt
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
An interior defensive lineman with the ability to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage, Anthes is a...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Connor Anthes

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Basalt
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacob Gillit

Jacob Gillit

CO
OL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 280
POS OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Jacob
Gillit OL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
280
HS
Valor Christian
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
A physically imposing interior lineman, Gillit combines size, strength, and technique to dominate in the trenches. He consistently...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jacob Gillit

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Valor Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Hayden Buckingham

Hayden Buckingham

CO
OL/DL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 235
POS OL/DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Hayden
Buckingham OL/DL
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
235
HS
Basalt
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
A high IQ player and likely Academic All-State honoree, Buckingham plays with relentless effort and strong technique. Defensively,...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Hayden Buckingham

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Basalt
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Liam Chang

Liam Chang

CO
OL
HEIGHT 6'6"
WEIGHT 290
POS OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Liam
Chang OL
Class
2027
Height
6'6"
Weight
290
HS
Valor Christian
|
CO
The Future of The Trenches: 2027 Hogs Breaking Into The Rankings!
A towering presence at 6’6, Chang is a formidable pass protector with the athleticism and footwork to keep...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Liam Chang

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Valor Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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