UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp: Top Performers

I'd be willing to bet that PrepRedzone, at least your home-based Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Dakotas crew, goes to more camps and in-person events than anyone in the Midwest. With the vast amount of event and experience possessed in these eyes, legs, and hands, we know a good camp from a "bad" one, and the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds run a GREAT camp that every Midwest OL/DL should consider attending. Not only does UW-Eau Claire have a state-of-the-art athletics facility that is more fitting of a D1 than D3 program (welcome to the WIAC), the camp is padded, efficient, organized, and specifically tailored for a Big Man Camp, meaning the testing, drills, and competition were perfect for evaluating linemen on both sides of the ball in a camp setting. Plus, the coaching is top-notch (welcome to the WIAC) and there were anywhere between a dozen and 15 additional college programs in attendance to scout some of Wisconsins, Minnesotas, and Illinois' top linemen. Check out the Top Performers, including some must-know honorable mentions, and the always fun All-Eye Test Team, only on PrepRedzone. Thanks for having us, UWEC!   --   Alpha: [player_tooltip player_id='1220667' first='Cael' last='Gago'] (Rice Lake) 2026. 6'3, 309 lbs. OG.   Stock Riser: [player_tooltip player_id='1804564' first='Caden' last='Sieker'] (Rhinelander, WI) 2026. EDGE. 6'2, 241 lbs.   Top Performers   Offensive Line:   [player_tooltip player_id='1210315' first='Brett' last='Kopp'] (Elmwood/Plum City) 2026. 6'4, 309 lbs. OG. - Kopp made a point to introduce himself to the PrepRedzone scouts prior to the UWEC Big Man Camp kicking off, and it was a smart move, and the junior is built like a 6'4, 300+ pound brick with a thick, even build and minimal body fat given the fact that he's over 300 pounds. Kopp was an eye-catcher and top performer in every phase of the camp, coming in with a 6'7 wingspan and testing well, running the hoop and showing some bend during drills, and then transitioning to a physically dominant 1v1 showing during padded competition. Kopp came out during the board drill, driving and finishing a couple DL into the turf in emphatic fashion, showing off brute strength and an effective nasty streak that didn't look fun to be on the receiving end of. With a high-energy, competitive attitude and play style, the 6'4 projected iOL also displayed balance and effective hand placement/usage during pass pro, along with a handful of additional power-packed finishes that were hard to ignore throughout his 1v1 reps. Kopp earned a Winona State offer due to his performance and should see a nice bump in the PrepRedzoneWI rankings come update time. Representing Elmwood/Plum City, young man!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Brett-Kopp-2026--crop-2675x1757-1749519895.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1688426" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1210315' first='Brett' last='Kopp'] - 2026. </figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='700208' first='Sam' last='Johnston'] (Hartford Union) 2026. 6'3, 282 lbs. OG. - Yet another talented trench warfare specialist coming out of Hartford Union High School, Johnston was an undeniable top performer, along with one of the most popular recruits in attendance regardless of position. Johnston, with his cowboy collar, enormous lower body on his eye-catching 6'3, 280+ pound frame, and heavy hands, was a physically dominant presence during the board drill, pass pro sets, and combo blocks alike. He used his raw and overpowering strength, impressive balance, especially after contact, and physicality to halt rushers in their tracks and suffocate power rushes from large and talented DL competition. Johnston was one of the most physical blockers in pass protection particularly, and had the frame and measureables to fit in to a college OL room earlier than most. Due to Hartford Union's tight positional splits required from their offensive scheme, Johnston is still raw in his pass set and pass pro technique, but he can clean that up quick and the upside and physical gifts are as rare as they are apparent. It's already been a stock-rising summer camp grind for Johnston, more on him later!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Sam-Johnston-Hartford-Union-2026-OL-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688427" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='700208' first='Sam' last='Johnston'] - Hartford Union 2026 OL</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1220667' first='Cael' last='Gago'] (Rice Lake) 2026. 6'3, 309 lbs. OG. - Gago forced us to pay attention to him during 1v1s, coming alive and really bringing some energy and physicality into both the board drill and pass pro 1v1s. Displaying impressive and noticeable leverage and consistent pad level throughout the day, Gago put put more than a few opponents flat on their butts thanks to the lead in his hands and angry initial punch, and his massive frame, combined with strength and hand usage, made him a dominant presence during the board drill. In his pass set, the 6'3 mauler was laterally agile, showed a balanced and effective anchor that could absorb and stonewall power rushes, and was able to easily reroute DL and redistribute power once he got hands on. No wonder Air Force, Minnesota-Duluth, Upper Iowa, Augustana, Concordia-St. Paul, UW-Oshkosh, Sioux Falls, and MSU-Mankato have already offered the junior.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Cael-Gago-Rice-Lake-2026-OG-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688430" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1220667' first='Cael' last='Gago'] - Rice Lake 2026 OG</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1601657' first='Carson' last='Parker'] (Chippewa Falls, WI) 2026. OL. 6'4, 307 lbs. - Not only was Chi-Hi's [player_tooltip player_id='1601657' first='Carson' last='Parker'] one of the obvious lookers and eye-catchers of the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp, he was also one of the verified largest, most athletic, and most popular, coming into the padded competition with offers from Jamestown, Winona State, Sioux Falls, Concordia-St. Paul, Bemidji State, MSU-Mankato, and Upper Iowa. A brute of an OL who also stars on the wrestling amt and track, Parker tested off the charts for his size while displaying the ability to easily reach DEs in space and in drills, and I loved his initial pop and play strength, especially in the run blocking game. Parker also displayed a balanced anchor in pass pro, and although he took some licks in pass pro 1v1s, he also flashed dominant athleticism and finishing ability throughout the three sessions of competition. Parker is on the hunt - and rightly so - for FCS scholarship $ this summer.   Ben Perek (St. Rita, IL) 2026. 6'3, 285 lbs. OG. - Throughout the 2025 UWEC Big Man Mega Camp my eyes kept finding Chicago product Ben Perek. Representing Chicago Catholic League powerhouse St. Rita, Perek brings great size for the interior to the table and knows how to use it, thundering off the ball with intensity and good pad level to get the upper hand on the majority of his reps off the snap. Perek was a tough kid who thrived in the physical aspects of the padded 1v1 sessions and didn't mind a high number of reps, and his experience against top-tier competition - both in practice and in the CCL schedule - showed up, particularly in pass pro. Perek had an excellent pass set with consistent and effective technique, and I loved his patience when waiting to both strike and set his base. UW-Eau Claire smartly became Perek's first offer after the camp concluded!   Defensive Line:   [player_tooltip player_id='1804564' first='Caden' last='Sieker'] (Rhinelander, WI) 2026. EDGE. 6'2, 241 lbs. - A sneaky 6'2, 240 lber. with a thick, powerful build and a flexible, bendy lower body that gave OTs fits in 1v1s, Sieker was easily one of the best DL in attendance, blowing the roof off of the testing and 1v1 portions of the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp while showing off an explosive skillset that would be a massive asset for a scholarship program's DL room. Sieker was consistently roasting the best OL in attendance during board drills and 1v1 pass pro rep and earned a TON of wins throughout the evening in the Big Dog group of the UWEC-led event. One of the top testers of the whole Big Man Camp who popped off a 9'4 broad and two 4.5 shuttles, Sieker possessed lead in his hands and a huge pop at initial contact, as well as effective hand placement, unmatched twitch that showed up well in his pass set, and a brutal bull rush that hammered OL at first contact. Sieker also played mean, was looking to enforce his will and embarrass the competition, and had a couple dominant bull rush pancakes for good measure. UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire have offered up roster spots so far.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Caden-Sieker-Rhinelander-2026-EDGE-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688432" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1804564' first='Caden' last='Sieker'] - Rhinelander 2026 EDGE</figcaption></figure>   Cayden Janczewski (Warren Township, IL) 2026. 6'4, 232 lbs. DE. - Representing Illinois Big School Class 8A talent-factory Warren Township, Janczewski, with a 6'8 wingspan, possessed a great get-off and first step and was one of the bendiest DEs in attendance. He really came on strong during pass pro 1v1s, getting better & better as the day went on, as he was nimble, agile, incredibly long, and had a versatile bag of pass rush moves he could use effectively. Won with arm overs, bend at the top of the arc, active hands, and we even saw him put a Minnesota Big Schooler flat on his butt with a mean bull rush and strong pop. With his length and lean frame, Janczewski could blow up into a monster at the next level. DII powerhouse Washburn University, as well as UW-Eau Claire and Grand View University, have offered the stock-rising DE so far.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Cayden-Janczewski-Warren-Township-DE-2026-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688433" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cayden Janczewski - Warren Township DE 2026</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1891412' first='Elijah' last='Dieger'] (Foley, MN) 2027. 6'3.5", 346 lbs. DT. - An exciting new name to add to the 2027 PrepRedzoneMN Big Board, Foley High School had a strong showing at the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp, and Dieger was leading the pack, measuring in as one of the largest prospects in attendance while looking like a freight train in the middle of the defensive line. Dieger introduced himself to PRzMN by putting a massive 5A MN 2027 OL counterpart flat on his butt during board drill work, showing off massive mitts and overpowering strength to go with it. Running with the underclassmen group, Dieger was one of the most dominant DL of the entire group, showing off good endurance for his size after taking rep after rep padded up in 1v1 settings. He was also the most effective DL I saw all day against combo blocks, attacking and dominating his 1-man while mauling at the point of attack. With great size, Dieger had a big of lateral quickness to go along with his brute power, and he tested solid for his size and age and knew how to use his hands in pass pro reps as well. There's a reason that college program from around the country come to the Midwest to find big, interior bodies, and Dieger has the size as a projected DT to really move the needle on the recruiting trail. Stay tuned, PRzMN readers!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Elijah-Dieger-Foley-2027-DT-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688443" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1891412' first='Elijah' last='Dieger'] - Foley 2027 DT</figcaption></figure>   Houston Luce (Ankeny Centennial, IA) 2026. 5'11, 241 lbs. DE/EDGE. - Representing the Hawkeye State, Luce showed up and showed out at the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp. Luce put together an under-the-radar top performance, coming alive during 1v1s and asserting himself early and often as one of the most powerful prospects in attendance. With a natural leverage advantage, Luce played like one of the strongest pound-for-pound DL in Eau Claire, dominating opponents when he locked his arms out and getting up and under OL effectively and consistently, making him nearly unbeatable during the board drill 1v1 reps, and Luce also showed off noticeable pop at first contact, a dominant bull rush, and great overall hand usage.Southwest Minnesota State, Loras, and UW-Eau Claire have all offered early.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Houston-Luce-Ankenny-Centennial-DE-2026-.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688444" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Houston Luce - Ankenny Centennial DE 2026</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1220726' first='Landon' last='Michlig'] (West Salem, WI) 2026. 6'3.5", 230 lbs. DE/EDGE. - Another All-Eye Test Team standout who you want coming off the bus first, Michlig had a good day at the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp in his home state, showing a strong blend of power and quickness, not to mention a 6'7 wingspan, and earned many well-deserved 1v1 wins thanks to his versatility along the LOS. Effective strength at the point of attack allowed him to move mass and execute power moves to perfection, and he displayed good pop and the ability to unlock his hops, which, when combined with his length, was a lethal mix. Lots to like in the West Salem product, who was very traits heavy and brought a high-upside skillset to the table going into his senior seaosn. UW-Eau Claire and Sioux Falls are the rising senior's early offers.   Honorable Mentions   Offensive Line:   [player_tooltip player_id='1688608' first='Owen' last='Pederson'] (Annandale, MN) 2026. OL/DL. 6'1.25", 235 lbs. - One of the most athletic linemen of the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp, Pederson was a physical eye-catcher who I've been waiting to see live all offseason. Pederson performed well during testing, and although he took all of his reps as an offensive tackle, where I believe he's out of position, his athleticism and strength at the contact point allowed him to compete physically, and he was a tough kid who kept stepping up and asking for more. Hope to see him play DL at a camp later this summer.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/Owen-Pederson-Annandale-2026.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1688446" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1688608' first='Owen' last='Pederson'] - Annandale 2026</figcaption></figure>   Gage Gruender (Osceola, WI) 2027. 6'4, 261 lbs. OT. - Couldn't miss the 2027 OT if you tried, as Osceloa sophomore Gruender was quick laterally and knew how to use his length to his advantage, especially in pass pro. However, he got caught reaching a few times, but I liked his hand usage and his base, especially through contact. Still some development left but the tools are already present.   Broderick Sabers (Dubuque Hempstead, IA) 2026. 6'6, 255 lbs. OT. - All-Eye Test First Team, First Off The Bus, and an undoubted eye-catcher, Hawkeye State product Sabers has a D1 frame and length but took some licks in 1v1s throughout the day of competition. However, his tools, including his balance, punch, and flexibility at his size, make him a must-know name coming out of Iowa's 2026 OL class. Flashed some solid wins throughout the day of 1v1s.   Brayden Boesch (Centennial, MN) 2027. 6'1, 230 lbs. OL. - Built like a refrigerator of a sophomore, Boesch was repping the Minnesota Big School ranks well, displaying one of the meanest, toughest, and most physical skillsets and compositions at the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp. It was my first time seeing the Centennial Cougars rising junior in person, and I walked away impressed, and he was bullying DL during the combo block portion of the Mega Camp who created some huge collisions throughout the session. He'd be on the "First Team Hardest Hitters" list if I made one from the Big Man event in Eau Claire, and I liked his fight, strength through contact, balance, pop, and active hands. I know this dude was hurting after the event ended, in a good way.   [player_tooltip player_id='1627977' first='Chris' last='Ferrario'] (DC Everest, WI) 2028. 5'11, 249 lbs. OL. - The son of a former Badger and Packer, Ferrario is the second of only two freshman to make this vaunted All-Camp Team from the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp, and let me tell you, this kid's future is bright. Not only does he have the genes, Ferrario is a solid athlete with plentiful varsity experienced coming from the underrated Wausau area, and he was maybe the most technically sound underclassman OL I saw all day, maybe even dipping into the upperclassmen ranks. Ferrario had the most audibly and visually satisfying pop at first contact, with great leverage and a ton of brute force behind his pads, and he was dominant at the LOS and mean when working to finish. The balance, strength, technique, and toughness are a scary combination for a freshman OL. Get to know Ferrario now!   [player_tooltip player_id='1335733' first='Omarion' last='Dennis'] (Kettle Moraine, WI) 2027. 5'10, 257 lbs. OG. - A tough underclassman with good endurance, Dennis was taking a TON of 1v1 competitive reps at the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp on Thursday and kept coming back for more. Good motor, strong at the point of attack, and came out of his stance with urgency and aggression.   Defensive Line:   Brayden Brittan (Centennial, MN) 2027. 6', 210 lbs. DE/OL. - One of the first prospects to catch my attention, Centennial's rising junior DE Brittan came out of the gates hot, opening the competition with a ferocious board drill session with a high percentage of wins coming Brittan's way while he highlighted his strength at the contact point, pop, pad level, and leg drive post-contact. The 210 lber, who was well built despite being undersized compared to the older competition, also did a great job of setting the edge during reach drills, and had a great testing session, highlighted by his shuttle and broad jump numbers. Brittan was also a tough, physical presence during combo blocks drill as an OL who would willingly stick his face into contact and find work.   Matthew Bending (Burlington Central, IL) 2026. 6'4+, 231 lbs. DE. - An All-Eye Testing First Teamer, Bending was one of the longest prospects in attendance, with a lean, wiry 230+ pound frame that could hold a massive amount of additional weight while retaining his already present twitch and explosiveness, of which there is plenty. Quick first step, kept his hands active throughout a rush, and could beat OTs to either shoulder. Talk about upside! Upper Iowa, Minnesota-Duluth, UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Eau Claire have offered early!   49 WP: ? (Lake Country Lutheran) DE. - The mystery man from Lake Country Lutheran, who wasn't [player_tooltip player_id='1134858' first='Adam' last='Anderson'], took a while to get going, but once he was loose, he began to announce himself with big-time physicality. With a lean frame and some solid length and pop behind him, white practice jersey #49 dropped two HUGE pops during pass pro reps, putting his hands right on the OTs chest and bouncing them onto their butts to the gasps and awe of the crowd. Skinny, but his ability to go speed to power, overall play speed, and surprising strength at the contact point made him a sleepy favorite of the coaches and scouts in attendance.   [player_tooltip player_id='1629196' first='Trevor' last='Bodell'] (Monticello, MN) 2026. 6'1, 221 lbs. DE. - Representing the Land of 10,000 Lakes and Monticello High School, Bodell had another strong in-person evaluation led by an impressive display of athleticism during testing. With a 6'6 wing, Bodell possessed noticeable room to fill in, consistent pad level, and an explosive get-off that had OTs and OGs on their heels from the first step. The Monticello product also used the length, effective hand placement, and strength at the point of attack to earn some hard-fought wins against some of the top OL in attendance at the UWEC 2025 Big Man Mega Camp. No offers right now for the junior either.   Ryan Wabel (Huntley, IL) 2026. 6', 266 lbs. DL. - Good lil' showing by Wabel during pass-pro 1v1s, as the explosive Wabel could consistently win with his get-off, and he was effective when working lateral and inside moves that showed off his quickness. Wabel was also able to turn the corner, unlock his hips, and generally attacked OL with good angles. Technically sound and versatile were a good combination for Wabel on Thursday night.   [player_tooltip player_id='1251501' first='Alex' last='Vasquez'] (Kenosha St. Joseph, WI) 2026. 5'8, 256 lbs. DL. - Not the biggest DL in attendance, however, Vasquez had some dog in him, and more than hung with the Big Dog group holding down the middle of the 1v1 sessions of the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp. With some impressive wins over a ton of scholarship talent, Vasquez was twitchy and used his naturally low center of gravity to get OL guessing and on their heels. He's going to make a DIII or NAIA very happy one day soon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1801611' first='Caleb' last='Hein'] (Muskego, WI) 2026. 6'2, 235 lbs. DL. - I ALWAYS love Muskego prospects, especially defenders, and Hein once again followed in the steps of many Warriors before him and balled out and enforced his will in a padded setting. Hein, who possessed a 6'5 wingspan and some effective lateral agility, Hein had the best hips in attendance, and had an explosive skillset that manifested in some exciting, high-quality wins during 1v1s, especially pass pro. The 235 lber. won with twitch, his ability to effectively go speed-to-power, and big hands that could win at the contact point and once he got hands on. Hein also had one of the better bull rushes in attendance, keeping OL guessing all night long in Eau Claire. UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls are in the mix right now!   [player_tooltip player_id='1303060' first='Teigan' last='Rasmus'] (Wausau West, WI) 2026. 6'2, 208 lbs. DE. - Tall and lean, Rasmus was a matchup for bigger OTs on the edge, as his explosive get-off, one of the best in attendance in fact, put OTs off-balance from the snap, where he could capitialize with his speed, bend, and overall effort. Rasmus could also throw in a power move or two to keep blockers guessing, and his ability to cut tight off OTs backsides at the top of the arc was a fun mixup of skillsets at the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='948106' first='Sincere' last='Williams'] (Kenosha St. Joseph, WI) 2026. 5'11+, 259 lbs. DL. - Another Kenosha product who showed up and showed out in Eau Claire, Williams began to get in a grove and really show his stuff during pass pro 1v1s, where the near-260 lber. had one of the biggest collisions of the day in a massive, resounding bull rush that put a larger OT flat on his butt in emphatic fashion. Williams could unlock his hips, was strong at the contact point, and had a thick lower body that aided his skillset of power. Good wins in all sessions of 1v1s at the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='1688581' first='Nick' last='Gallagher'] (Monona Grove, WI) 2026. 6'2, 233 lbs. DL. - With a solid build and a fun combination of speed and footwork at 6'2, 230+, Monona Grove rising senior repped at DE, where he took some lumps throughout the day. However, his twitch, as well as the size and length combination (6'5 wing) made me bullish on his ability to project well to the college level.   Ryan Mcintosh (Owatonna, MN) 2026. 6', 222 lbs. DE. - Coming in hot out of Southern Minnesota and 5A powerhouse Owatonna High School, Mcintosh was a pleasant surprise in terms of bendiness, and he owned the most effective dip & rip in attendance at the UW-Eau Big Man Mega Camp to go along with a mean bull rush to boot. Go Huskies!   [player_tooltip player_id='1602680' first='Milo' last='Dungan'] (Benilde-St. Margaret's) 2026. 6'2, 247 lbs. DE. - Coming from the private school ranks of Minnesota 4A football, BSM Red Knight [player_tooltip player_id='1602680' first='Milo' last='Dungan'] was a lean, muscular 247 pounds with some great flexibility, bend, and pad level who looked and fired out of his stance like a rocket at the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp. His twitch and first step were a nuisance for OTs all night long in Eau Claire.   [player_tooltip player_id='1428854' first='Hamza' last='Jaber'] (Madison Memorial, WI) 2026. 6', 254 lbs. DL. - A bowling ball of a DT, Jaber was one of only a few DL I saw actually win against a combo block during the final competitive session of the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp, and I loved his pop and pad level at the contact point. He was a strong kid who could get up and under OL and use his hands to shock and shed effectively. Wish I got to watch him more during 1v1s but it is what it is.   [player_tooltip player_id='1733879' first='Forest' last='Hartl'] (Medford, WI) 2027. 5'11+, 284 lbs. - A thick, powerful lineman who I saw during the final session of the UWEC Big Man Mega Camp where the attendees were working on combo blocks, and Hartl showed off a thick, powerful frame, especially in his hands and lower body, and he was physical and nasty who could really dominate at the contact point when he got his leg drive pumping.   [player_tooltip player_id='627633' first='Jacob' last='Downing'] (Arrowhead, WI) 2028. 5'11, 228 lbs. DL. - Coming out of powerhouse Arrowhead High School, Downing is one of only two freshman to make my All-Camp Team, and I loved the defensive lineman's base and balance through contact, as well as his hustle session to session and rep to rep. Downing also earned a hard-fought win versus a tough combo block at the final portion of the UW-Eau Claire Big Man Mega Camp.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223467' first='Eli' last='Grand'] (Ellsworth, WI) 2027. 6'1, 311 lbs. DT. - A familiar name to the PRZ staff and scouts, Grand is a really fun prospect coming from the interior of the DL. The Ellsworth product, who is only a rising junior, has legit size and some solid twitch from the interior, making him a legit pass rushing threat DT with two full seasons of high school football left in front of him. Good flexibility, can eat and absorb combos well, is tough through contact and can win through leverage, and has heavy hands that he uses well when not getting tied up through a rep. Lots to like in the Western Wisconsin name to know, who you will be hearing more about later.   All-Eye Test Team   Offensive Line   First Team:   Broderick Sabers (Dubuque Hempstead, IA) 2026. 6'5.5", 255 lbs.   Barrett Hester (Kettle Moraine, WI) 2026. 6'3, 257 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='700208' first='Sam' last='Johnston'] (Hartford Union, WI) 2026. 6'3, 283 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1210315' first='Brett' last='Kopp'] (Plum City/Elmwood, WI) 2026. 6'3, 309 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1601657' first='Carson' last='Parker'] (Chippewa Falls, WI) 2026. 6'4, 307 lbs.   Brock Sternitzky (Rhinelander, WI) 2028. 6'2.25", 293 lbs.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1688608' first='Owen' last='Pederson'] (Annandale, MN) 2026. 6'1.5", 236 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1686407' first='Julius' last='Mayberry'] (Northwestern, WI) 2026. 6', 288 lbs.   Paul Wyman (Harlem, IL) 2027. 6'2.25", 244 lbs.   Luke Barrett (Chanhassen, MN) 2027. 6'2.25", 291 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1593092' first='Zach' last='Longrie'] (Arrowhead, WI) 2027. 5'11.25, 244 lbs.   Defensive Line   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1256226' first='Gus' last='Knowlton'] (Cambridge-Isanti, MN) 2026. 6'2, 248 lbs.   Gage Gruender (Osceola, WI) 2027. 6'4, 261 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1240825' first='Trent' last='Kulczewski'] (Lomira, WI) 2027. 6'3, 242 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1891412' first='Elijah' last='Dieger'] (Foley, MN) 2027. 6'3.5", 346 lbs.   Cayden Janczewski (Warren Township, IL) 2026. 6'4, 232 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1220726' first='Landon' last='Michlig'] (West Salem, WI) 2026. 6'3.5", 230 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1804564' first='Caden' last='Sieker'] (Rhinelander, WI) 2026. 6'2, 241 lbs.   Matthew Bending (Burlington Central, IL) 2026. 6'4.25", 231 lbs.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1801605' first='Benjamin' last='Casto'] (Pewaukee, WI) 2026. 6'3.5", 267 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1688581' first='Nick' last='Gallagher'] (Monona Grove, WI) 2026. 6'2, 233 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1428854' first='Hamza' last='Jaber'] (Vel Phillips Memorial, WI) 2026. 6', 254 lbs.   Daniel Johnson (Delano, MN) 2026. 6'1, 273 lbs.   Josef Stephan (Milton, WI) 2026. 5'11.25", 306 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1570838' first='Brody' last='Tittl'] (Brookfield East, WI) 2027. 6'3, 346 lbs.   Brayden Boesch (Centennial, MN) 2027. 6'1, 230 lbs.   Brayden Brittan (Centennial, MN) 2027. 6'1, 208 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223467' first='Eli' last='Grand'] (Ellsworth, WI) 2027. 6'1, 311 lbs.   --

I'd be willing to bet that PrepRedzone, at least your home-based Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Dakotas crew, goes to more camps and in-person events than anyone in the Midwest. With the vast amount of event and experience possessed in these eyes, legs, and hands, we know a good camp from a "bad" one, and the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds run a GREAT camp that every Midwest OL/DL should consider attending. Not only does UW-Eau Claire have a state-of-the-art athletics facility that is more fitting of a D1 than D3 program (welcome to the WIAC), the camp is padded, efficient, organized, and specifically tailored for a Big Man Camp, meaning the testing, drills, and competition were perfect for evaluating linemen on both sides of the ball in a camp setting. Plus, the coaching is top-notch (welcome to the WIAC) and there were anywhere between a dozen and 15 additional college programs in attendance to scout some of Wisconsins, Minnesotas, and Illinois' top linemen. Check out the Top Performers, including some must-know honorable mentions, and the always fun All-Eye Test Team, only on PrepRedzone. Thanks for having us, UWEC!