Rising in the Trenches: 2026 Linemen to Know

Eric Bergman August 4, 2025 @ 09:27 PM

Evan Paris from Ottawa Township High School is a 6'4, 300-pound offensive lineman who made his presence felt this summer. He's picked up multiple Division II and NAIA offers and continues to gain attention from college coaches. Paris plays with solid pad level, moves well for his size, and has the frame to anchor the line at the next level. His stock is trending upward heading into the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1590152' first='Alex' last='Henry'] is a 6'2, 240-pound defensive end from Marion who brings high energy and pass-rushing ability off the edge. He consistently causes problems for opposing offenses with his quick first step and relentless motor. Henry does a great job bending and winning with speed, making him a tough matchup for tackles. He's quickly building a reputation as one of the top defensive linemen in Southern Illinois.   Malachi Richardson from Guilford is a massive offensive tackle standing 6'8 and weighing 360 pounds. Despite his size, he moves well in space and shows good footwork thanks to his basketball background. Richardson uses his length to keep defenders at bay and has a powerful punch at the point of attack. He's a high-upside prospect with tools that translate well to the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='537215' first='Brennan' last='Lackey'] is a 6'4, 310-pound offensive lineman from Yorkville who is gaining real traction on the recruiting trail. He holds multiple Division II offers and continues to draw interest from FCS programs. Lackey brings a physical edge to the tackle position and consistently wins battles in the trenches. He's a big part of Yorkville's offensive success and has become a name to watch in the 2026 class.   Aiden Hennings from Lincoln-Way Central is a 6'4, 240-pound defensive end with an offer from Drake and rising recruiting buzz. He's an explosive athlete who also shines on the wrestling mat, and that background shows in his ability to play with leverage and balance. Hennings uses quick feet and strong hands to shed blockers and disrupt plays. He's a physical, aggressive defender with a high ceiling.

Evan Paris from Ottawa Township High School is a 6'4, 300-pound offensive lineman who made his presence felt this summer. He's picked up multiple Division II and NAIA offers and continues to gain attention from college coaches. Paris plays with solid pad level, moves well for his size, and has the frame to anchor the line at the next level. His stock is trending upward heading into the fall.