Texas Rising Junior Trench Dawgs Ready For the Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Texas high school football is built in the trenches, and as the 2027 class starts to see their recruiting ramp, a group of junior offensive and defensive linemen across the state are separating themselves with production, physicality, and translatable traits. These are not projection-only prospects, they're impact players who already affect game flow and demand attention from opposing game plans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After making real noise as juniors, the following trench standouts are poised to take center stage this offseason and into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1250091"],"_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-697ecbb7c7b17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lopez is a long-framed defensive lineman whose game is driven by effort and disruption. He plays through the whistle and consistently finds himself around the football. His length allows him to extend, disengage, and close quickly, while his motor keeps pressure on offenses deep into drives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically, Lopez backed it up with 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss, showing he can finish plays both behind the line of scrimmage and in pursuit. He's the type of defender offensive lines hate to deal with late in games, still running, still chasing, still disruptive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Ascending edge/interior hybrid with a frame that can continue to add mass. One to monitor closely as recruiting attention ramps up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ChandlerLopez34/status/1988479772591100304?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ChandlerLopez34/status/1988479772591100304?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2116027"],"_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-697ecbb7c7b7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few junior linemen in Texas improved their stock faster than Carroll. He's explosive off the ball, plays with urgency, and understands how to use his length to his advantage. Whether setting the edge or collapsing the pocket, Carroll brings consistent pressure and finishes with intent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His junior season numbers: 50 tackles, 7 sacks, and 15 TFLs, reflect his impact, but the film shows even more: hand usage in tight quarters, balance through contact, and the ability to affect quarterbacks without always recording a sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recruiting has followed quickly, with Colorado State, California, and TCU offering in January alone, a clear indicator of his upward trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: One of the fastest-rising defensive linemen in the state. Power Four-caliber traits with momentum firmly on his side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Drake_Carroll27/status/1988023306365063421?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Drake_Carroll27/status/1988023306365063421?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111473"],"_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-697ecbb7c7bca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson brings violence and urgency to the interior defensive line. He fires off the ball with quickness, delivers a stiff punch at engagement, and plays with active, heavy hands that consistently disrupt blocking schemes. He pushes the pocket with power and doesn't stop working until the play is finished.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His high motor and physical demeanor stand out, Johnson seeks contact and thrives in the trenches. January offers from North Texas and UNLV confirm what the tape already shows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Interior disruptor with Power Four upside. Expect his offer list to grow rapidly through spring and summer evaluations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Mason_Johnson55/status/2001665103041806558?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Mason_Johnson55/status/2001665103041806558?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1774764"],"_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-697ecbb7c7c10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rogers is a leverage-driven defensive lineman who wins with pad level and technique. He explodes at the snap, stays low, and uses his hands effectively in close quarters. His game is scrappy, violent, and physical, exactly what coaches want from a defensive interior presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently earning an offer from Mississippi State, Rogers has started to gain recognition on a broader recruiting stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: High-effort, high-leverage defender whose physicality translates cleanly to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1825895"],"_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-697ecbb7c7c56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith Bowen is an athletic defensive lineman with quickness and functional strength. He holds his ground at the point of attack, flashes a stiff punch, and shows the ability to contribute as both a run defender and pass rusher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offers from Stephen F. Austin and Delaware State highlight his early recruiting traction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Reliable trench defender with developmental upside and positional flexibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ragingsophmore/status/1984786398864347318?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ragingsophmore/status/1984786398864347318?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1781951"],"_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-697ecbb7c7c9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beason is a true interior anchor, your classic 3–4 nose guard with power and control. He consistently takes on double teams, maintains leverage, and controls the line of scrimmage with a powerful lower half. What separates him is his lateral movement and surprisingly nimble feet for a 300-plus-pound lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offers from UTEP and Sacramento State validate his effectiveness in the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Scheme-ready nose who can immediately anchor a defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Camden2027/status/1993777068123754581?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Camden2027/status/1993777068123754581?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1781955"],"_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-697ecbb7c7ce0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Talib is a tone-setter. He plays with excellent leverage, a thick and powerful lower half, and relentless leg drive. His feet are clean, his angles are sound, and he consistently climbs to the second level with purpose. Talib finishes blocks and plays through the whistle, embodying what you want from an interior leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a key contributor on an Allen team that went 14–1, battling elite 6A competition every week, and earned First Team All-District 6-6A honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offers include Texas State, UTSA, Texas Tech, and Sacramento State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: High-IQ interior lineman with toughness, consistency, and leadership traits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JayinTalib/status/2009051108589883505?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JayinTalib/status/2009051108589883505?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1752766"],"_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-697ecbb7c7d26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carlile stands out athletically. He moves extremely well, pulls with ease, and can locate linebackers in space at the second level. His hands are violent, and he finishes blocks with authority. Positional versatility allows him to play guard or tackle, increasing his value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: College-ready movement skills. Colleges need to turn on the tape, offers should be coming quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AaronJoeCarlile/status/1997797810251706431?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AaronJoeCarlile/status/1997797810251706431?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1674008"],"_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-697ecbb7c7d6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lizama brings imposing size with functional mobility. He plays strong at the point of attack, uses his extended reach to control defenders, and competes with a noticeable nasty streak. His footwork and balance continue to improve, making him a legitimate offseason breakout candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Prototype frame with high ceiling. A major name to watch heading into spring camps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/FernandoLiz0914/status/1990735050233565507?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/FernandoLiz0914/status/1990735050233565507?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2090954"],"_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-697ecd23059df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Butler offers position flexibility at center or guard and plays with control and discipline. He delivers a stiff punch, moves laterally with confidence, and understands leverage and spacing in the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Outlook: Technically sound interior lineman with steady upward development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BeckettButler08/status/2000737248556249504?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BeckettButler08/status/2000737248556249504?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->