2029 Initial Watchlist Launch: Offensive Linemen to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're excited to release our introduction to Iowa's 2029 Class this week.&nbsp;<strong>The&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/">Watch List</a></strong>&nbsp;includes 200 freshmen from around the state, a group that is sure to grow. Our 2026 rankings recognize almost 900 student-athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The '29 rundown caps off our recent series of updates. The others can be found at the following links:&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/"><strong>2026</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong>2027</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/"><strong>2028</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Updating and growing previous classes always is enjoyable. That said, a first-time release begins a special journey for all involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The process is not without challenges, however. The closer we get to the ball, the harder it is to find ninth-graders of note. It's much easier for freshmen to break in at receiver than offensive or defensive tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That said, Iowa usually reveals high-end talent in the trenches early on. Its Class of 2029 is no exception. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1625159' first='Charlie' last='Azzaline'] certainly is a name to file away. You might need it soon, as he looks like a 2026 breakout candidate. He comes from good bloodlines. [player_tooltip player_id='1242261' first='Maxwell' last='Azzaline'], his older brother, is an underrated lineman in 2026 Class that also stands out on the wrestling mat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Azzaline's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26529930/Charlie-Azzaline/highlights"><strong>Hudl page</strong></a>&nbsp;houses a small selection of clips. On them is an advanced prospect from a physical standpoint, meaning he does not look like a freshman. He's quick and athletic with a frame capable of adding plenty of good weight without the loss of agility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're playing on a Class 5A varsity O-Line as a freshman, it deserves attention. If that's happening at a program like Cedar Rapids Kennedy, which is among the state's best at developing college prospects, you've loudly announced your arrival. Hello, [player_tooltip player_id='1954623' first='Grady' last='Farley'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot-3, 280-pound ninth-grader laid the foundation in 2025 for what could be a special prep career, as we can see while watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26594423/68fd3b7781541fb05ac4f9f1"><strong>highlight video</strong></a>. He already appears to be among the most physical players on the field, and he operates with a mean streak. Farley will be in the conversation for top prospect in Iowa's 2029 Class when it comes time to ranking the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2089937' first='Klay' last='Pace'] was one of the few ninth-graders listed on the Western Dubuque varsity roster this season. It showed belief in the freshman's future as he was developing during his first prep season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We can witness Pace's progress while viewing clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24868856/690bfa95870e2f0be6410643"><strong>Hudl page</strong></a>. He's already a well-rounded performer in the trenches, winning matchups in tight quarters or when getting out in space. The footwork is smooth, and the hands are active.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gilbert freshman team had a ringer on its offensive line during the 2025 campaign. [player_tooltip player_id='1720302' first='Ben' last='Smith'] played a leading role in the Tiger ninth-graders going 8-0. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith flashes the upside that could help the varsity next season during his freshman <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27243453/68c5e4b9a355a35c8c58b6bf"><strong>highlight video</strong></a>. Like others listed in this story, he's advanced from a size and strength standpoint. The speed, quickness and agility hint a a bright future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As was the case with Farley, [player_tooltip player_id='2079359' first='Lincoln' last='Walsworth'] is a good bet to ranked very highly when we start putting numbers next to names in Iowa's 2029 Class. Getting run on the Cedar Falls' varsity offensive line as a freshman was a darn good indicator that the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder is on track to be special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When viewing his <a href="https://x.com/LincolnWal2029/status/1985540448211890502?s=20"><strong>2025 highlight tape</strong></a>, you'd hard pressed to peg him as a ninth-grader. He's advanced in pass protection with all the elements needed for success in that aspect of the position. There's also power present in the run game, with good bend and pad level. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/lincoln-walsworth/"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the five guys listed above, on-line highlights are scarce for the '29 in-state O-Line class. Again, they're really young, so that makes sense. That said, even footage of guys developing on the non-varsity levels can and will be evaluated here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2119905' first='Chase' last='Carter-Maxwell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2123508' first='Adrien' last='Collins'], [player_tooltip player_id='2120573' first='Deron' last='Schroeder'], [player_tooltip player_id='2119969' first='Camden' last='Melby'], [player_tooltip player_id='2081676' first='Beck' last='Iles'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2120933' first='James' last='Eliserio'] are among the guys whose film I look forward to viewing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->