2029 Watchlist Breakdown: Inside the Trenches

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Class of 2029 continues to take shape, and it starts up front. In this watchlist breakdown, we take an early look at offensive and defensive linemen beginning to separate themselves in the trenches.</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Maez is a solid two-way lineman for Basha with a blend of size, strength, and athleticism. 6'3” 265 lbs. he shows good power to create immediate knockback and movement at the LOS on both sides of the ball. A plus athlete, flashing natural movement skills and bend when working to the second level or chasing in pursuit. Good versatility to execute a variety of blocks as an OT demonstrating he can pull, reach, chip, or line up a perimeter defender to initiate contact in space. Plays with an edge and is constantly looking to finish aggressively at the POA. Good tools and skillset to build on as he develops.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Baxter flashed the early potential to be a quality college level prospect throughout his freshman year on varsity. 6'3” 280 lbs. he already possesses well-balanced frame for an interior offensive lineman. His combination of technique, body control, and coordination allow him to establish early positional leverage and latch on to sustain the block throughout the play. Well coached, he demonstrates efficient footwork to get to the spot and hand placement/usage to control opponents at the POA. Good athleticism and lateral agility matching movement in pass protection to keep a clean pocket from the inside. Strong anchor at the contact point to not give ground. If he continues on the same trajectory, he has the upside to be a D1 guy and one of the top lineman in the 2029 class.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Gbaxter64/status/2042462418983665900 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Smith possesses an excellent athletic profile and a lot of key traits for a D1 prospect as a freshman. 6'3” 205 lbs. he's a disruptive edge defender as both a pass rusher and run stopper. Makes a ton of plays at or behind the LOS with good initial quickness to beat tackles on the snap and redirect to the ball. Like his ability to convert speed into power and control the rep allowing him to disengage from blockers. Sets a firm edge by maintaining proper leverage and being able to collapse inside or work laterally to play down the LOS. Aggressive body tackler that is violent at the POA and finishes through contact. Was a key contributor as a freshman racking up 43 total tackles (20 solo), 10 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. Look for him to see early recruiting attention.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Scatter123309/status/1987954225494847987 </div></figure>     <p>Great frame and length to be an impact player on both sides of the line at 6'4” 235 lbs. with growth potential. Good weight distribution in his frame that is packed with power and an understanding of how to win with leverage. That natural strength allows him to maintain separation from blockers and then shed to free himself up for a tackle. High motor that plays hard and finishes through the whistle. Skillset could easily transfer to both sides of the line as a future college prospect. Gained some valuable varsity experience as a freshman for one of the state's top programs. Dual-sport athlete that is also a varsity wrestler and a high academic guy. One to watch as he progresses with great upside.</p>