2028 Rankings Newcomers: Inside the Trenches

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new wave of prospects has entered the 2028 Prep Redzone state player rankings. Here we spotlight the rising offensive and defensive linemen that are impacting both sides of the line of scrimmage. From high upside to consistent production these prospects have put themselves on the radar entering their junior year. </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips is a high ceiling OL prospect with all the tools that will land him on D1 recruiting boards. 6'6'” 275 lbs. as a sophomore he performed well primarily at OG but has the size, length, and mobility to play OT at the college level. Demonstrates that he can execute a variety of blocks effectively with good fundamentals and footwork as a puller or when trapping. He's light on his feet out of his stance and working to the spot. Generates natural power at the contact point with good leverage and pad level for a big guy. Shows he can get underneath and drive his feet through to generate movement. Enters the rankings at #27 overall and is one of the top 2028 OL prospects in the state.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Adegoke projects as a D1 OT but flashed his athleticism throughout his sophomore year also playing DL and being a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball, and volleyball. 6'6” 270 lbs. he's got an ideal physical profile combining his length, movement skills, and growth potential. He's an aggressive blocker that plays with an edge and uses his length to his advantage to control opponents early in the rep. Shows active and efficient hand usage/placement to latch on and sustain his block throughout the play, he's quick to reset and has a powerful initial strike. Violent at the POA, he accelerates through contact and looks to finish his blocks consistently. Excellent initial quickness out of his stance, he gets into his pass set early and moves his feet well to match defenders laterally. Ranked #28 overall and expect his recruitment to skyrocket as the cycle progresses.</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/EnochA72/status/2020018676192407991 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Trotter is a big bodied center that clears lanes in the interior run game. 5'11” 280 lbs. he's got a compact frame with the ability to dominate and overpower opponents with his size and strength. Low center of gravity gives him natural leverage at the POA. Plays with physicality and toughness, anchoring well against interior defenders in pass protection, while creating aggressive push in the run game. Demonstrates quick hands to go from snap to initial engagement. Shows solid command and awareness at the LOS to make line calls and adjust protections based on defensive fronts. Was impressive throughout his sophomore year as a varsity starter.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A lot to like about Maggard's upside and potential. Played primarily on the interior DL as a sophomore but projects as a D1 caliber OT with his combination of rare length and athleticism. His frame is lean and well balanced with prime growth potential that college coaches look for. Shows good body control, coordination, and short area quickness at his size that will allow him to get out in front to the perimeter and work to the second level. Generates natural power at the POA to create immediate vertical push with good pad level and leg drive through contact. Understands how to use his length to his advantage and control opponents throughout the play to win the rep. Size and mobility are undeniable which will boost his recruitment early, expect to see his initial college offer come through this off season. Debuts in the rankings at #36 overall but expect to see him climb as he develops.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'0” 260 lbs. Garcia is an outstanding interior DL prospect with explosive twitch and advanced hand usage that makes him a constant inside threat against both the run and pass. He fires off the ball with quickness to establish positional leverage and beat blockers to the spot early. Violent and active hands, he's able to maintain separation and keep opponents hands off his body. He's a constant disruptor with his ability to shed blocks and penetrate gaps. Demonstrates impressive lateral agility and closing speed, tracking plays down the line and finishing violently. Flashes many key traits that colleges look for and will be a D1 prospect if he continues on the same trajectory. Ranked inside the top 50 overall but is another potential riser going forward.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">White debuts in the 2028 state player rankings at #59 overall after a strong sophomore season totaling 73 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 2 touchdowns. 5'10” 230 lbs. he's got a strong compact frame with plus athleticism and natural bend. Good explosion coming out of his stance that allows him to gain quick penetration or aggressive strike blockers to create knock back. Sets a firm edge by maintaining outside leverage and forcing ball carriers back inside, also shows he can work flat down the LOS to play the perimeter. Like his ability to convert speed into power off the edge to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Tough to block, he's got a variety of moves to free himself up and quickly disengage. High level competitor that is constantly attacking and looking to make an impact on the defensive side.</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/lukewhite_1456/status/2043528760646054278 </div></figure>