5 Underrated Senior Offensive Linemen to Watch in 2026

The Tennessee Class of 2027 is one of the most talent-rich recruiting classes in recent memory, featuring quality prospects at every position, including several who are flying well under the radar. In this new series breaking down Tennessee's top 2027 recruits, I'll spotlight the most overlooked athletes at each position as we enter the most critical stretch of the recruiting calendar.   Next, here are five rising senior offensive linemen in the Tennessee Class of 2027 who have flashed big potential throughout their careers. Whether it's inconsistency, a limited body of film or questions about size, each blocker on this list is not receiving the respect they deserve heading into their senior seasons.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-21-2026-4-56-53-PM-crop-401x263-1769036271.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2110570" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland OL [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] (#57).</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] – Oakland High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] transferred to Oakland High School this past season and was a standout blocker for the 6A state champs. He took that next step in the weight room and on the field, looking like a completely different player with the Patriots. After one final offseason to develop, he looks to raise his collegiate football stock and capture back-to-back state titles.   The 2027 prospect offers nice size for his position, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 280 pounds with an impressive 80-inch wingspan and a relatively lean frame. Cates is a solid pass-pro guy with nice technique and a quick first step off the snap. However, he's an exceptional run blocker who overpowers defensive linemen and creates holes that a school bus could drive through.   He goes somewhat under the radar because he plays in an Oakland offense littered with future Division I talent, but Cates is one of my top offensive linemen, regardless of class. I expect him to progress well and have another standout season in 2026.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/wdelong2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2206650" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA Knox OL [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] after a scrimmage. </figcaption></figure>   IOL [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   [player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] out of Grace Christian Academy in Knoxville is one of the best offensive linemen in Tennessee, regardless of classification. He's a two-time First Team All-State selection, while being highly versatile for the Rams. After losing 70 pounds, he is in terrific shape and should have the best season of his high school career.   He offers good size for his position, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 285 pounds in a much leaner frame that will allow him to have better mobility. DeLong has relatively long arms and a lot of muscle, exciting me for this upcoming season. He was already dominant as a heavy-set player, but now that he's lost that much weight, the rising senior will be in a great spot.   DeLong plays right guard, but can do anything that his team asks him, including getting out in space as a lead blocker. The rising senior is a good pass blocker, but is terrific in the run game. He has a sound technique, impressive awareness and an extremely high motor, making him a premier player on the offensive line.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/jbaker3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1891899" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth OL [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] – Ensworth School   [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] has been on my radar for a minute, but seeing him in person at Ensworth's practice a few weeks ago completely changed my perception of the talented offensive tackle. He's taken that next step from last season and looks more polished in a variety of areas. The 2027 prospect still has the summer to get better, making me excited to see the finished product when the Tigers take the field in Week 1 this upcoming season.   He possesses good size for his position, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds with a lean, athletic frame that allows him to maintain his mobility at right tackle. While the rising senior is more of a finesse lineman, Baker is a highly physical player with strong hands, a nice anchor and the ability to overpower opposing players. He improved on his technique this offseason, which is now some of the best in his class.   Even as an offensive tackle, Baker is a fluid player with excellent pass sets and the ability to do it all for Hasselbeck's team. He picked up his first Power Four offer from Oklahoma State a month ago, but should receive more once teams see him throughout the summer and into the upcoming season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/87-Carmello-Peoples-rotated-e1736531979487-crop-1943x1276-1779987067.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2217839" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Tyner Academy OL [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] – Tyner Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] is one of the more intriguing offensive tackle prospects in his class, coming off a standout 2025 season where he was a consensus Class 3A All-State selection. He holds two DI offers from Western Kentucky and Georgia State, but the rising senior has nice upside at the next level and should see his recruitment pick up throughout the summer.   He offers good size for his position, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 300 pounds in a large frame with long arms and plenty of power. Peoples is an all-around player with a quick first step, high football IQ and strong hands that keep defenders out of his backfield. I like what he can do in pass protection with his big hands and stout anchor that make him very difficult to move.   The 2027 prospect must polish up his game in a few areas and become more limber, but he is a talented player with high upside due to his natural size and strength. Those are two things you can't teach, which is why he should be getting more looks.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-05-2026-7-51-24-PM-crop-1320x867-1778028906.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2203163" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Fairley OL [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   OT [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis'] – Fairley High School   [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis'] is coming off a standout season at Fairley High School, where he earned Prep Redzone First Team All-State honors. He's a productive player with good size, solid traits and other qualities that translate to collegiate success. Coming off one final offseason, Davis should produce at a high level once more, raising his college stock.   He offers good size for his position, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 300 pounds in a large frame that allows him to dominate opposing linemen. Davis has impressive strength, strong hands and a quick first step. Those tools help him excel in the run game, as he consistently drives players into the second level.   The rising senior is solid in pass protection, though he could certainly improve there. I'd like to see him polish his technique and become more agile. If he does that and cleans up a few other areas of his game, Davis can be one of the best offensive linemen in Tennessee next season.

The Tennessee Class of 2027 is one of the most talent-rich recruiting classes in recent memory, featuring quality prospects at every position, including several who are flying well under the radar. In this new series breaking down Tennessee's top 2027 recruits, I'll spotlight the most overlooked athletes at each position as we enter the most critical stretch of the recruiting calendar.