7 trench prospects to watch now in Louisiana's loaded 2029 class

Louisiana, known as a consistent hotbed for some of the country's top football talent per capita, is amid a particularly nice run of recruiting classes at the moment.   The Boot is producing both notable depth and elite, top-end national prospects in one cycle after another. And, interestingly, several classes have had and continue to have strong cases among the state's best ever at producing certain positions.   The Manning-led 2023 class was heavily discussed as the best cohort of quarterback talent to come out of the state's high school ranks, but now a 2027 class with its two SEC commits, three total Power-Four commits and eight Division-I commits and counting has a case for topping the list.   Similarly, the 2025 class was loaded at running back, but the rising 2028 class is coming together in impressive fashion at the position.   The talent in the trenches stands out early in the development of the 2029 class, a trend that — if it continues — would be reminiscent of the newly graduated 2026 cohort.   Here are seven you're most likely to hear about and see playing big roles this fall as sophomores.   [player_tooltip player_id='2243895' first='Peyton' last='Crutchfield'] — 6-2, 275 DL — Alexandria   The Trojans have the top-ranked 2027 defensive lineman in this summer's rankings updates for the class, and he'll have the help of one of the top young up-and-coming talents in the position group to help bolster the front end of what should be another stout, salty defense in Alexandria. Crutchfield earned some playing time as a freshman, was intriguing in his spring performance against another top contender in St. Augustine and will have the chance to continue proving himself in a bigger role this fall.   Edwin Dailey — 6-3, 290 DL/EDGE — Edna Karr   and [player_tooltip player_id='2243881' first='Lance' last='Felix'] — 6-6, 255 OL — Edna Karr   Edna Karr's 2029 class looks early to have the chance to be another special group overall with a depth of prospects who appear to have Division-I talent, including a couple likely blue-chippers in the trenches. The big, explosive and versatile "Hulk" on the defensive front and the long, athletic Felix holding down a tackle spot on offense give the Cougars two of the top candidates for the top spot in the state's class, and each has already positioned himself with his work this offseason to play a major role this fall as a sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='1471211' first='Blair' last='Lewis'] — 6-5, 280 OL/DL — Jeanerette   Lewis was the first prospect in the class to start seeing his recruiting process really take off with offers from programs such as USC, LSU, Tulane and Memphis. The big offensive lineman's extensive playing time and effectiveness, including an all-district selection and all-state honorable-mention recognition, for a title-contender in his classification/division level and the early surge of college attention, including the home-state SEC power, have positioned "Big Red" as the early face of the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1474357' first='Shaun' last='Phillips'] — 6-5, 285 OL/DL — Dunham   The big two-way lineman already stands out physically not just in his freshman year at Houma Christian, but in college camp settings this summer. And he has the intriguing early film to match with his long frame and all-around athleticism helping make him a difference-maker on both sides of the ball and on the basketball court. After a move to Baton Rouge early this summer, he'll join the reigning Division-III Select champion Tigers and a couple other particularly highly ranked prospects, including one of the nation's top 2027 quarterbacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2243886' first='Jack' last='Stokes'] — 6-3, 235 EDGE — Catholic   Not many freshman manage to break into the lineup for perennial power Catholic-Baton Rouge, let alone establish themselves that early as particularly high-impact players. Stokes did so on both the football and baseball fields this past year and has seen his first few offers start arriving from Vanderbilt, Florida State, UNLV and UTSA. Even playing at the Class 5A level and against a strong schedule, Stokes showed impressive flashes with his combination of get-off, power, motor and technique making him a well-rounded handful for opposing blockers to try to keep out of the backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='2233283' first='Tucker' last='Sturdivant'] — 6-5, 275 OL/TE — Sterlington   The Panthers' promising young trench standout played a notable role this past fall as just a freshman on the team's successful repeat as Division-III Non-Select state champions. Sturdivant even hauled in a 22-yard catch in the title game in Caesars Superdome. While more of his early experience has come at tight end, he's been discusses as a potential tackle at the next level. And he certainly has the frame for it and the mobility, which his current role has given him a chance to showcase in his route-running.

Louisiana, known as a consistent hotbed for some of the country's top football talent per capita, is amid a particularly nice run of recruiting classes at the moment.

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7 trench prospects to watch now in Louisiana’s loaded 2029 class

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Where Each Defensive Lineman Ranks in the 2028 Louisiana Rankings

Where Each Offensive Lineman Ranks in the 2028 Louisiana Rankings

Where Each Tight End Ranks in the 2028 Louisiana Rankings

Where Each Wide Receiver Ranks in the 2028 Louisiana Rankings

Where Each Running Back Ranks in the 2028 Louisiana Rankings