The Rize: Scouting Notebook on Offensive Line, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, June 27, 2026 Prep Redzone Next was back-in-action in Jackson, New Jersey, as they hosted "The Rize." A double-session prospect showcase, this event drew middle school prospects from all across the country to see how they stacked up against their national counterparts. Each prospect was personally hand-selected by middle school guru&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AlPopsFootball">Al Pops</a>&nbsp;to compete and attend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As per usual, I attended and report to you my positional notes for the position group referenced in the title of this article. My evaluations are through the lens of a high school coach and talent evaluator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for the latest New Jersey high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1295318"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a466c437b004"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming up from the Bluegrass State, Kellan Newton was one of the largest individuals to attend The Rize - perhaps it has something to do with that fertile Kentucky soil. Something I noticed about Newton's game, that was honestly more advanced for his age, was how well he reset and worked his hands. Newton appears to understand that actively refitting his hands to superior, inside leverage is a key element to winning - which is something I do not typically see 8th graders do.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1891685"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a466c437b0a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A more stout prospect was [player_tooltip player_id='1891685' first='Benjamin' last='Larkin']. Out of local Wall, Larkin must understand who he is and how he ought to play. I caught a glimpse of Larkin during the competition phase where his opponent went to the swim move. To play it, I noticed him reach out, and thus lunge. Seeing how he is built, I would much rather prefer that Larkin actively attack the ribs/obliques of his opponent when they try to swim. Burying his face into that area of his opponent's body will have defensive linemen thinking twice about resorting to that move once more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2166572"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a466c437b103"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am not sure what they are feeding the Kentucky youth, but boy oh boy are these some massive children - perhaps none more massive than Jacob Carter. Much to my surprise, Carter moved extremely well for a prospect of his size and age. He was able to kick step while keeping his post foot close to the ground for stability. Although he lost off the edge to a <em>much </em>smaller prospect who, frankly, seemed to be trying to run around him, Carter was a brick wall with agile feet. Additionally, Carter played to the whistle and finished, showcasing a bit of a nasty streak to him. I would not be surprised if he is ranked a top #10 offensive lineman <em>nationally</em> in the class of 2030 when it is all said and done. Carter is an elite prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1841884"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a466c437b15c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This might be a case of the rich getting richer, as Shabazz is getting a good one in [player_tooltip player_id='1841884' first='Malcolm' last='George']. Despite being listed as an defensive lineman, George came out to participate along the offensive side of the ball. I witnessed him work strong, rapid punches to defensive linemen that always seemed to recoil and reload. In my opinion, George probably competes for an interior offensive line spot this fall and, with further development, can bounce out to play tackle. I say this because I see the potential to get coached up. On one rep on the edge he looked unsure exactly how to set to a speed rusher, without giving up the inside lane. I would coach George up to set to the speed, maintaining knee-to-crotch relationship, and should his assignment go inside, either power down or pummel his opponent down the line. I suspect George has the potential to do this.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rize Event Coverage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-defensive-line-part-1">Defensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-offensive-line-part-1">Offensive Line, Part 1</a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/the-rize-scouting-notebook-on-quarterbacks-part-1">Quarterbacks, Part 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->