Versatile Linemen Ready For Breakout Seasons This Fall

With the NFL Hall of Fame game airing last night as the first football action of the 2026 season it brings with it the reminder that the high school pre-season is just days away from becoming a reality.   All the last-second adjustments are being made as well as focusing on distraction and noise control and getting the mind right for the brutal gauntlet ahead.   Fortunately for the ballers I follow, the heavy lifting has already been done as these guys are grinders who have used the off-season to prepare for war.   Now it's time to deliver.   In this report, we are taking a quick look at five versatile linemen from each of the returning classes who can play on both sides of the ball and have been hitting it hard since early in the year.     So, without further adieu, let's check out what these guys have been doing:     [player_tooltip player_id='2239127' first='Nehemiah' last='Moore'], 5'11, 315, OL/DL, Lawrence Free State, '29, up first is a two-way interior lineman coming off a productive freshman season getting acclimated to the varsity game. On offense he can play either guard, is a crushing blocker in the run game and can seal off the pocket in pass pro. On defense he impressed as a noseguard as well as flexing out to play the 3-technique. At either position he uses his powerful lower-body strength and surprisingly quick feet for his size to control the line of scrimmage and routinely clog running lanes between the tackles. With a low center of gravity and heavy hands he can consistently anchor the middle as well as cause disruption in the backfield. He has had a strong off-season in the weight room and has been working with Chris Huggins a former KU d-lineman and also hit camps at Pitt State and KU. This guy may be flying under the radar somewhat but will change that in a hurry this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1742790' first='Grant' last='Watkins']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/grant-watkins/"></a> , 6'3, 225, OL/TE/DE, Manhattan, '28, up first for the juniors is another two-way trench warrior coming off a good sophomore season helping the Indians win the 6A State Championship. Last year he started at right tackle and defensive end and will get a chance to utilize his size, length and speed to play tight end as well this fall. He will also continue to be a disruptive baller on defense as an edge rusher shutting down the perimeter. This off-season he has been working with Sharp Performance on speedwork and conditioning and has started seeing 40 times in the 4.6 range. He has had a busy off-season working on all aspects of his game, on the field and off, optimizing his diet and focusing on improved hydration. His holistic preparation has also included getting ready to handle the expected August heat wave, as well as putting an emphasis on providing team leadership. This guy is ready for a big-time season.     Brock Randolf, OL/DL, 6'0, 250, Garden Plain, '28, the final junior in this report is a guy who caught my eye last year when I was checking out one of his teammates and was pleased to see he had followed up with an excellent off-season. After making all-conference on both sides of the ball as well as HM All-State he went right into basketball and wrapped up track in the spring. He was also busy powerlifting, making the 1,000 pound club with perfect weight training attendance this off-season. Once summer hit he ramped up his training with Coach Tabor and PIA and hit numerous camps, including Ft Hays and Central Missouri among others. On offense he can play either guard or center and uses a quick first step and good pad level getting leverage and grinding defenders into the turf. On defense he uses his powerful frame and agility along the line of scrimmage to shut down the run game between the tackles. This guy has made all the right off-season deposits and is getting to reap the dividends this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='2254803' first='Ben' last='Collins'], 6'3, 215, TE/DE, Emporia, '27, up first for the seniors is a playmaker who has flown under the radar somewhat but after a busy off-season working on his high-ceiling game he is ready to deliver this fall. On offense he is a hybrid tight end who can line up tight, flexed out in the slot or even as a wideout. With good size, speed and length he has an impressive catch radius that he utilizes to climb the ladder and make the contested catch. On defense he is a versatile defensive end who can bull rush right over the top of blockers or use his athleticism and quickness to bend and burn off the edge to disrupt backfield play. It has been a busy summer of team camps, 7v7 work, and numerous camp-combines, including at KU and K-State. His work in the weight room and on the field is paying off as he is bigger and faster, recently clocking a 1.00 10 yard fly and 4.7 40. It is all coming together for this guy to have breakout season this fall.     Owen Ebenstein, 6'1, 260, OL, Louisburg, '27, last and certainly not least is another player who hasn't received the attention he deserves but is getting ready to deliver a big senior season. Last fall he lined up at left guard and was a versatile player on the interior whether it was delivering punishing blocks in the run game, pulling and leading on the perimeter or walling off in pass pro. With his lower body power, quick feet and agility he gets positioned well, pounding defenders into the second level or delivering one of his signature pancake blocks. He is an excellent wrestler in the off-season and has continued staying in shape by wrestling this summer and you can tell how he has translated some of those 1-on-1 moves to his blocking on the football field. He has also been working hard in the weight room and coupled with a big growth spurt this off season will go into the fall several inches taller and 30 pounds heavier. Get this guy on your watchlists as he is ready to bust out this fall.     In conclusion, get out and see these guys dominate this fall - you will not be disappointed. Also, DM me via X if you run across any players flying under the radar.   And, as usual…   Keep grindin'

With the NFL Hall of Fame game airing last night as the first football action of the 2026 season it brings with it the reminder that the high school pre-season is just days away from becoming a reality.