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Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season

Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson September 1, 2026 @ 03:04 PM
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Nikolay Petrushev
Nikolay Petrushev 6'6" | 280 lbs | OL/DL | 2028
FL
J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗 J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗
J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗 J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗 6'2" | 316 lbs | EDGE | 2029
FL
Quinston Howard
Quinston Howard 6'5" | 325 lbs | OL | 2028
FL
Slade Wittstock
Slade Wittstock 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL/DL | 2027
FL
Aiden Toney
Aiden Toney 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL | 2027
FL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big men in the trenches are often the difference between winning and losing, yet they rarely get the same spotlight as the skill positions. These are some of the young trench pieces who have flashed early this season and are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to develop.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2206495"],"_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-6a972fb975c7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a unique young trench prospect who already carries a powerful 6-2, 329-pound frame. He flashes quickness off the ball, active hands and the strength to anchor against larger linemen. The versatility to play both sides of the ball adds to the intrigue, especially with the surprising athleticism he shows when the ball is in his hands. For a 2029 prospect, there's a lot to like about where this kid can go.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2197998"],"_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-6a972fb975cdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howard continues proving why national programs are prioritizing him early. At 6-6, 325 pounds with a reported 7-foot-2 wingspan, the sophomore already looks like a major Power Four prospect. Moved well throughout the night, flashed strong footwork for his size and showed the type of physical upside coaches covet long term. He's already one of the premier young trench prospects in Florida and should continue attracting attention.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692347"],"_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-6a972fb975d29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toney already carries the size profile college programs look for at 6-5, 300 pounds. He plays aggressively and shows the ability to anchor against power rushers while bringing a physical presence to the front. He's cleaned up the technique, and the size and natural strength are there. As he continues developing, his overall upside along the offensive line remains strong.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2370727,"_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-6a972fb975d73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White continues to see his recruiting profile grow after showing off an impressive 6-2, 305-pound frame this offseason. Has already racked up five tackles for loss along with two sacks through week 2. He's displayed a solid combination of strong hands and footwork and stands out among defensive linemen in the area. One to keep an eye on as the season progresses. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2228610"],"_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-6a972fb975dba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here is someone who had been one of the better kept secrets until he started attending events and college coaches began checking out his film. The first thing you notice watching him perform is his ability to get out on running plays with quickness and plenty of agility. At 6-6, 285, he already has a strong frame for a young offensive lineman. Being an underclassman, he has plenty of time to continue maturing and work on the little things that can take him to the national level. One of the prospects you'll want to keep an eye on. East Lake has always produced line prospects.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2370735,"_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-6a972fb975e02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">CCC may have another rising trench prospect on the way. Postell already carries a good 6-4, 290-pound size with length, athleticism and functional strength. He moves well for a young lineman and flashes tools that college coaches will definitely want to evaluate more closely over the next year. The foundation is there, and more reps should only help him continue putting everything together.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":2370741,"_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-6a972fb975e47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson brings one of the more intriguing frames in the class at 6-5, 240-pounds. His length and athletic build give him plenty of room to continue developing physically as an edge defender. As he continues to add more strength and experience, he has the potential to become a disruptive presence off the edge. Has P4 prospect written all over him. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2044604"],"_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-6a972fb975e8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wittstock plays with toughness and a workmanlike mentality in the trenches. At 6-2, 290-pounds, he has the size to hold up inside and brings good awareness up front. He's a physical kid who continues to get valuable reps against quality competition. Continued development in the weight room and more offseason reps has put himself in position for more recruiting attention.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

The big men in the trenches are often the difference between winning and losing, yet they rarely get the same spotlight as the skill positions. These are some of the young trench pieces who have flashed early this season and are worth keeping an eye on as they continue to develop.

J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗 J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗

J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗 J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 316
POS EDGE
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗
J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗 EDGE
Class
2029
Height
6'2"
Weight
316
HS
Orlando The First Academy
|
FL
Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Jackson is a unique young trench prospect who already carries a powerful 6-2, 329-pound frame. He flashes quickness...
Written by Andrew Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

J𝚍𝚎𝚒𝚘𝚗 J𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚘𝚗

State: Florida
School: Orlando The First Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Quinston Howard

Quinston Howard

FL
OL
HEIGHT 6'5"
WEIGHT 325
POS OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Quinston
Howard OL
Class
2028
Height
6'5"
Weight
325
HS
St. Petersburg Catholic
|
FL
Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Howard continues proving why national programs are prioritizing him early. At 6-6, 325 pounds with a reported 7-foot-2...
Written by Andrew Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Quinston Howard

State: Florida
School: St. Petersburg Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aiden Toney

Aiden Toney

HEIGHT 6'5"
WEIGHT 300
POS OL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Aiden
Toney OL
Class
2027
Height
6'5"
Weight
300
HS
Sebring
|
FL
Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Toney already carries the size profile college programs look for at 6-5, 300 pounds. He plays aggressively and...
Written by Andrew Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Aiden Toney

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: Sebring
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Darren White

Darren White

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Darren
White DL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
HS
Lake Nona
|
FL

Darren White

State: Florida
School: Lake Nona
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Nikolay Petrushev

Nikolay Petrushev

FL
OL/DL
HEIGHT 6'6"
WEIGHT 280
POS OL/DL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Nikolay
Petrushev OL/DL
Class
2028
Height
6'6"
Weight
280
HS
East Lake
|
FL
Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Here is someone who had been one of the better kept secrets until he started attending events and...
Written by Andrew Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Nikolay Petrushev

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: East Lake
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Rajee Postell

Rajee Postell

HEIGHT 6'4"
POS OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Rajee
Postell OL
Class
2028
Height
6'4"
HS
Clearwater Central Catholic
|
FL

Rajee Postell

State: Florida
School: Clearwater Central Catholic
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Trace Johnson

Trace Johnson

HEIGHT 6'5"
POS DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Trace
Johnson DL
Class
2027
Height
6'5"
HS
The First Academy
|
FL

Trace Johnson

State: Florida
School: The First Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Slade Wittstock

Slade Wittstock

FL
OL/DL
HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 290
POS OL/DL
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Slade
Wittstock OL/DL
Class
2027
Height
6'2"
Weight
290
HS
Lake Mary
|
FL
Trench Pieces Who Have Flashed Early This Season
Wittstock plays with toughness and a workmanlike mentality in the trenches. At 6-2, 290-pounds, he has the size...
Written by Andrew Johnson
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Slade Wittstock

Instagram Twitter
State: Florida
School: Lake Mary
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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