2029 Stock-Risers: Big Men in the Trenches

We just released our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/north-carolina/rankings/2029-north-carolina-high-school-football-rankings/">updated 2029 rankings</a>, and we've already gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a> of this update's creation. We had 20 stock risers in a new-player-heavy update, so we're going through the players who rose in the rankings. Here, we're looking at the big boys in the trenches: the offensive and defensive linemen and edge rushers who moved up in our 2029 rankings update.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2029 Offensive and Defensive Line Stock-Risers</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other coverage from our 2029 rankings update rollout:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/2029-skill-position-stock-risers/">Skill Position Stock-Risers</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/06/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2029-rankings-spring/">Behind the Scenes</a>    Okam is our top overall riser in this update, moving from 47th to sixth in just a few months. In that time, he's earned an East Carolina offer and gotten even quicker off the edge. He's a huge, physical edge rusher who could eventually move inside full-time. Make no mistake, wherever he ends up on the defensive line, he has the type of physical ability that can embarrass offensive linemen. On his current trajectory, he could be one of the top defensive linemen recruits in the southeast.     Campbell could be a major, major prospect in the coming years off the edge. We thought we were early on him when we had him ranked 56th during the last update, then he earned a flurry of early offers just after our last update. This offseason, he looks bigger and stronger. He already has elite get-off and bend around the edge, so he has 10-sack potential for Hoke County.     McIlwain is one of the highest-upside offensive linemen in the state. The Union County product is a two-way player, but his future is probably at offensive guard. He has ridiculous strength, especially for a freshman, and some upside, given he's still developing his footwork.     Holder made an impact on Southeast Raleigh's young offensive line, and he has excellent upside. Kent State recently stepped in with an early offer. He wasn't the primary starter, but stepped in when needed, playing well in his two starts against top competition last season. Primarily a guard, he has good balance and rarely gets over the top of his feet.     On Hudl, it can be difficult to identify defensive linemen pre-snap. But Tate's get-off is so good that you don't even need an arrow to know which guy he is about 0.5 seconds after the snap. He has violent hands, excellent strength, and a good feel for what quarterbacks are doing in the pocket. He's one of the best interior pass-rushers in the class, frequently pushing the pocket and disrupting offenses.     A free piece of rankings advice for anyone looking at our rankings: the difference between second and sixth is far greater than the difference between 102nd and 106th. Don't downplay the four-spot jump for Daniels, who has the potential to be the top-ranked player in the 2029 rankings by the time we get to their signing day in a few years. He was an early tackle contributor on one of the best offensive lines in the state, and arguably the best pass-blocker in the class.     Phipps hit the radar early after some standout camps as a middle schooler, and the rising sophomore already looks like one of the best offensive linemen in a <a href="https://x.com/whelms21/status/2061462714103345192?s=20">fantastic class</a>. He explodes off the ball, and his leg drive is impressive. Reagan trusted its offensive line enough to live off of power last year. He can play either guard spot, and he's my favorite run-blocker in the class.     We have some players slated to move up in the rankings for months before we actually release an update. Other times, we move guys at the last minute. Miller belongs in the latter category, as I came away impressed during my last-minute look at his film. He's earned some early playing time and impressed at left tackle, and flashed some serious potential. He's a tireless worker; his offseason work outside of his normal school weightlifting sessions should really help him show up faster and stronger this season.     Allen continues to quietly improve as he grows, and this offseason, he's turning the corner as his body matures. We've seen him in past Prep Redzone camps and always came away both impressed with his current talent and excited about his future growth. He's a technician with the ability to beat guys with speed, power, and pass-rushing moves. He doesn't have a ton of varsity film, but expect him to take on a bigger role in 2026.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2029 rankings. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We just released our updated 2029 rankings, and we've already gone behind the scenes of this update's creation. We had 20 stock risers in a new-player-heavy update, so we're going through the players who rose in the rankings. Here, we're looking at the big boys in the trenches: the offensive and defensive linemen and edge rushers who moved up in our 2029 rankings update.