The first skillset I see the growth right away with Rapid City St. Thomas More 2026 offensive linemen Cole Nielsen Cole Nielsen 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL St Thomas More | 2026 State SD is the improved footwork he showed off within the first two weeks of the season for the Cavaliers. We’ve known that this young man can win at the point of attack, as that was no different if you look at Cole’s tape the first couple of weeks. The first clip you see Cole win with an angle block while he quickly gets the defensive linemen off-balance and down on the grass. The second clip shows off pure domiance in the A-gap knocking down the defensive tackle into the second level with sound pad-level, well-striding footwork, and that balance I referenced that comes with his feet. That also quicker first step blew downhill quickly A few offers have come in at the NAIA level, but I wouldn’t be surprised after a well-versed first couple weeks, that NSIC or RMAC interest come Cole’s way.

The now 6’4 275 pounder from Rapid City St. Thomas More, is the first West River offensive linemen that came to mind for this series as the intriguing growth in the weight room this offseason should intrigue college coaches. He is another one that is more nasty with his hands than he gets credit for as he has bouldering strength at the point of attack. I also can gauge Cole is one that has position flexibiity in the offensive trenches, as I feel Cole could play either tackle position with emphasis as a right tackle. He doesn’t take long to show off how well-versed of an angle blocker he is as one that also has untapped upside that a college offensive line coach can groom at the next-level

Yet another 2026 target from this stacked class at Rapid City St. Thomas More is OL/DL Cole Nielsen Cole Nielsen 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL St Thomas More | 2026 State SD . You could tell quickly by watching his tape, that Cole shows off the football IQ on how to gain penetration quickly off his blocks even coming in late at the point of attack. He has some upside with his footwork to develop to get more a more linear at the point of attack. Cole also is one that is balanced and can get into the second level with his sound leverage. He could be another one that intrigue the college coaches at camps this summer.