The talent doesn’t run dry as we return to the Class of 2028 for one of the best linemen in the state. As just a sophomore Hendrix already holds multiple Power 4 offers, has a rare 6’4″ 285 lbs frame that is muscular and explosive. Everything he does packs a punch while also being done so quick and smooth. His body control throughout everything is also elite. The size, the power, and the ease of movement in the trenches and while engaged is great.

Our DL1 in a loaded DL Class of 2028 definitely fits the bill for this article. The 6’4″ 260 lbs athlete lines up all along the DL, forcing the QB and OL to make sure they know where he is at before every snap. That is only the start of the battle, though. Hendrix brings elite power to the field. Power that allows him to rip through OL, burst out of his stance at the snap, and clear arms off him on his way into the backfield. The big fella also has some excellent playing speed for his size. The technique is just starting to click too, so as that builds you can expect him to be even more of a nightmare on Friday nights and beyond.

My first choice is a strong one in Wisconsin Dells DL Hendrix Dawson Hendrix Dawson 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL/OL Wisconsin Dells | 2028 State WI . Hendrix is a perfect combination of what you look for in a future game changer on the DL. Size, filled out with muscle, and length. That elite size needs to be able to move too. Hendrix can fly off the line, bend around the edge, and has that high motor and overall speed to make the chase down tackle. And of course the up and coming DL needs to be able to control the line of scrimmage, stand up an OT or pulling guard right at the point of contact and collapse the pocket. Hendrix demonstrated he was developing all those traits as a freshman. With an offseason under his belt and a lot of high end camp experiences with college coaches, we could see that leap in development to where we could very easily expect to see an offer or several begin to roll in.

The top defender in the Class of 2028 is Hendrix Dawson Hendrix Dawson 6'4" | 285 lbs | DL/OL Wisconsin Dells | 2028 State WI out of Wisconsin Dells. The freshman DE/edge defender was a varsity contributor in his first season of HS football. The 2028 has built up an impressive frame that perfectly fits on the edge at 6’4″ 245 lbs and is sure to get bigger and stronger over the coming years. The big man already possesses quick feet, balance, and agility to be able to play on the edge and corral RBs or QBs trying to elude him and get outside contain. Hendrix does really well using his length to both beat blocks and also to get into passing windows and knock down passes when he doesn’t get to the QB. You have to love the effort he plays with on every snap too. Pair that drive with his size, athleticism, and strength and you get an athlete with an extremely high ceiling. I’m excited to see what is ahead of this kid.

If you are looking for that next wave of special talent coming through the Wisconsin ranks you have to include the 2028 DL/TE out of Wisconsin Dells. The freshman has outstanding measurables. 6’4″ 242 lbs, 6’7.5″ wingspan, 10.75″ hands, 4.85 shuttle, and a 7’9″ broad jump. The freshman has the size that would have coaches excited if he was a senior. Hendrix still has three years of HS football ahead of him. During that time we are going to see some outstanding development. He is still growing into that elite frame, and as his body control and awareness improves so will the athletic tools that he brings to the field. Hendrix is a big, strong ball of clay right now and I am pumped to see how he grows and develops over the coming years. Big things ahead for this young man.

Hendrix is looking like a special DL prospect. The freshman is apart of the Wisconsin Dells varsity team, so his season isn’t done as they prepare for Level 1 of the playoffs. The 6’4″ 235 lbs freshman has a slew of traits that perfectly fit the DL. He does a great job using that length to keep himself clean and has quick hands to disengage from blocks. His body control and lateral agility are huge boosts to get around OL and run stunts in the trenches. The big man is also explosive out of his stance and can create power on contact to be able to bull rush into the backfield to create disruption. The freshman DL is looking like a serious force in the trenches in year one.

Hendrix is going to be a big time recruit in the Class of 2028. The young playmaker has a massive frame that dwarves his fellow 2028s on the field. Hendrix is also still growing, now tipping the scales at an imposing 225 lbs. With all that size comes a massive mismatch in the strength department. That has shown up all over his highlights as he easily rips through arm tackles unphased. What is more impressive is that at his size the 2028 is still able to pull away from his opponents in the open field. I can’t wait to see some up to date film on the impressive TE/ATH recruit. Big things are ahead for him at Wisconsin Dells. Get this kid on your radars today.

Projection: Highly ranked in state

A multi-sport athlete that plays at a high level in both basketball and football. A teammate of Zachary Keith Zachary Keith 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL/OL Franklin | 2028 State WI (listed above), at 6-foot-1 and 170-pounds he comes with good size for a Wide Receiver on this level. Equally agile and explosive. Plays Defensive End/Edge/Outside Linebacker on the other side of the ball and brings the requisite physicality.