The spotlight may shine brightest on the skill players, but ask any coach and they’ll tell you—games are won and lost in the trenches. 

Offensive and defensive linemen may not rack up the flashy stats or headline highlight reels, but they are the foundation of every successful football team. 

In this latest installment of our West Michigan high school football preview series, we turn our attention to the unsung heroes. Here are the offensive and defensive linemen to watch this fall.

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GRANT ADLOFF – EAST GRAND RAPIDS, 2027 OT

The 6’4” 250-pound junior was All-Conference as a sophomore last year and has picked up offers from Western Michigan, Toledo, and Youngstown State since. He has had a monster offseason to prepare for his junior campaign this fall.

CALEB ASHBY – COOPERSVILLE, 2026 OC

The steady anchor at center, Caleb combines leverage, leadership, and physicality to set the tone for both Coopersville’s run and pass blocking schemes.

CORDE ANDERSON – WHITEHALL, 2026 DE

A relentless, high-energy force whose combination of speed and power will help anchor the Vikings defense—Anderson is one of the West Michigan Conference’s most dynamic playmakers.

SANI BENARD – MUSKEGON, 2026 DE

Benard plays much bigger than his 205 pounds on the defensive line for Muskegon. He made plays all over the field for Shane Fairfield’s defense as a junior and will be a challenge to block again this fall.

COLE BERTKE – EAST GRAND RAPIDS, 2026 OT

At 6′6″, 275 pounds, Bertke brings rare size, athleticism, and versatility to the trenches and is drawing interest from multiple college programs, including Hillsdale and Elmhurst.

JACKSON BISHOP – HOLLAND CHRISTIAN, 2026 OG/DT

Big things are expected of Bishop this season because of his physicality, versatility, and growing impact in the trenches.

COBEN BOEHLEIN – SPARTA, 2026 OC

Coben brings toughness, leadership, and a physical presence up front that will anchor the Spartans offense this fall.

ERNESTO BOTELLO – MUSKEGON, 2026 OG

A 3-year starter at guard for the Big Reds, Botello already has an offer from Toledo. He has the size and athleticism to be one of the best interior linemen in West Michigan this fall.

JACKSON BOVIA – BYRON CENTER, 2026 OT

Will be a 3-year varsity starter on the offensive line for the Bulldogs. He is a disciplined lineman and blocks with power and precision.

LUKE BRODNICKI – HUDSONVILLE, 2027 DT

Brodnicki brings poise, toughness, and a high football IQ to the field, and with a full varsity season already under his belt, he’s primed to take another big step forward this fall.

VINCENT COLEMAN – MONA SHORES, 2026 OT/DT

Coleman is agile, athletic, and quick off the ball. He will be a 3-year starter for the Sailors after starting on both the offensive and defensive lines in 2024.

WILL DECKER – COOPERSVILLE, 2026 OG

A powerful interior lineman whose strength, consistency, and varsity experience provide toughness on every snap.

TROY DUNNEBACK – COOPERSVILLE, 2026 DE

A versatile 2‑way contributor whose work ethic and competitive instincts on the defensive front make him tough to block.

HAYDEN FEE – HOLLAND CHRISTIAN, 2026 OT/DT

At 6’2″, 255 pounds, Fee has made impressive gains in size, strength, and explosiveness this offseason and is poised for a dominant year in the trenches for the Maroons.

ANGELO GAGLIARDO – FOREST HILLS NORTHERN, 2026 OT

A high-effort player who’s added serious strength and muscle in the offseason, Gagliardo pairs his size with agility and speed, making him tough in the trenches.

JOSHUA GARCIA-GUZMAN – GRAND RAPIDS UNION, 2026 OG/DE

Powerful and athletic, Garcia-Guzman has a relentless motor and is physical on both sides of the ball. He will have a major impact as a returning starter for the Red Hawks.

SIMON GARZA – HOLLAND, 2027 OT/DT

He brings toughness and leadership to the field and is ready to be a key piece for the Dutch this fall.

CARSON GINN – NORTHVIEW, 2026 OT/DE

A returning starter from last year’s team that was perfect in the regular season, Ginn will shift from guard to tackle this fall as he anchors the Wildcats’ offensive front. He is also capable of making an impact at defensive end for Northview.

MAXIMUS GOMEZ – ZEELAND EAST, 2028 OT/NT

A rising sophomore who made a big impression as a 2-way freshman starter—with his rare combination of strength, athleticism, and experience, he’s set to break out this fall.

BOBBY HAISMA – KENOWA HILLS, 2026 OT

Plays with great leverage, toughness, and technique—making him a reliable and gritty leader up front heading into his final high school season.

LOGAN HALL – WAYLAND, 2026 OC

Hall will be a 3-year starter for the Wildcats, anchoring the offensive front with his versatility and physicality.

HUNTER HANKAMP – COOPERSVILLE, 2027 OT

A 6’4″, 240 pound offensive tackle whose elite length, relentless drive, and varsity experience make him a high-ceiling lineman poised to anchor Coopersville’s front this fall.

BRADY HILL – SPRING LAKE, 2026 OG/DT

A returning starter on both sides for Spring Lake, Hill is a tenacious player with experience and a motor that makes him a force up front and a key player for the Lakers.

COLTON HUMMEL – BELDING, 2026 OT/DT

At 6′4″, 270 pounds, Hummel has imposing size, versatility, and ability to block at the point of attack—he is a rising under‑the‑radar force in West Michigan.

DAVIS HUTT – GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN, 2026 OC/DE

An explosive offensive center and disruptive defensive end, Hutt’s combination of brute strength, refined technique, and relentless motor makes him one of the most dynamic and game‑changing linemen in West Michigan.

JACK IAKIRI – LOWELL, 2026 OT/DT

A returning 2-way starter for Lowell, Iakiri has had a monster offseason in the weight room and is primed to dominate in the trenches as one of West Michigan’s most physical and experienced linemen.

KEANDRE JOHNSON – NORTHVIEW, 2026 NT

The All-Conference nose tackle was a key part of Northview’s undefeated regular season in 2024 and returns to clog the middle of the defense again this fall.

MARSHALL JOHNSON – ZEELAND WEST, 2026 DE

A rising pass rush specialist on the Dux defensive line who can also stuff the run, Johnson has developed into a player to watch thanks to his strength, quickness, and relentless motor.

CARSON JOLDERSMA – SOUTH CHRISTIAN, 2026 OT

Standing at 6’6″, Joldersma brings imposing size to the Sailors offensive line and continues to grow into a prospect to watch this fall.

JAMES JONES – EAST KENTWOOD, 2026 NT

Jones was a first-team all OK Red performer as a junior, causing havoc from his nose tackle position for opposing offenses.

JAXSON KOPERSKI – HOPKINS, 2026 OG

Plays much bigger than his 5’9, 180-pound frame. Returning starter at guard for the Vikings who excels at pulling.

BRETT KROLL – OAKRDIGE, 2026 OT

At 6’6″, 315 pounds, Kroll is a dominant force in the trenches whose size, strength, and All-Conference pedigree make him one of the most imposing linemen in the West Michigan Conference.

MAX LANGDON – FOREST HILLS EASTERN, 2027 OT

His size and physical strength helped him dominate the trenches as a sophomore, and Langdon is ready to take his game to another level this fall for the Hawks.

JEREMIAH LEE – GODWIN HEIGHTS, 2027 OT

As he continues to grow into his 6’4 frame, Lee will continue to get better and better. He was All-Conference at left tackle last season for the Wolverines.

ELI MACUALEY – FOREST HILLS NORTHERN, 2026 OG/DT

Macauley will be a 4-year starter for the Huskies. He is big, athletic, and moves very well. He has offers from Coastal Carolina, Davenport, Ferris State, GVSU, and Saginaw Valley.

KAYLEB MANCE – CEDAR SPRINGS, 2027 DT

The disruptive quickness and genuine power stand out—making him a dangerous interior force for the Red Hawks.

CODY MEYERS – CALEDONIA, 2206 OG/DE

Meyers has good mobility and leverage, which allow him to succeed at guard as well as on the defensive line, where he started last season.

TYLER MICHIELSEN – HAMILTON, 2026 OC

Sound technique and ability to lead the offensive line make him a quietly dominant force to watch this season.

JAYDON MILLER – COOPERSVILLE, 2027 DT

A high-motor defensive tackle with size and aggression, Jaydon flashes disruptive ability on the interior and fits the mold of a cornerstone of Coopersville’s defense.

LIAM MOORE – CALEDONIA, 2026 OT/DE

Moore is one of 4 returning starters on the offensive line for the Fighting Scots. He was solid at left tackle as a junior and also rotated in on the defensive line for Caledonia in 2024.

MASON MYERS – ZEELAND WEST, 2026 OG/DT

A powerful 2-way force up front, Myers was a key contributor at guard and defensive tackle during Zeeland West’s state title run and is even stronger heading into this season.

CHARLIE NICHOLS – EAST KENTWOOD, 2026 OC

Nichols suffered a season-ending injury early in 2024, but was the starting varsity center as a sophomore and is poised to lead the Falcons offensive line this fall.

LEVI OFFRINGA – UNITY CHRISTIAN, 2026

With consistent strength training, Offringa has transformed his frame and mobility, making him a powerful and athletic presence on the edge of the offensive line for the Saders.

AARON PAPES – ROCKFORD, 2026 OC
Papes started the first 4 games at center last season for the Rams, and returns with added strength and agility for his senior season.

JOSHUA PETERSON – FOREST HILLS NORTHERN, 2026 OC

Entering his 3rd year as the starting center, Peterson has transformed his body over the past 9 months—adding lean muscle, dropping body fat, and becoming a more athletic and explosive force up front. His offseason commitment is set to pay off in a big way this fall.

CARMINE POSATI – FOREST HILLS CENTRAL, 2026 NT

As last year’s starting nose tackle, Posati’s low center of gravity and relentless motor make him a disruptive force in the middle; opposing run games will feel his presence all season.

AMIR PRATT – GR CATHOLIC CENTRAL, 2026 NT

A returning starter and all-conference nose tackle for Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Pratt is a disruptive force up front for the Cougars.

HUNTER PRICE – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026 DE

A returning starter at defensive end for the Falcons who is equally good rushing the passer as he is stuffing the run. His consistency and motor make him tough to block for opposing offenses.

CALEB PUGH – GRAND RAPIDS CHRISTIAN, 2027 OG/DT

A rare blend of size, power, and versatility is earning Pugh College interest. He had a strong sophomore varsity season, starting both ways last fall.

ZEEK RAMADHANI – ZEELAND EAST, 2027 DE

He may weigh just 210 pounds, but he played much bigger as a sophomore starter last season—using speed, leverage, and relentless effort to make a major impact off the edge.

WALKER ROOSSIEN – GR CATHOLIC CENTRAL, 2028 OG/NT

A 6’3″, 270-pound sophomore at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Roossien saw varsity playing time last season as a powerful offensive and defensive lineman.

CALVIN ROSSMAN – COOPERSVILLE, 2028 DE

A rising sophomore who is already turning heads with his twitch, strength, and tenacity off the edge. Rossman is one of the top prospects in his class.

RYER SELVIUS – UNITY CHRISTIAN, 2026 DT

After adding size and becoming significantly more explosive through his offseason training, Selvius is primed to make a bigger impact in the trenches this fall.

LEVI SILVERNALE – FOREST HILLS NORTHERN, 2026 DE

Another 4-year starter for FHN, Silvernale has only added muscle and speed this offseason. He will be at the top of opponents scouting reports this season without question. 

CASE STEIGENGA – HUDSONVILLE, 2026 OT

Steigenga is one of those in the Eagles senior class who has just been waiting for his opportunity to shine. The versatile offensive lineman has impressive strength which will benefit him in the trenches.

CHARLIE STOEPKER – JENISON, 2026 OG

Stoepker was on the varsity the last 2 seasons at West Catholic and will be a big addition for the Wildcats up front. He has the size to play tackle, but started at guard last fall for West Catholic.

JACOB TIMMER – WEST CATHOLIC, 2026 OT

One of the state’s top linemen, Timmer chose Central Michigan over Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green, Colgate, and Cornell.

JACOB TROAST – SPRING LAKE, 2027 OT

At 6’4” 305 pounds, Troast has the size to play high-level college football. He got some valuable varsity experience last fall and is looking for even bigger things in his junior year.

DANE VANDERSLIK – UNITY CHRISTIAN DE

A strong offseason in the weight room has helped VanderSlik quietly develop into a more physical and confident presence heading into the fall.

HANK VANDERWAL – HUDSONVILLE, 2027 

A powerful lineman with elite strength, VanderWal put up 18 reps at 225 pounds on the bench. He is capable of being dominant in the trenches for the Eagles.

EVAN WIMAN – GRANDVILLE, 2026 DE

Wiman is a returning starter on the Bulldogs defensive line. He had 4 sacks in 2024.

DANIEL WYLIE, JR. – GRANDVILLE, 2026 OT

Wylie returns as a starter at left tackle for Grandville. He blocks well in the Bulldogs run-heavy attack.

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FINAL WORD

The trenches will be stacked with talent across West Michigan this fall, with returning stars, rising underclassmen, and breakout candidates all ready to make their mark. These linemen bring size, strength, and skill that set the tone for their teams’ success. Whether they’re bulldozing holes or blowing up plays in the backfield, expect this group to play a massive role all season. Coming up next: Linebackers to Watch—don’t miss it.

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