You Are Athlete All-American Showcase: Trench Bullies Edition

The old football saying rings true every fall, games are won in the trenches. That mindset was on full display at the You Are Athlete All-American Showcase held in Houston, where the big men up front dominated the spotlight.

The showcase brought together a mix of highly touted upperclassmen and fast-rising underclassmen. For two days, linemen competed in drills, 1-on-1s, and team competitions, putting their power, technique, and athleticism on full display. Several players solidified their reputations, while others broke out as names to watch in future recruiting cycles.

Top Trench Performers

Abdus Kone (2027) | OL | North Shore HS

6’6, 315 lbs

Kone was impossible to miss, both due to his towering frame and dominant presence in the 1-on-1 sessions. He sets the tone early with a stiff, punishing punch, and once locked in, defenders struggled to disengage. His balance and nimble feet stood out, especially at his size. Kone plays with a natural base and a road-grading mentality in the run game. He won reps consistently over both days, flexing his power and composure against a deep pool of defensive talent. As a 2027 prospect, his ceiling is massive, and it’s only a matter of time before his offer sheet matches his physical tools.

Stock Up Alert: With continued development and North Shore’s powerhouse exposure, expect Kone’s recruitment to skyrocket this fall.

Khalil Sanogo (2026) | OL | Mansfield Legacy

6’5, 300 lbs

Coming in with a reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in Texas’ 2026 class, Sanogo backed it up and more. He earned MVP honors with a near-flawless performance. His extended wingspan allows him to control defenders early in reps, and his lateral quickness makes him a nightmare for edge rushers trying to win the corner. Sanogo is calm at the snap, rarely biting on counter moves, and finishes blocks with aggression. When he locks on, it’s over. He looks the part of a high Power Five recruit and carries himself with poise and polish.

Recruitment Outlook: Power Five schools should be circling. Sanogo checks every box you want in a future left tackle.

Ryder Klein (2028) | OL/DL | Franklin HS

6’4, 270 lbs

Klein made one of the biggest impressions of the weekend, literally and figuratively. Named a standout on Day One, he added to his resume by winning the Fastest Lineman Award and helping his team to victory in the 5v5 Lineman Challenge. He’s explosive at the snap and moves incredibly well for his size, showing flashes of agility and a strong punch on contact. What makes Klein even more impressive is his two-way ability during the fall season. He’s disruptive on the defensive line and finishes blocks with a nasty streak on offense.

Big-Time Upside: Only a freshman, Klein’s combination of size, twitch, and motor makes him one of the most intriguing young linemen in the state. Coaches are already buzzing.

Pete MacDonald V (2028) | OL | Lewisville HS

6’3, 285 lbs

MacDonald brings violence to the trenches with his powerful hand strike and explosive get-off. His technique is already polished, which isn’t surprising. He started at center as a freshman for a strong Lewisville program. What sets him apart is his football IQ and versatility. He can line up anywhere along the offensive line and make protection calls. He dominated in both days of competition and showcased rare physicality for a player his age. He already holds an offer from Colorado State, with more to follow.

Complete Lineman: Pete plays smart, violent football and brings leadership you rarely see from a 2028 prospect.

Ethan Simpson (2026) | OL | Frisco Heritage HS

6’1, 280 lbs

Simpson’s compact frame and explosive lower half helped him dominate Day One, earning a Top Performer award. He plays with a low center of gravity, rarely losing leverage. His hands are violent and precise, and his lateral agility makes him effective in both pass protection and zone run schemes. Though slightly undersized, he plays with a big-time edge and doesn’t back down from anyone. He is technically sound and fundamentally tough.

Sleeper to Watch: Simpson’s tape and camp film should attract more attention from Group of Five and FCS programs, he’s a plug-and-play type interior lineman.

John Langster (2028) | OL | C.E. King HS

6’3, 290 lbs

Langster showed flashes of dominance throughout the weekend. He’s very athletic, he possesses a good natural base, nimble feet, and strong weight transfer. His hand placement is already solid, and when he engages with power, defenders struggle to reset. The frame, movement skills, and aggression are all there. As his technique refines, he has the tools to become a top-tier lineman in the 2028 class.

High Ceiling: Still developing, but the size and athletic foundation are elite.

George Perez (2028) | OL | C.E. King HS

6’2, 253 lbs

Perez plays with a non-stop motor and quick twitch off the line. He’s explosive, strong at the point of attack, and showed the ability to shift his hips quickly to move laterally to stay in front of defenders at engagement. He stood out as one of the top young offensive linemen in attendance, earning Day One standout honors. The power and first-step quickness were hard to miss.

Future Disruptor: If he continues to build mass and maintain his quickness, Perez will be a nightmare in the trenches.

Eddie Ramirez (2026) | OL | Mercedes HS

6'4 330 lbs.

Ramirez was one of the most physically imposing linemen in Houston and backed up his size with smooth footwork and strength. He moves exceptionally well in space, which is rare at his size, and showcases a stiff, effective punch in close quarters. His arm length gives him an edge in pass protection, and he excelled in both drills and 1-on-1 reps. Named a Day One standout, Ramirez raised his stock considerably.

Massive Potential: Ramirez turned heads with his performance, don’t be surprised if offers come in by midseason.

Final Takeaway: Texas Trench Talent is Elite

The YAA All-American Showcase confirmed what college coaches already know, Texas is loaded in the trenches. From elite 2026 prospects like Khalil Sanogo, to 2028 breakout stars like Ryder Klein and Pete MacDonald, this event was filled with future Saturday (and possibly Sunday) players. The blend of size, athleticism, and aggression on display was special.

Recruiting coordinators should keep a close eye on these names heading into the fall. The trenches may not always get the spotlight, but in Houston at the YAA Showcase, they stole the show.