Chicago’s trench talent was on full display as some of the city’s most underrated Offensive and Defensive Linemen stepped into the spotlight at the IHSA Combine hosted at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Programs from across the city arrived ready to compete, represent their schools, and prove they belong in the next wave of elite trench athletes emerging from Illinois.
For the Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board, the event represented another major step in identifying overlooked trench talent before the rest of the country catches on. And one name separated himself from the rest.
CORNELIUS MOORE CONTINUES TO MAKE A NAME FOR HIMSELF
Class of 2027 offensive lineman Cornelius Moore walked into the camp with growing buzz surrounding his name — and left looking like one of the most dominant trench prospects in attendance.
Moore was widely viewed as the most intriguing Offensive Lineman at the camp and continues building a strong reputation as one of the premier trench players in Chicago Public Schools football.
“At times, Moore made pass protection drills look like run blocking.”
The massive mauler consistently overwhelmed defenders at the point of attack, using power, leverage, balance, and violent hands to control nearly every rep he took. Multiple defensive linemen found themselves driven backward or flat on their backs as Moore imposed his will throughout competition periods.
What stood out most was not just his size and strength — it was his confidence, aggression, and ability to finish.
The Class of 2027 prospect is beginning to establish himself as a legitimate name to know in Illinois trench football. And if his development continues at this pace, recruiting attention will follow.
EMERGING TRENCH PROSPECTS TURNING HEADS
Remy Foskey Jr. | Westinghouse
One of the more intriguing trench athletes in attendance, Foskey showcased toughness, length, and developing physical tools that immediately caught attention during camp competition.
Nikos Poindexter | Hillcrest
Poindexter displayed strong competitiveness and movement ability throughout drills while continuing to elevate his stock among rising trench prospects.
Damore Griffin | King College Prep
Griffin flashed explosiveness and upside that evaluators will continue monitoring closely moving forward.
Michael Ayala | Hillcrest
Ayala delivered one of the more fundamentally sound performances at the event while showcasing effort and coachability.
Garrett McDowell | Orr Academy
McDowell brought nonstop energy and intensity throughout competition periods and consistently competed with physicality.
Kobe Ferguson | Payton College Prep
Ferguson’s athletic movement skills and composure stood out during position-specific drills and live reps.
Krayse Williams | Lane Tech
Williams showed flashes of power and trench mentality that continue to make him a developmental prospect worth monitoring.
Paul Norman | King College Prep
Norman continued demonstrating toughness and competitiveness while reinforcing the depth of trench talent emerging from Chicago.
Tysharo Jenkins | Lane Tech
Jenkins displayed intriguing physical tools and continued developing momentum as a trench prospect on the rise.
THE TRENCHES NEVER SLEEP
The Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board continues establishing itself as one of the few national platforms fully dedicated to Offensive and Defensive Linemen. From evaluations and rankings to exposure and development, the mission remains clear:
Identify the unknowns before they become nationally recognized names.
And now, the next stop is Texas.
The Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board “Trench Warfare Pass School” heads south as trench athletes prepare to compete, develop, and prove themselves against some of the toughest competition in the country.
The movement is growing.
The trenches are evolving.
And it all Starts Up Front.