12th Annual National Lineman Challenge Final Results

Raleigh, NC — The nation’s top young offensive and defensive linemen gathered in the Triangle for Football Hotbed’s 12th Annual National Lineman Challenge, a two-day competition that began June 8 at Duke University and concluded June 9 at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC.

The event brought together rising middle school athletes from multiple states to compete in combine testing, position-specific instruction, and live evaluations while showcasing their athleticism on one of the country’s premier platforms for young linemen. Participants were tested in the 40-yard dash and shuttle run before being evaluated throughout the remainder of the competition by Football Hotbed’s coaching staff, lead by Head Lineman coach Lawrence Keys of Trenches Elite.  

When the final scores were tabulated, Jace Connelly of Morganton, NC was named the Overall MVP of the National Lineman Challenge. The versatile defensive end from the Class of 2030 delivered one of the most impressive athletic performances of the event, posting a best 40-yard dash time of 4.85 seconds and a 4.85 shuttle while competing against a talented field of linemen.

Connelly was joined by Terrance “TJ” Spencer Jr. of Ringgold, NC, who earned Offensive MVP honors in the Class of 2030. Spencer, a dominant defensive tackle prospect, showcased an impressive combination of size and movement skills throughout the two-day event.

In the Class of 2031, Joshua Blanks of Raleigh, NC earned Class MVP honors. The 5-foot-10, 280-pound lineman demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the top young trench players in North Carolina, standing out throughout the competition with his combination of size, strength, and athletic ability.

The Class of 2032 MVP award went to Zeke Hannum of Wake Forest, NC, who represented the host state well and emerged as the top performer among the youngest division of competitors.

In addition to the MVP winners, several athletes delivered standout performances during the event.

Class of 2030 Standouts

• Jace Connelly (Morganton, NC) – Overall MVP

• Terrance “TJ” Spencer Jr. (Ringgold, NC) – Offensive MVP

• Ka’moni Hales (Raleigh, NC) – EDGE

• Tyler Hansen (Wake Forest, NC) – DE

• Adrian Grant (Raleigh, NC) – DE

• Caden Grant (Raleigh, NC) – DT

• Kuron Archie (Knightdale, NC) – Center

• Emmitt Brown (Raleigh, NC) – Center

Class of 2031 Standouts

• Joshua Blanks (Raleigh, NC) – Class MVP

• Imani Griffin-DeVeaux (Tampa, FL) – DE

• Cesar Smith (Knightdale, NC) – OL

Class of 2032 Standouts

• Zeke Hannum (Wake Forest, NC) – Class MVP

• Jackson Lerche (Fleming Island, FL) – DE

The strong showing by North Carolina athletes was a major storyline throughout the competition, as local prospects captured every MVP award while competing against talent from across the Southeast.

The National Lineman Challenge remains one of the signature components of Football Hotbed’s National Middle School Invitational Showcase, providing young offensive and defensive linemen with a national stage to measure themselves against elite competition while gaining exposure and instruction from experienced coaches.

Many of the event’s top performers are expected to receive consideration for Football Hotbed’s upcoming Middle School All-American Game and Freshman All-American Game, continuing the organization’s mission of identifying and promoting the next generation of football talent.