Cocoa 2028 defensive end Elyias Wilson proved to be too quick for the competition Saturday at the Orlando Trench Kings event, a football linemen competition with a winner-takes-all prize $1,000.
Wilson, whose quick burst off the line of scrimmage and fast hands and feet, were too much for bigger offensive linemen, as he often left them stationary while bouncing to the outside.
He was not elusive with his cash prize, however, as he chose to split his winnings with runner-up finisher Joey Sonnenberg of Merritt Island. The pair split the first two reps of the best-of-3 final, but Wilson was awarded the win by eeking past Sonnenberg with an inside move on the final rep.
Pictures: 2026 Orlando Trench Kings
“It feels great man, to be able to come out here and work. I’ve been working every day, trying to get better, working on my craft,” Wilson said. “It’s great to come out here and win this and I’ll be back out in Atlanta to win that on the 24th.”
Wilson was talking about the national All-American Exposure camp in Atlanta next week.
“I’m just keeping my head straight and not letting distractions get in my head,” Wilson said.
Event winner Elyias Wilson, of Cocoa High, at the 2026 Trench Kings lineman camp at Central Florida Christian Academy, July 18, Orlando, Fla. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
The junior has offers from Jackson State, Iowa State and FAU so far.
“I feel like big offers are coming, like Florida, Georgia Tech, FSU for sure, and Miami,” Wilson said. “I ain’t worried about too many offers right now. I just want to get ranked.”
He had some battles with Sonnenberg in the final and eventually decided to split the pool money with the big offensive lineman.
Surprisingly, Sonnenberg, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound senior who has played mostly center at Merritt Island, has no FBS offers so far.
“Something ain’t right about that,” said camp organizer Lo Wood when he heard that news.
Event champion Elyias Wilson of Cocoa and runner-up Joey Sonennberg of Merritt Island at the 2026 Trench Kings lineman camp at Central Florida Christian Academy, July 18, Orlando, Fla. (Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel)
Sonnenberg will be working at tackle this year to give schools a look at what he can do on the outside.
For the second consecutive week, Edgewater’s Sincere Wilkerson was again among those who stood out. Wilkerson was awarded the offensive line MVP honors last week at the Orlando QB Shootout/Battle in the Pit.
On Saturday, he was tied with Sonnenberg as the top O-linemen until Sonnenberg edged him out in the semifinals.
“I feel great, being able to come out here and show out and compete,” said Wilkerson, who committed to Coastal Carolina earlier this month. “Trying to get myself out there. It’s fun to be out here and compete and everybody’s got smiles on their faces. It’s great.”
Asked if he was disappointed to fall short of winning the cash prize, Wilkerson said, “It’s money. I can always find some way to get money. I can always go find a job. It’s not the end of the world.”
Mom quickly stepped in, “Let it be known he will not be finding a job.”
Chris Hays can be found on X.com @OS_ChrisHays.