Next in Line: TJ Rose-Alderson Anchors Oakdale’s Dominance in the Trenches
- National Radar Staff
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
By National Radar
Oakdale Middle School’s rise to the top of Maryland middle school football has been fueled by tough, disciplined play in the trenches — and few players embody that identity more than TJ Rose-Alderson, a Class of 2030 defensive lineman who is already establishing himself as one of the most productive and dependable young prospects in the region.
When National Radar recently sat down with Rose-Alderson, the conversation quickly turned to winning — and how his team has made it a habit.
“My team just finished our second consecutive 12–0 season and back-to-back Super Bowl championships,” Rose-Alderson said. “On offense I started at left tackle for an offense that scored 424 points. On defense I started at defensive end with 42 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three forced recoveries, and one safety.”
Those numbers tell part of the story. The rest shows up on film in his ability to play fast, physical, and with purpose. At 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, Rose-Alderson already displays a strong first step, active hands, and a natural feel for finding the football. More importantly, he plays with a maturity beyond his years.
One of the biggest areas of growth he noticed this season had nothing to do with stats.
“My ability to adjust after making a mistake,” he explained. “Early in the season, if I missed a tackle I would get frustrated. As the season progressed, if something happened, I was able to stay focused and move on to the next play.”
That mental growth has become a cornerstone of his development — and it’s shaping how he approaches the offseason. “For the offseason I’m locked in on hitting the weight room to add size and to improve my speed and agility,” Rose-Alderson said. “I want to keep getting better in every area.”
His goals are clear and ambitious. “My goal for next season is to be on varsity as a freshman,” he said. While he does not yet hold college offers — which is normal for an athlete at this stage — Rose-Alderson is already building the foundation coaches look for long before scholarship conversations begin. “I’m a hard worker with a competitive and determined mindset,” he said. “I think my mindset helps me compete at a high level.”
From a scouting perspective, Rose-Alderson checks several important boxes: leader, hard worker, high football IQ, and coachable. He shows comfort playing on both sides of the ball, understands leverage and positioning, and consistently gives high effort snap after snap. His experience at left tackle also adds to his value, giving him a broader understanding of blocking schemes and trench play.
With a 4.0 GPA in the classroom and a championship pedigree on the field, TJ Rose-Alderson is positioning himself early as a name to know in the Class of 2030. As he continues to grow physically and refine his skill set, expect his production — and profile — to keep rising.
National Radar will be tracking his journey closely.