By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented offensive linemen across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top offensive linemen to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other SEVEN football watch lists. In an effort to highlight as many players as possible, A PLAYER CAN ONLY APPEAR ON ONE LIST.
The football watch lists we will be releasing are: Quaterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
QUARTERBACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RUNNING BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
RECEIVERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
LINEBACKERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
DEFENSIVE BACKS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH – CLICK HERE
JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE
Talan Chandler, Nevada Junior
Nevada hit the jackpot with Chandler moving to town. He does have the prototypical length Power 5 programs are looking for, but his skillset is impressive. Chandler can play any spot along the line but projects as an interior linemen with a killer instinct. He was an All-Stater last year at Lutheran and will only make Nevada even more dynamic offensively.
Keegun Daniels, Logan-Rogersville Senior
The same things that make him a great basketball player also make him a standout on the offensive line. Daniels has long arms and good feet, which are great when he’s trying to keep his QB upright, but he can also get to the second level and be an extremely physical run blocker.
Ryan Davis, Lamar Senior
Lamar averaged 42 points per game last year, racking up 442 yards from scrimmage per game in the process, with the bulk of that coming on the ground. And Davis is one of their favorite guys to run behind. The All-Stater is just 5-foot-11, but his bowling ball 240-pound frame loves to meet opponents at the point of attack. He’ll again be a focal point of Lamar’s offensive attack, as he tries to help lead an inexperienced unit.
Dontrell Holt, Joplin Junior
Holt is arguably the highest-profile prospect in the Ozarks. At 6-foot-6 and weighing 290 pounds, Holt has the physical tools to be a future pro. He has the game as well, with great feet and hands. Power 5s are already flocking to Joplin to get a look. Iowa State, Eastern Michigan and Missouri State have offered and that list will only grow this fall.
Ethan Husmann, Aurora Senior
He’s the younger brother of Aurora alum Mason Husmann, who went to D1 ULM. Like big brother, Ethan plays both sides of the ball but his game offensively is impressive. He uses his athleticism to get to the second level quickly or get ahead of plays when pulling. He has loads of potential.
Dean Marcum, Republic Senior
Leverage is everything on the line and at standing at 6-feet, 260 pounds, Marcum has no shortage of it. He earned All-COC honors and was a standout on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he helped turn Republic’s run game into one of the area’s best. Defensively, he’s an absolute pest with positional versatility along the line.
Hunter Means, Mountain Grove Senior
Means would’ve been a fit on either side of the line. At 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, he’s a handful on both sides of the ball and has made his presence felt entering his fourth year as a starter. His physicality and toughness makes him the perfect SCA lineman, which is why he’s been a regular on postseason honors lists since his freshman year.
Azlen Metscher, Skyline Senior
On a list full of run-first ffenses, Metscher has earned his rep by becoming an elite pass protector. He has a great frame (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and long arms, as well as good feet, which make him the perfect offensive tackle. He was All-State on that side of the ball while also earning All-Area honors at defensive end.
Gabe Norton, Camdenton Senior
He’s the latest in what has been a rich tradition of hogs at Camdenton. Although, he’s not like the Camdenton bigs fans grew accustomed to in the 1990s and early 2000s. Norton still has those same great run blocking attributes of being physical and tough, but he also adds in the ability to be mobile, which helps in Camdenton’s revamped passing attack.
Blake Reynolds, Kickapoo Senior
Kickapoo will have one of the most explosive offenses in the OC and it’ll start inside with Reynolds. The All-Ozark Conference guard is solid in the passing game but a bulldozer when pulling for the run. He’s also one of the most physical players on this list and finishes blocks ferociously.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Carter Baslee, Neosho Senior
Ryan Christopher, Buffalo Senior
Danen Conrad, Lebanon Junior
Garrett Davidson, Nixa Senior
Kegan Evans, Ava Senior
Jacob Gravener, Seneca Senior
Peyton Greer, Ozark Senior
Derrick Hicks, Willard Senior
Skylur Mashek, Nevada Senior
Drew Musche, Carthage Senior
Canaan Rutledge, Stockton Junior
Tracen Tate, Hillcrest Senior
Christian Tidwell, Cassville
