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: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers/Tight Ends, Offensive Linemen, Defensive Linemen, Linebackers, Defensive Backs and Breakout Players.
Offensive Linemen to Watch
Gavin Beachner, Carl Junction
He may not be a name you’re familiar with yet, but that’ll change this year. At 6-foot-6, 300 pound, Beachner has some big-time physical tools. He started the majority of his sophomore season and graded out as one of CJ’s top players. Long arms and a great punch will have college coaches drooling for the next two years.
Jackson Cantwell, Nixa
At this point, you know everything there is to know about Jackson Cantwell. He’s the best athlete in the state of Missouri, and the fact he can move the way that he does at his size is crazy. He could be someone that goes from Fridays to Saturdays to Sundays as a 5-star tackle prospect, or he could find himself in the 2028 Olympics. Maybe both. There’s no shortage to what he can accomplish on the field or as a thrower. We throw around the phrase freak of nature often, this kid is an absolute unicorn.
Zach Gookin, Hillcrest
Most linemen are looking to add weight but Gookin was trying to cut it. And he did, roughly 75 pounds of it which has the senior tackle more mobile than ever before. As a junior, he just physically overwhelmed opponents, now he’s improved his foot speed and footwork which should make him even more impactful.
Ryder Johnson, Ava
Ava keeps monsters in the trenches and Johnson is the latest two-way stud for the Bears. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds he’s a physically-imposing force that is fantastic at paving lanes for Hunter Adams and company to run through.
Parker Kiebach, Kickapoo
Just a junior, Kiebach is quickly becoming one of the top line prospects in the Ozarks. At 6-foot-4 he has the length and athleticism to play just about anywhere along the offensive or defensive line, but has really found a home at right tackle and has already landed on several college radars.
Jacob Lile, Nixa
He doesn’t get the amount of love he deserves, but Lile is quickly becoming one of the top interior offensive lineman prospects in the 2025 class. He’s a 6-foot-3, 290-pound guard that has the versatility to play anywhere. Lile picked up several offers this summer and should see D1s come calling this fall.
Owen McCullah, Bolivar
What he lacks in height, he makes up for with agility and leverage. McCullah is just 5-foot-10 but is great at getting to the second level as well as pulling. He’s strong as an ox and plays with a mean streak as well. He’s a large reason why Trenton Patke was a top-10 rusher in the area last year.
Angel Quezada, Marionville
If you line up across from No. 56 at Marionville and see face paint everywhere, just know it’s about to be a long night. He’s extremely quick off the ball and packs a ton of punch when he gets his hands on defenders. He’s also one of the best finishers in the Ozarks; if he gets two hands on a guy, they’re going to end up on their back.
Jace Renfro, Seneca
Seneca made a deep postseason run with Renfro shouldering an impressive load in the trenches. He can play on either side of the ball, but he’s just a great athlete which makes him a great lineman. Renfro is an all-stater in football and wrestling, while also holding Seneca’s shot put record. That explosiveness and physicality makes him dangerous at the point of attack.
Logan Smith, Ozark
Affectionately known as “Big Country”, Smith has grown into one of the top interior lineman products in the area, already earning an offer from SBU. A torn ACL ended his junior season, but now that he’s healthy and with some additional muscle added to his frame, expect Smith to have a great season upfront.
Isaac Yust, Joplin
Continuing the junior theme, Yust is yet another prospect that saw major reps as a sophomore. Unlike many on this list, his strength is his mobility and technique. He’s athletic enough to get to the second level on blocks from either a center or guard spot. Yust is a high IQ lineman with a bright future.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Brandon Garner-Sims, Stockton
Peyton Guccione, Clever
Andrew Neer, Hillcrest
Lucas Parris, Rogersville
Porter Reed, Monett
Peyton Reynolds, West Plains
Bryce Rinker, Mount Vernon
Luke Transeau, Branson
Jerrett Walls, Forsyth
Kyle Wilking, Waynesville
Cam Williams, Nevada
