2025: Elite Offensive Lineman
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Only one position group in our class of 2025 rankings has five players ranked inside the top 15, and it’s the offensive line. These six players are all outstanding at both pass pro and run blocking. Ben Howard Ben Howard…
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Continue ReadingOnly one position group in our class of 2025 rankings has five players ranked inside the top 15, and it’s the offensive line. These six players are all outstanding at both pass pro and run blocking.
Ben Howard Ben Howard 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL Skyridge | 2025 State UT || OL || 6’4 || 280 || Skyridge High School || 2025
Howard is our top-ranked player in the class of 2025. He’s a dominant blindside protector who helped the Falcons win the 2022 state championship. Howard may have only been a sophomore last year, but he routinely dominated his matchups with some of the state’s top defensive ends. He’s an exceptional athlete who can get out in space and take out defensive backs to spring big plays. In pass protection, Howard’s technique is outstanding, and he does a great job cutting off pass rushers with his feet. As a run blocker, he levels whoever’s lined up across from him. With how dominant Howard was in 2022, the sky’s the limit for what he can achieve in the next two years.
Alai Kalaniuvalu || OL || 6’4 || 285 || Timpview High School || 2025
The Thunderbirds were fortunate to have two outstanding tackles in 2022, and luckily for them, Kalaniuvalu was just a sophomore. He never quits on a play and excels at reach blocking. In addition, Kalaniuvalu impresses with elite athleticism and strength. When pulling, he stays tight to the line and maintains a good pad level. He never stops his feet on contract and can drive defensive linemen five to ten yards off the ball. Kalaniuvalu excelled at keeping the blindsides of Thunderbirds quarterbacks clean, with his impressive arm length helping him keep pass rushers at bay. He’s our second-ranked player in the class of 2025 and will be one of the state’s best players this fall.
Aaron Dunn Aaron Dunn 6'8" | 285 lbs | OL Spanish Fork | 2025 State UT || OL || 6’8 || 285 || Spanish Fork High School || 2025
Dunn is a dominant force at tackle. His imposing frame allows him to overpower defensive linemen off the snap. Dunn excels at widening holes and completely removing defensive linemen from the play. He does a good job working up to the second level and can quickly move his feet to cut-off linebackers. Dunn fires off the snap low and does a good job maintaining leverage during the duration of each play. In addition, he isn’t fazed by bull rushes and keeps a good base in his pass sets. Dunn is also a good puller, and defenders everywhere best look out when he gets out in space defenders.
Zion Finau Zion Finau 6'2" | 300 lbs | OL Corner Canyon | 2025 State UT || OL || 6’2 || 300 || Corner Canyon High School || 2025
Finau cracked our top 10 players in the class of 2025 due to his ability to move hulking defensive linemen against their will play after play. He was a member of one of the state’s top offensive lines and helped Chargers reach the state championship game. Finau plays with a tenacity matched by few players in the state regardless of potion. He does a great job working with his teammates on double teams and comes off at just the right time to level linebackers. In addition, he’s a fluid athlete who gives his all each snap. Finau loves to rack up pancakes and does a great job executing his assignment each play.
Darius Afalava Darius Afalava 6'5" | 320 lbs | OL Skyridge | 2025 State UT || OL || 6’5 || 280 || Skyridge High School || 2025
Afalava manned the right side for the 2022 state-champion Falcons and was outstanding all year. He does a great job winning his one on one battle off the snap and can create massive holes. Afalava plays with a good anchor and doesn’t let edge defenders beat him to the outside. He has a great initial punch and long arms that help him keep defensive linemen from getting into his chest. In addition, he’s a good athlete who can throw big blocks downfield. Afalava never stops his feet before the whistle and can be counted on to move men in short-yardage situations.
Paxton Naegle Paxton Naegle 6'5" | 230 lbs | OL Corner Canyon | 2025 State UT || OL || 6’4 || 230 || Corner Canyon High School || 2025
It’s not easy to start as a Sophomore, but Naegle sure made it look that way in 2022. He excels at making plays in space to help his teammates grind out big plays. Naegle can decimate defenses when pulling or getting out in the screen game. He takes excellent angles when locked in on his intended target and does a good job breaking down before taking them down. Naegle’s speed for his size is remarkable, and it helps him make play 15-plus yards downfield. Naegle is aggressive off the snap and clearly doesn’t skip leg day based on his ability to get movement up front.