Position Breakdown: Top 2024 offensive linemen for 2023 season
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Most of the top 2024 offensive line prospects in New Mexico share common traits – they’re big, agile, mobile, aggressive and fundamentally sound. Here are the top 10 O-Line prospects for the rising senior class: Jasiah Baca Jasiah Baca 6'0"…
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Continue ReadingMost of the top 2024 offensive line prospects in New Mexico share common traits – they’re big, agile, mobile, aggressive and fundamentally sound. Here are the top 10 O-Line prospects for the rising senior class:
Jasiah Baca Jasiah Baca 6'0" | 285 lbs | OL Los Lunas | 2024 State NM , Los Lunas: Not only is Baca the best 2024 center in the state, he’s our No. 1 offensive lineman overall. Baca earned Second-Team All-State, First Team All District and First Team All-Metro Honors after a solid junior campaign. What does he need now? College offers.
TJ McCarthy TJ McCarthy 6'4" | 295 lbs | OL Albuquerque | 2024 State NM , Albuquerque High: When you stand next to McCarthy, the first thing that stands out is his massive size. He’s conservatively listed at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. But here’s the thing – he can move. Eastern New Mexico coaches were impressed at last June’s camp in Albuquerque. The University of Jamestown in North Dakota has expressed interest but we’re sure the in-state schools will get involved once camp season begins in late spring.
Aidan Thomas Aidan Thomas 6'5" | 260 lbs | OL St. Pius X | 2024 State NM , St. Pius X: Thomas is one of the top two-way players in the Albuquerque Metro Region. In addition to being a fantastic offensive lineman, he’s also a great defensive lineman. In 2022 he had 42 tackles, 4 TFL and 2 forced fumbles.
Zachary Markham Zachary Markham 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM , Volcano Vista: Volcano Vista produces plenty of college level talent, and Markham should be one of the most pursued Hawks in the 2024 class. He’s 6-foot-3, 270 pounds and plays on both lines. University of Jamestown in North Dakota has expressed interest.
Victor Montiel Victor Montiel 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Gadsden | 2024 State NM , Gadsden: We first saw Montiel at Gadsden’s first round playoff game at Los Alamos last November. Yeah, we were impressed. He’s big and tall (6-6) with plenty of room to grow on his lengthy frame. After reaching the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs last fall, hopes are high at Gadsden for 2023. Montiel is a big – literally – reason for the optimism.
Joshua Ray Joshua Ray 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Hobbs | 2024 State NM , Hobbs: The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Ray jumped onto our radar with an impressive performance at the Elite 150 Combine at 8Grady’s Complex in Albuquerque last June. He went on to have a great season, earning First-Team All-District and Second Team-All State honors. He should attract the attention of college recruiters during camps this summer.
Ben Linfoot Ben Linfoot 5'9" | 220 lbs | OL Cleveland | 2024 State NM , Cleveland: Is Linfoot the next great offensive lineman at Cleveland? If you follow Linfoot on Twitter – and I suggest you do – you’re well aware of his exploits in the weight room. Linfoot is incredibly strong for somebody going into their junior year of high school. Per his latest numbers, Linfoot squats 530 pounds, benches 335 and lifts 285 pounds on the hang clean. He’ll maul opponents this season.
Jacob Baca Jacob Baca 6'3" | 160 lbs | LB St. Pius X | 2023 State NM , Hope Christian: Baca will be one of the top offensive lineman in Class 3A this coming season. He’s another outstanding two-way player with 33 pancake blocks as a junior in 2022. Ottawa University Arizona offered Baca soon after a camp in Albuquerque late last month. New Mexico Highlands has expressed interest with a Junior Day invitation.
Carson Armstrong Carson Armstrong 5'10" | 185 lbs | OL La Cueva | 2024 State NM La Cueva: Listed at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Armstrong’s biggest asset is, like Ben Linfoot Ben Linfoot 5'9" | 220 lbs | OL Cleveland | 2024 State NM , his strength. At a recent meet, he lifted 475 pounds on a strapless deadlift. He squats 420 pounds. He usually lined up at guard for La Cueva last season as a junior. Plenty of room for growth and development.
Julian Montano Julian Montano 6'2" | 190 lbs | OL Centennial | 2024 State NM , Centennial: The Hawks had one of the best rushing attacks in the state last season. In order to achieve that, you must have a very good offensive line. Montano plays both sides of the ball, and was All-District for his D-Line prowess.
HONORABLE MENTION: D’Mario Gallegos D’Mario Gallegos 6'0" | 200 lbs | OL Robertson | 2024 State NM (Robertson); Andrew Rightly (Valencia); Cesar Jimenez Cesar Jimenez 6'1" | 210 lbs | OL Cobre | 2024 State NM (Cobre); Oscar Mascarenas Oscar Mascarenas 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL Hobbs | 2024 State NM (Hobbs); Jaylen Ignacio Jaylen Ignacio 6'0" | 235 lbs | OL Aztec | 2024 State NM (Aztec).