Rising Stars: 2025 Offensive Line
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New Jersey is filled with talent for the 2025 class of offensive linemen. It’s truly amazing to see how many younger athletes are getting varsity time in the state, especially for offensive linemen. We have sophomores on this list that…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey is filled with talent for the 2025 class of offensive linemen. It’s truly amazing to see how many younger athletes are getting varsity time in the state, especially for offensive linemen. We have sophomores on this list that already have the size needed to play a massive role at some of the best programs. Luckily for us, the list is composed of a diverse bunch, and at least one player to represent each position (tackle, guard, center).
First on the list is one of the most college ready sophomore tackles you’ll ever come across. The size is already there. Standing at 6’7″ and 295lb, Ja’elyne Matthews Ja’elyne Matthews 6’6″ | 300 lbs | OL Toms River North | 2025 State NJ is D1 bound, as he has already committed to Penn State.
Ja’elyne makes everything look easy. He creates running lanes with ease, and consistently throws defenders around. His defensive play is just as impressive as what he can do on offense. I’m sure some of his success on offensive stems from understanding what it is like to be an elite defender. Playing for Toms River North, it’s hard to believe Ja’elyne has two more years of high school ball and isn’t going straight to Happy Valley.
Playing tackle at Woodbridge, Jancarlos Mena Jancarlos Mena 6’4″ | 285 lbs | OL Woodbridge | 2025 State NJ is the type of linemen you see block all the way until he hears the whistle. With a powerful punch of the hands, JC is able to extend his arms and drive defenders into the ground. His run game tape is great. There are countless examples of JC swinging his hips around to create gaps for the backs to run through. There is a lot of quality film where he displays great run blocking. However, he doesn’t have a ton of highlights in pass protection. From what there is, JC shows great lateral quickness and the ability to fend off rushers. I’m sure with time those highlight tapes will get longer and longer for him, showing he’s an all around great tackle.
Samuel Ray Henry Samuel Ray Henry 6’2″ | 280 lbs | OL Summit | 2025 State NJ is the first true guard on this list. Playing both left and right guard for Summit, he was obviously utilized in a way to get the most out of all of his skills. Samuel is not the type of player you’ll see get stood up by a defender. In run blocking, he stays very low and keeps his legs churning until the play is over. He moves onto the second level very quickly, and it will be good to see what he can do as puts more size on these next two seasons.
Highlights
The third and final tackle we have on this list is Nick Monteleone Nick Monteleone 6’3″ | 275 lbs | OL Manalapan | 2025 State NJ from Manalapan, New Jersey. Nick’s pass protection really stands out the most. As a sophomore, he did a great job maintaining the pocket, giving his QB enough time to get the pass off. You won’t find any examples of a pass rusher running around him to take the QB down. What’s great about Nick’s film is you’ll see time and time again his ability to handle defenders bigger than himself. However, I don’t see this being much of a problem the rest of his high school career as he will surely put on more size. There are a lot of exciting things to look forward to for this young lineman.
Ronald Thorn Ronald Thorn 5’8″ | 190 lbs | OL Point Pleasant | 2025 State NJ is the final lineman on this last, and also our first center. Ronnie played a very important role for Point Pleasant in 2022, being the centerpiece for a very experienced line. Though Ronnie is one of the smaller lineman on this list, he utilizes that to his advantage by being extremely quick. He is the type of lineman you’ll see run down the field nearly stride to stride with the ball carrier. Don’t be fooled by his size though, he was able to hold his own in 2022. And as mentioned with the previous two athletes, Ronnie will only get better and bigger with time. He will play a central role in his team’s success for years to come.