2025 Linemen on the Rise
Nevada’s 2025 class is loaded in the trenches. Unfortunately, this has caused some talented prospects up front to fall through the cracks. Whether a first-year or returning varsity blocker, these six sophomores showed collegiate talent during Friday nights last fall.…
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Continue ReadingNevada’s 2025 class is loaded in the trenches. Unfortunately, this has caused some talented prospects up front to fall through the cracks. Whether a first-year or returning varsity blocker, these six sophomores showed collegiate talent during Friday nights last fall. Below, I highlight why these specific linemen are set to be high risers in Nevada’s 2025 class.
Matthew Harrington Matthew Harrington 6’3″ | 280 lbs | OL Bishop Manogue | 2025 State NV is one of several talented young linemen for Bishop Manogue. With other teammates next to him receiving attention in the region, don’t be the one to make the mistake of sleeping on Matthew. Watch for the center’s recruitment to pick up steam before his junior season ends.
Matt’s flexible base and lateral quickness shows sliding to stay in front of defensive linemen in pass protection. Good power shows stunning pass rushers with one punch in protection. Next level athleticism gets displayed snapping, pulling, then sustaining blocks on linebackers during outside runs.
Andres Villanueva
Andres Villanueva
Andres Villeanueva quietly had a solid sophomore year as a first-year varsity player for Damonte Ranch. I am glad he has been invited to a game-day visit at the University of Nevada, but it surprises me Dre has not received more regional attention. Expect the good-sized iOL prospect’s recruitment to heat up before his junior season has concluded.
Andres’ power and explosiveness shows removing interior defenders from the line of scrimmage when asked to down block. Coaches love seeing Andres’ size & strength combine with good leg drive and an attitude in his finish. Flashes of quickness and good balance get displayed when Andres gains lateral leverage on defenders in the run game.
Gabe Gough
Gabe Gough
Gabe Gough is a talented interior line prospect out of Las Vegas. Gabe has visited BYU, Utah, and Weber State. Gabe has also been invited to camps at Auburn and Yale this offseason, so expect his recruitment to keep building before his junior season gets here.
Gabe’s next level strength shows in an anchor that stones pass rushers. A good latch and physicality shows in Gabe’s finish as a pass protector that leaves defensive linemen on their backs. Coaches like seeing Gabe’s combination of football IQ and flexibility get displayed when he quickly picks up stunts as an interior pass blocker.
Jackson Ramsey Jackson Ramsey 6’3″ | 270 lbs | OL Bishop Manogue | 2025 State NV started at tackle for Bishop Manogue as a sophomore. Although I expect him to switch positions in college, Jackson’s experience will bring versatility to the next level. Expect Jackson to be one of the breakout stars in northern Nevada this fall.
Jackson’s high football IQ shows correctly picking up stunts in the run game and pass protection. Good power and flexiblity shows in Jackson’s well-leveraged drive blocks. Jackson shows good iOL potential with strength and competitiveness in the run game. However, good length and quick feet in pass protection highlight Jackson’s potential to be a well-developed, complete prospect before his junior season is finished.
Daniel Boyd Daniel Boyd 6’4″ | 300 lbs | OL Arbor View | 2025 State NV is a heavyweight wrestler who holds a football scholarship from UNLV. Daniel has visited Washington, Georgia, and Oklahoma. He attended camps at USC & UCLA this past weekend and also intends to camp at Oregon & NAU this month. Look for Daniel to receive more offers outside of Nevada before 2024 gets here.
Daniel shows good power in his punch, while next level strength and physicality shows in his sustain ability and nasty finish. Good flexibility and quick feet show mirroring pass rushers who fail to beat Daniel with speed. Good size, bend, strength, and reactive athleticism give Daniel value as a versatile blocker in college.
Highlights
Mataio Aiono Mataio Aiono 6’3″ | 255 lbs | DL Reed | 2025 State NV is a good-sized iOL prospect out of Reed High School. Mataio has visited the Univeristy of Nevada and met with coaches from San Diego State. Look for the versatile lineman to be one of the fastest rising OL recruits in his class before the 2023 season ends.
Mataio shows next level acceleration and quickness when pulling or exploding off the ball as a drive blocker. Mataio’s good power shows when he makes contact with bad leverage, but still flattens defenders with one punch. Coaches like seeing Mataio’s balance, speed, and flexibility that allows him to easily square up linebackers in space. Quick feet, a solid base, and a strong punch highlight Mataio’s pass blocking potential at the next level.