2024 Look Ahead: 10 More Offensive Linemen To Watch (Part 3)
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How important is the offensive line? In Round 1 of the just completed NFL Draft, NINE O-Linemen were chosen. Yet, the O-Line remains arguably the most underappreciated position in football, largely because they never have the ball in their hands.…
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Continue ReadingHow important is the offensive line? In Round 1 of the just completed NFL Draft, NINE O-Linemen were chosen. Yet, the O-Line remains arguably the most underappreciated position in football, largely because they never have the ball in their hands. In Part 3 of a series, here are 10 More Offensive Linemen To Watch In New Mexico for 2024:
Landon Casalino Landon Casalino 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Manzano | 2026 State NM , Manzano: The Monarchs could potentially be pretty good in the trenches and Casalino, a rising junior, is a key reason why. He’s 6-foot-5, 258 pounds and will likely start at left tackle for Manzano.
Nicolas Dodge, Kirtland Central: Listed at 6-foot-4, 296 pounds, Dodge is a mountain of a man. But he can move his feet and overpower rushing defensive linemen with his hands and strength. Earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in 2023.
Riley Mendez Riley Mendez 5'10" | 200 lbs | OL Las Cruces | 2025 State NM , Las Cruces: Mendez earned Second-Team All-State honors as a junior in 2023. He’s expected to start at guard again for the Bulldawgs, and will be one of four returning starters for a potentially explosive Las Cruces offense.
Chase Nelson Chase Nelson 6'0" | 260 lbs | OL St. Pius X | 2027 NM , St. Pius X: The 6-foot-0, 260-pound Nelson was impressive at the Prep Redzone Combine at Grants High School two weeks ago, especially considering he’s still a freshman at St. Pius X. He’ll anchor the Sartans’ O-Line in 2024, and probably for the next two seasons after that.
Thomas Rivera Thomas Rivera 6'3" | 250 lbs | OL Volcano Vista | 2025 State NM , Volcano Vista: The Hawks have a tradition of producing solid offensive line prospects ( Zachary Markham Zachary Markham 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Volcano Vista | 2024 State NM signed with CSU-Pueblo in February) and the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Rivera could be the next one.
Abraham Santana Abraham Santana OL Bloomfield | 2025 State NM , Bloomfield: Santana earned First-Team All-State honors for the Bobcats in 2023. He’ll be one of the best offensive linemen in the Four Corners this season.
Vicente Shiflett Vicente Shiflett 6'0" | 245 lbs | OL Belen | 2025 State NM , Belen: The 6-foot-1, 275-pound Shiflett was a Second Team All-State OL for the Eagles last season. He plays left tackle for Belen and should draw college interest this fall.
Taye Silversmith Taye Silversmith 6'1" | 245 lbs | DL Miyamura | 2026 State NM , Miyamura: Silversmith was the most impressive offensive lineman at the recent Prep Redzone Combine in Grants, earning MVP honors. He’s a rising junior but with a 6-foot-1, 245-pound frame. He plays both sides of the ball for the Patriots but his calling card at the next level could be the O-Line.
Ron Thomas, Rio Rancho: Again, the Rio Rancho O-Line is going to be deep, talented and experienced this fall with Thomas at guard. He earned Second-Team, All-State honors in 2023.
Matais Zah-Pena Matais Zah-Pena 6'3" | 265 lbs | OL Aztec | 2025 State NM , Aztec: Zah-Pena’s size (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) is impressive along with his skill. He earned Honorable Mention All-State honors in 2023 for an Aztec team that finished 7-5 overall and reached the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs.