Class of 2025: Rating the Offensive Linemen

In all phases of football, there's plenty of positives about the offensive linemen in the Class of 2025.   Looking for size and athleticism, take your pick with nearly 20 players measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 275 or more pounds. There are the linemen who are versatile enough to play at guard, tackle and even center and those who may lack size, but possess near-perfect blocking techniques and on-field intellect.   Some have participated in the Carolina Coaching Combines held in South Carolina the past two months and even earned awards for their performances in the individual and position drills. So, they have also demonstrated a desire for competition which will further attract college interest.   As the regular season progresses, look for other senior linemen to look to move up in the rankings.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Five Breakdown</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='762756' first='Kendall' last='Walton'] Lamar   The 6-foot-5, 290-pound rising senior (pictured) has impressed at the multiple combines with his speed. On two occasions, he's been clocked at running 19.13 miles per hour. On the field, he's a force at left tackle both in sparking the running game and providing protection for the quarterback. Even more impressive is Walton's football IQ. According to head coach Stephen Burriss, his keen understanding of the game matches his commanding presence and leadership skills which have propelled the Silver Foxes the past two seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157815' first='Kevin' last='Peay'] Lancaster   Whether it's at guard or tackle, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Bruin knows how to utilize his size. He's often used as the lead blocker on a sweep and blows over anyone within his path. Lining up alongside another Top Five linemen Shedrick Sarrett (Gaffney), Peay was a starter on a West offensive line which produced 437 yards at the High School Blitz Junior All-Star game.     [player_tooltip player_id='797158' first='Shedrick' last='Sarratt'] Gaffney   The 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle continues to attract attention both for his physical efforts on the field and in during workouts. He most recently won MVP honors at the Carolina Coaching Combine in Spartanburg. Using his size and overall athleticism has worked well for Sarrett. As he further develops his technique, the Indians will look to enjoy the fruits of his improvement.   [player_tooltip player_id='346190' first='Bryce' last='Lawhon'] Ashley Ridge   The Swamp Foxes have a luxury in the 6-foot-6, 350-pound rising senior. Versatile and dominant on both sides of the football, Lawhon can protect his quarterback with near ease at guard while providing pressure on the opposition. Even in Class 5A, his prodigious size sometimes requires two players to take him on.    [player_tooltip player_id='272706' first='Garris' last='Chambers'] Silver Bluff   The Bulldogs may have changed head coaches, but still maintain one of their staples upfront in Chambers. At 5-foot-11 and 260 pounds, any questions about his size for the position are dismissed when seeing him play the game with a high level of edge and intensity. A three-year letterman who made his first start in the 2021 Class 2A championship game against Gray Collegiate, he plays with equal effectiveness at tackle, guard and center. Last season, he graded out 91 percent and posted 18 knockdown blocks. Opponents also found it difficult going through Chambers to reach the quarterback.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ten Rising Stars</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='790770' first='Christian' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1249848' first='Daniel' last='McCaskill'] Lugoff-Elgin   The Demons' tandem provide size and an intimidating presence upfront. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Smith exhibits more speed and footwork whether he's used at tackle or guard. He also had a strong showing at the Carolina Coaches Combine where he held his own against bigger linemen.  The 6-foot-5, 280-pound McCaskill in power-personified as seen by his weightlifting numbers (500-pound deadlift and squats 375 pounds). McCaskill is also utilized at defensive end where he also overwhelms defenders mostly utilizing his strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012842' first='Josh' last='Benson'] Dutch Fork   As one of the tallest linemen on the defending Class 5A champions, the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Benson received immediate attention in his first season at the varsity level. Like the Silver Foxes, he got off to a slow start before showing improvement on a weekly basis. As the line play improved, so did Dutch Fork's offensive production. As one of the seniors returning, Benson will now look to show his leadership and growth as a player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249841' first='Garrett' last='Simpson'] Walhalla   At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Simpson presents a major problem at the Class 3A level. It's made it easier to draw attention to his play at center where his blocking serves as a catalyst to Walhalla's offense. In film, he holds a significant size advantage against smaller defenders. A breakout season by the Razorbacks could bring additional attention towards Simpson.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253895' first='Evan' last='Wilder'] Hilton Head   The 6-foot-3, 285-pound rising senior was among the high risers in the Class of 2025. Opening holes for 1,000-plus rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1013024' first='Troy' last='Timko'] brought attention toward Wilder. As he continues to get stronger in the weight room and develop a “mean streak” on the field, look for him to move up further in the rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253897' first='Christian' last='Huynh'] Carolina Forest   The 6-foot-3, 275-pound two-sport athlete combines strength and mobility from the offensive end. His play upfront helped the Panthers average over 31 points a game and go undefeated in Region VI-5A. He displayed both of his strengths during the Carolina Coaches Combine at West Florence High School where he performed 25 reps, ran a 5.24 in the 40-yard dash and was measured with a 79-inch wingspan.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253910' first='Isaiah' last='Evans'] Whale Branch   Upon first glance, one would have to guess why the 6-foot-7, 320-pound center as somewhat overlooked until recently. This was a comeback season for Evans as he sat out the 2022 season with an injury. He came back with a vengeance for the Warriors as few teams should match up a single player to defend him. Another full, healthy season and Evans could find himself on the same collegiate path as another Whale Branch alumnus Xavier Chaplin.   [player_tooltip player_id='1054250' first='Victor' last='Goree'] South Pointe   The 6-foot-2, 265-pound rising senior has already received interest from Charlotte. Whether playing on offense or defense, Goree charges out of his stance in a fierce, aggressive manner. He's often seen on film knocking the opponent in front of him to the ground. His versatility in playing almost every line position has proven valuable to the Stallions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254103' first='Trey' last='Moon'] Mauldin   Despite a winless season, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Moon was one of the few bright spots for the Mavericks. In fact, he was selected to the All-Region team as a junior as the level of play he put forth at the position was very noticeable. His performance at the Carolina Coaches Combine in Spartanburg attracted even more eyeballs. If his team shows any improvement and Moon maintains his level of play, look for his stock to rise further.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254118' first='Daniel' last='Dounian'] West Ashley   While smaller in frame in comparison to his contemporaries, the 6-0, 230-pound Dounian more than holds his own at the guard position. His determination and tenacity in approaching his blocking assignments comes through in film. He also displayed upper body strength at the Carolina Coaches Combine when he performed 25 reps.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five Dark Horse Stars </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='851128' first='Nathan' last='Gilley'] Chapin   The 6-foot-1, 250-pound rising senior began to earn attention for himself in the midway part of the regular season. A connection with the success of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='272715' first='Brady' last='Albro'] can be made with the offensive line's consistency during a winning stretch for the Eagles. Playing both at guard and tackle, Gilley is a relentless blocker from start to finish, often blocking even as the ball carrier is beyond his sight. Even with a coaching transition, Gilley competes for a program known for developing offensive linemen to the college level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157891' first='Jayden' last='Granger'] South Florence   The Bruins' winning ways the past two seasons can be traced to their high-powered offense. One can point to the likes of quarterback LaNorris Sellers and running back [player_tooltip player_id='272722' first='Zion' last='Gilbert'] for that success. A closer look shows a cohesive, formidable offensive line led by the 6-foot-6, 280-pounder at tackle. Granger has a tall, lead build backed by powerful legs and arms which allows him to plow over defenders. He couples his strength with speed (5.13 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and flexibility for a player his size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157979' first='Ryan' last='Love'] Irmo   Snapping the ball to All-State quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='272713' first='AJ' last='Brand'] is bound to draw attention. It's especially true when your efforts help produce over 6,500 total yards of offense and an undefeated regular season. This is the case for the 6-foot-2, 275-pound Love, who's bound to receive additional attention as he fills the leadership role from departed All-State lineman [player_tooltip player_id='996935' first='Bryant' last='Ham']. From his field vision, to his commitment to finishing plays and the methodical approach he takes towards blocking assignments, Love is someone whose who should more “love” from scouts in the upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='809750' first='Landon' last='Greene'] Dorman   The 6-foot-2, 330-pound Cavalier is a 3-year starter but started to receive attention during his junior season. He showed an ability to play both guard and center and finished with 28 pancake blocks. According to head coach Jake Morris, he has increased on every max in the weight room and should show improved, quicker movement after losing weight in the offseason. Even with the weight loss, his size enables him to fill spaces quickly and to overwhelm smaller defenders. With the arrival of former Wofford standout Dane Romero to work with the offense, look for Greene to gain even more recognition.   [player_tooltip player_id='459924' first='JacQari' last='Witherspoon'] North Myrtle Beach   At 6 feet and 303 pounds, the three-year starter has developed into a mainstay on the Chiefs' offensive line. Whether at guard or tackle, Witherspoon has a quick burst off the line of scrimmage and takes on his blocking assignment with great enthusiasm. His best showing at the Carolina Coaches Combine in West Florence was the 23 reps he completed during the bench drill.    DRIVING THE BUS   Given the high level of skilled players in the respective grade classes, this year's crop of offensive linemen serve as the catalyst of making those offensive machines run. All of the attractive physical attributes are there as well as the football knowledge of understanding their role in implementing gameplans. Overall, this is a talented group with players who can immediately fill needs at certain colleges.

In all phases of football, there's plenty of positives about the offensive linemen in the Class of 2025.