Class of 2026: Top Offensive Linemen in WNY – Part 1
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Ranking the best Offensive Linemen in any area can be difficult as each team starts 5 Offensive Linemen every game. I am going to break up my series of Top Offensive Linemen into 2 sections. Here is the first part…
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Continue ReadingRanking the best Offensive Linemen in any area can be difficult as each team starts 5 Offensive Linemen every game. I am going to break up my series of Top Offensive Linemen into 2 sections. Here is the first part series of the top Offensive Linemen in Western New York entering their Junior season. Some of them are two-way starters so their future may lie on the defensive side of the ball.
Gavin McWhirter Gavin McWhirter 5’10” | 280 lbs | OL Orchard Park | 2026 State NY is a massive presence on the interior line. As Orchard Park’s starting Center in his sophomore season, Gavin displayed aggressiveness and great footwork with phenomenal hand technique. He is excellent at pushing defenders around and run blocks with tenacity. McWhirter has a great first step and reach blocks very well. He did play as a part-time Defensive Tackle but his future is on the O Line.
Kaius Mattoon
Kaius Mattoon
Kaius Mattoon proved to be varsity ready in 2023. Clarence’s starting Right Guard, Mattoon displays endurance, speed, and agility. He shuffles well and has good footwork. Kaius blocks to the whistle and is extremely physical at the point of attack. He has a mean streak when he plays, a trait necessary at this position.
Kurt Stevens
Kurt Stevens
Lackawanna’s Running Backs found plenty of room to run behind Left Guard, Kurt Stevens. Stevens is a fantastic puller and hits with force, often times manhandling his opponent. He is an excellent down blocker and has the size to compete at a high level. Kurt does have experience on the D Line throughout his time as a player so depending how he is used in the next two seasons, he should be getting collegiate recognition at either side of the ball.
Last season was McCann’s first year on varsity and while a lot of attention was on their Power 5 Left Tackle recruit, Tim held down the right side with his awareness and good hand placement. He has quick feet and a great kick step in pass protection. Tim McCann Tim McCann ATH St. Francis | 2026 NY is still a pretty raw talent but as a 6’3 260 lb sophomore, sky is the limit for him.
Ivan Pusloskie Ivan Pusloskie 6’0″ | 240 lbs | OL Clarence | 2026 State NY has solid hand technique but his leg power and ability to drive the opposition off the ball is what impresses the most. As a Right Tackle, he works well with his fellow Right Guard on double teams and continues to the second level. This young athlete lives in the trenches and should be a highly touted junior in 2024.
Clarence started three Sophomores on the O Line last season and Talon Engasser Talon Engasser 6’1″ | 270 lbs | OL Clarence | 2026 State NY was their Left Tackle; the one seen as the pass protector. Engasser has a big frame that dominates the front line of the defense. He sets up HB screens well and has the awareness and speed to take on the Linebacker. Talon’s footwork is exceptional. He also possesses the grit and determination to finish his blocks.