The Offensive Trenches Liberty Christian Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty Christian Academy is a private school located in the valley of the mountains of Lynchburg, Virginia. A Class 3 member of the <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/league/pDVsOKZW40-r-sZ0jzISzw/standings-seminole.htm">Seminole District</a>, LCA boasts some of the top recruits in Virginia. They are coming off an undefeated State Championship season in 2023 and are returning some key players in [player_tooltip player_id='1228323' first='Gideon' last='Davidson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1230214' first='James' last='Deyo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1234400' first='Justis' last='Belford'], [player_tooltip player_id='853895' first='Jayden' last='Cowart'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1234398' first='Dalton' last='Nesselrotte'], among many others. Of all the games I attended in 2023, LCA showed to be the most complete team in all three phases of the game in their <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/11/game-report-liberty-christian-academy-vs-rustburg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regional Semifinal matchup</a> versus district rival Rustburg. I have always believed that the game of football is won up front with the big boys on the offensive and defensive line. LCA has been a factory of top offensive linemen for the last number of seasons. In today's article, I would like to feature the big men they have up front on their offensive line. What impresses me is the versatility among the seven OLs I mention in today's article. LCA can mix and match who they play and have the depth to not lose a beat when the backups are called upon. Beyond that, they have two great Tight Ends who are effective blockers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LCA will open the season by hosting Class 4 State Runner up Salem on August 30 in what should be one of the best games this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Seniors (Class of '25)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of the best offensive linemen in the state of Virginia highlight LCA's senior class. [player_tooltip player_id='1228322' first='Easton' last='Ware'] has already committed to Clemson next fall, and [player_tooltip player_id='1231236' first='Ryan' last='Sissney'] has yet to make a commitment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228322"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a983d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Right Tackle for LCA will be a stable piece once again this year as he headlines LCA's offensive line. A dominant force in Gap, Zone, and Pass Pro, Easton is a top offensive line prospect in the nation. He is committed to Clemson next season and should be pushing for playing time early. He is no stranger to us and be sure to check out his profile for our previous coverage on Easton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16244941/Easton-Ware" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/ware_easton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231236"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a98433"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The starting Center for LCA, Ryan is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the state and was honored with 1st Team All-State recognition last fall. He is explosive off the line, engaging the defender quickly as he snaps the ball. Displays very good leg strength and drive in Gap blocks, opening the gap for the ball carrier. He displays the athleticism to get to the second level to seal off backers, and Reach block in Zone schemes. Trusted pass protector who can set the depth of the pocket. Good use of hands in all blocks, with good grip strength. He has a few offers and more will come for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15874418/Ryan-Sissney" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/RyanSissney77" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Juniors (Class of '26)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two transfers into LCA are notable for the Class of 2026 offensive linemen. Bodie has a chance to start, and Nicholas will likely find more contribution on the defensive line this fall but will be a solid piece if called upon for the offensive line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1318838"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a98471"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I became familiar with Bodie last season when I attended a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/09/game-report-smlca-ospreys-vs-st-annes-belfield-saints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smith Mountain Lake</a> game, where he was the starting Center. He has since transferred to LCA and is in line to play left tackle for the Bulldogs. He has spent the offseason transforming his body, and he is in great shape to be a dominant addition to LCA's already stacked offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18008141/Bodie-Aronson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/BodieAronson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nicholas Brooks","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"268","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Liberty Christian Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7edb36e6fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I began my preparation for this article, I asked a teammate for a name that I was missing and Nicholas' name quickly came up. A transfer from Gretna High School, Nicholas will be playing offensive and defensive line for LCA. He has very good size and frame and displays very good strength. He may not be on the starting offensive line this fall, but he will be able to provide reps at Guard if his name is called upon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18156915/Nicholas-Brooks?_gl=1*19lb0rk*_ga*MTY5NDMwNTU3LjE3MDAwNzg3NTI.*_ga_29LPHS2HWC*MTcyNDM3Njk2NS42NTEuMS4xNzI0Mzc3NTg4LjAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Future (Class of '27)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LCA boasts three players in the 12 offensive line in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2027 Rankings</a>. The future is bright, and we very well could see [player_tooltip player_id='1180950' first='Brady' last='Collins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1311655' first='Jaxon' last='Manning'] holding down the starting Guard roles this fall on the varsity team and weekly contribution from [player_tooltip player_id='1180525' first='Robert' last='Payne']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180950"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a984ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking reps at Left Guard in the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15756835/66c11d69a335415cab3b2982" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent scrimmage</a>, I expect we will see Brady as the starter for LCA this fall, and be the backup Center. I <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/trench-players-to-watch-for-the-virginia-class-of-2027/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously wrote</a> that he has very good upside due to his ability to block in both Gap and Zone schemes and sustain the blocks. If he does earn the starting role, I would not be shocked if he establishes himself as one of the best interior offensive linemen in central Virginia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15756835/Brady-Collins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/BradyCollins_90" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311655"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a984e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/players-you-need-to-know-heading-into-the-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously covered</a> Jaxon in an article and mentioned that he is versatile to play all five positions on the offensive line. This fall he will be playing Guard. He looked good in his recent <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19610649/66c2575b4e10491198d85a76" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scrimmage film</a> against Christiansburg, and he should be a feature on LCA's line this fall. We currently have him as the 9th-ranked offensive lineman in the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of '27</a>, but he is one who could raise his stock this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19610649/jaxon-manning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/Jaxon_Manning_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180525"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7d95a9851b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ranked as our #4 Offensive lineman in the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2027</a>, Robert has very good upside. I expect we will see him on the field this fall, but he will be in competition at the Offensive Tackle position, and he will be in line as a starter in junior and senior seasons. I really like him on the defensive line as well, so even if he is not starting, he will be contributing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17953657/Robert-Payne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/robertpayne2027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Tight Ends</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7edb36e806"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">JC is the best blocking TE in the class of 2025 and is a key piece to LCA's success. He can Gap and Zone block. He is a dependable receiver when called upon. Ranked inside the Top 200 in a loaded Class of 2025 in Virginia, JC is one of the best players in the state. Our rankings manager Vic Castillo wrote his evaluation of JC that you can view <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/04/six-virginia-2025s-receiving-high-grades-offense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15754491/JC-Beverly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/JCBeverly2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971513"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c7edb36e867"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A transfer from Madison Central High School in Kentucky, Austin will play Tight End, Full Back, and Defensive Line for LCA this fall. He has good height and size with a very good frame. He is a good blocker in line and as a Full Back. He shows ability as a receiver in the passing game with solid hands to secure the catch. In his recent <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17770077/66c0f39481327b50fd0e0afd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scrimmage highlights</a>, you see the versatility he will display this fall. Be sure to follow him this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17770077/Austin-Tremblay/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl</a> / <a href="https://x.com/AustinGTremblay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/prospect-index/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to claim your Prep Redzone Prospect Index profile.<br>Follow me on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GoLions1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@GoLions1934</a>&nbsp;for further content |&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneVA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzoneVA</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@PrepRedzone</a>&nbsp;| Virginia Scout&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/carljfred" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@carljfred</a></em>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<em>View my previous Prep Redzone articles&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/author/cole-laing-author/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->