Class 5A Senior OL Watchlist for 2025

We continue our venture toward finding the top players battling on the trenches throughout Minnesota by checking down to Class 5A which boasts an outstanding group of blockers that have been controlling the front and opening paths for their offense to put up big numbers throughout the 2024 season. We take a look at 8 of the top impending senior offensive linemen in Class 5A MN to watch in 2025!    One of the best overall players among the Class of 2025 in Minnesota, [player_tooltip player_id='490046' first='Owen' last='Linder'] announced his verbal commitment to Iowa back in January, but he still has another year to lead the blocking unit for Chanhassen. Linder has continued to play with the high level of intensity that he's exemplified throughout the last two seasons, and he played a critical role in helping Chanhassen's offense maintain a high level of play in 2024 despite losing several key starters from their championship team from the previous year. It will be interesting watching Linder and seeing what more he could deliver heading into his senior campaign having achieved so much in a short period of time with this team.     [player_tooltip player_id='1556986' first='Dayven' last='Clairmont']'s presence on Two Rivers' offense has been almost unmatched as one of the biggest and most imposing players on the field. Clairmont is a scary blocker to go against, particularly in the run-game, and once he gets sent out to make a block at the second level of the defense, it's like trying to stop a train. Clairmont is not a blocker that's going to be pushed back easily, and he's contributed greatly toward the offensive success for Two Rivers. Clairmont will remain a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators within Class 5A for one more season.     One of the best two-way players on the trenches in Minnesota, [player_tooltip player_id='1489428' first='Evan' last='Zabel'] has been tearing it up as the blindside blocker for Alexandria's offense. Zabel is one of the most proficient pass protectors on this list, showing great footwork, lateral movement, and change of direction. He's not easy to get through, which has made him a reliable presence on the blindside, and he's a key reason why Alexandria led the state in passing yards last season. Zabel is one of the toughest players to go against in the state currently, and if he gains some additional mass this offseason, he could very much rise toward the very top of the rankings among the trenches.     While his size is a bit smaller for a Left Tackle, I was impressed with how aggressive and effective [player_tooltip player_id='1120555' first='Julian' last='Wanna'] was playing the blindside. He has an impressive first punch following the snap, and he plays with a relentless motor, finishing every snap and making sure he pushes his defender back. Wanna is an underrated blocker who's been one of the hardest-working players I've watched on the field, and if he continues to put in the work toward getting stronger, Wanna could become a priority recruiting target by the end of his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1648543' first='Alex' last='Jensen'] was the centerpiece for Elk River's offense, who dominated with the top scoring and top overall rushing offense in Minnesota as the pounded their way to winning their 2nd Class 5A state championship in the last 3 years. Jensen explodes off the snap, pushing up from the legs and showing great hands and power at the point of attack. Jensen is surprisingly underrated for a player who made such a significant impact toward arguably the best offense in Class 5A last season, though his returning presence should garner him much more attention as he looks to help Elk River maintain their impressive productivity in 2025.     Flipping between Guard and Center, Jacion Jones is another highly effective standout on the blocking unit for Two Rivers. Jones plays aggressively through each snap all the way to the whistle, and he plays well in both roles within the interior gaps. Jones plays with a low pad level, and he shoots off the snap with vigor, showing great hand technique, and he does a good job reading the defense and understanding which players to target on his blocks. Jones is a potent blocker who has stood out as a leader among one of the strongest offensive-line units in Class 5A.     Rocco Verdeja was the centerpiece toward a Tartan offense that showed glimpses of potential as the team made significant progress in their first year under a new head coach. Verdeja plays with a wide base, and he did a great job winning his matchups by utilizing leverage to twist his defenders away, creating a path for the ball carrier. Much like Tartan last season, Verdeja flew under the radar for his efforts on the field, and with Verdeja in the lineup, Tartan could be a dark horse contender heading into the 2025 season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1581369' first='Jeremiah' last='Molina'] was a blocker that I just couldn't ignore, especially with the potential upside that comes with his physique. For a player of his size, he moves his feet exceptionally well, and he is a difficult player to match up against. Molina shows solid hand technique and he plays through the whistle on each snap. There is room for improvement on his progressions and keeping defenders from getting around the edge, but Molina is a prospect that will certainly be a harrowing presence for any defender that takes him on.

We continue our venture toward finding the top players battling on the trenches throughout Minnesota by checking down to Class 5A which boasts an outstanding group of blockers that have been controlling the front and opening paths for their offense to put up big numbers throughout the 2024 season. We take a look at 8 of the top impending senior offensive linemen in Class 5A MN to watch in 2025!