West Texas Names to Watch: Senior Offensive Linemen

It's getting HOT out west as the season approaches, and the big men up front are locking in for competition. There is plenty of talent in the trenches across the state, but something is different about the grit and toughness of offensive linemen in West Texas. Strong senior leadership is crucial to success for these units in the dry heat; check out some of the seniors to watch in '25.    A powerful and explosive left tackle, Morales is an imposing force and anchor for the Franklin offense. With a great first step, high motor, and heavy hands, Justin excels in the run game, plowing defensive ends into the second level. He also displays good technique and pad level, which enables him to consistently win reps. You have to love the motor and finishing ability Morales possesses as well, showing the ability to put multiple defenders on the ground every play. While in a run-heavy offense, Morales does demonstrate solid pass protection traits, with good footwork and agility. The Cougars' blindside wall should continue to round out his elite talent as he has committed to play at the next level for Kansas State.      An absolute mauling unit of a guard, Primus simply just mows over defensive linemen. Primus excels in the run game, creating holes simply by piling over defenders. He does a great job of firing out of his hips and maintaining his pad level to push the pile. He also displays good footwork and agility in pulling concepts. Primus plays with discipline and always finishes plays with nasty power. He will be the driving force in the Bulldogs' rushing success and has the versatility to shift around the line of scrimmage if needed. Expect Primus to continue getting quicker and further develop his already elite traits and size. Pulelei'ite will choose his commitment between Houston, Vanderbilt, and Washington later this month.      Another tackle committed to Kansas State; Collins is a stud of a left tackle for the Wolves. He thrives at using his massive length to explode out of his hips, extend, and strike edge rushers with power and precision. The first team all-district LT had a monster junior season, allowing zero sacks and compiling 27 pancakes. Collins has great instincts and technique and looks the part of a Power 4 left tackle already. He also maintains a good pad level, which, combined with solid footwork, produces consistency at the point of attack. Collins should put together a dominant senior season as he prepares for the next chapter in Manhattan.      Another left tackle, Pearce, plays fast and physical with an extremely high motor. He is explosive at the line of scrimmage and plays with good short-area quickness, providing value in all types of offensive schemes. He has quick footwork and violent hands, making him a valuable asset in the passing game. Rowdy also plays as his name implies in the run game, constantly finishing plays into the secondary, mowing down defenders. Pearce recently committed to playing his college ball at Utah and will look to rack up another all-state honor and playoff run for the Mustangs in 2025.      Elrod has a long frame and combines it with a strong pass pro set to consistently swallow up edge rushers. With such size, he still possesses great footwork and bend, used to hold the edge. Elrod plays with a high motor and extended hands at the left tackle position. Steady in both the pass and run game, Chase flashes the ability to play on either side of the offensive line. His quick first step, paired with a giant wingspan, makes him a wall to defensive ends. Elrod will continue to develop and work on his pad level, adding to his unteachable size and power, thus producing a dominant college tackle. Chase is staying close to home and will play for the UTEP Miners after a sure-to-be magnificent senior season.

It's getting HOT out west as the season approaches, and the big men up front are locking in for competition. There is plenty of talent in the trenches across the state, but something is different about the grit and toughness of offensive linemen in West Texas. Strong senior leadership is crucial to success for these units in the dry heat; check out some of the seniors to watch in '25.