Five OL Breaking Out In The 2025 Season

We'll continue with my breakout player series for each position, regardless of classification or grade. I've done a few of the offensive positions, but now it's time to check out the offensive line.   The majority of this list consists of all underclassmen. Headlining it is Southwind's [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'], who has been blowing up on the recruiting trail recently, followed by four other young guys.   It was fun putting this list together. Now, let's get into it.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/112-Ben-Hale-rotated-e1736531353861-crop-1873x1230-1759206546.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1922701" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: CPA OL [player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2027 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] – Christ Presbyterian Academy   Junior offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] transferred to CPA over the summer, and it's immediately paid off as he's improved vastly while transforming his body. He's much leaner while gaining good weight to achieve high-level FBS size.   It's been a rough season for the Lions, who are 2-6. But they feature multiple big-time O-line recruits, including Hale.   He plays the right tackle position for CPA, producing at a high level in both the run and passing games. Hale does a great job of getting off the ball quickly and immediately engaging with defensive linemen.   The 2027 OT has significantly improved as a pass blocker with his technique, and he also demonstrates the awareness to pick up and pass off defenders, giving his quarterback more time in the pocket.   Hale has another year to develop, where he could turn into one of the best trench guys in Tennessee.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/makhi-rodriguez-2-tn-28-rt.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1189328" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman OL [player_tooltip player_id='1181753' first='Makhi' last='Rodriguez']. Photo by Blackman Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2028 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1181753' first='Makhi' last='Rodriguez'] – Blackman   Makhi “Nacho” Rodriguez has taken the next step after a solid freshman campaign in 2024. He's been correctly developed, which is what you love to see from underclassmen.   He's a massive man at 6-foot-5 and well over 300 pounds. Even with that size, he moves well and features good athleticism at left tackle.   He's fine in pass protection, but Rodriguez is excellent in the run game when he can get his big hands on someone and take them for a ride. However, it's good to see him improving on passing downs, as he's looked much more comfortable and productive this season against several good defensive fronts   His footwork and technique are decent, but need to be polished if he wants to unlock his full potential. The Blackman offensive lineman is strong, extremely physical and has a high motor.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/akeefer.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1689798" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Southwind OL [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] (#56). Photo by Southwind Athletics,</figcaption></figure>   2027 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] – Southwind   Keefer is a multi-year starter, but has progressed well in the offseason and has racked up multiple high-level Power Four offers recently.   He has taken another strong step forward as he keeps developing into his combination of size, traits and athleticism that makes him such an exciting prospect.   He has the length and versatility to play both tackle or guard at a high level with continued development working with a college coaching staff.   After earning the offensive line MVP at the Under Armour Nashville showcase in the offseason. He's continued the momentum in his development to move forward fast along a very intriguing arc, and that has been reflected in the increase of college programs interest.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Marland-Mixon-28-TN.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1280538" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland OL [player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   2028 OG [player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon'] – Oakland   Oakland is always going to have good linemen with the style of offense they run. Sophomore offensive guard [player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon'] is part of that next wave of them, and he's beginning to make a name for himself in a breakout campaign.   Mixon is an absolute beast in the trenches at a young age. He's got good size at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds of muscle.   While you'd like him to grow in the height department, he checks all the boxes from a physique standpoint, so it's not as big of an issue.   He's extremely violent on the line and drives players through the echo of the whistle while creating holes for his running backs that school buses could drive through.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-16-2025-10-41-30-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1957371" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Ensworth OL [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles']. Photo by Ensworth Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   2028 OT [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] – Ensworth   Sophomore offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1180873' first='Ashton' last='Coles'] has been outstanding this season for the Ensworth Tigers. The 2028 prospect is big and nasty in the trenches with great strength.   After a strong showing all year, he's established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in a loaded class.   Coles can play all over the line, but has stuck at left tackle for the majority of this season, where he's impressed in arguably the toughest classification in the state.   He's excellent at everything, but is at his best when Ensworth gets him active in the run game. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, he's borderline immovable. Coles also has good technique and strong hands, which is a recipe for trouble for opposing defenses.   The most impressive aspect of his game is his pass protection. Typically, bigger guys, especially at a young age, struggle in that area against quicker defensive linemen. Not Coles.   He's quick off the ball, has a nice anchor and the awareness/technique to not get beat on the outside to give his quarterback time to throw.

We'll continue with my breakout player series for each position, regardless of classification or grade. I've done a few of the offensive positions, but now it's time to check out the offensive line.