Virginia 2027 Top 100 Breakdown: Offensive Line

In the recently updated <a href="https://prepredzone.com/virginia/rankings/2027-rankings/">Virginia Class of 2027 rankings</a>, the Offensive Line position had the second-most representation. With at least 70 players from these positions represented in the rankings, this group also dominated the Top 50 and Top 100.    Let's take a quick look at some of those prospects ranked in the Top 100.    No. 2 Rashad Saunders Jr. — Woodberry Forest — OL/DL — 6'4”, 315   Saunders has 15-plus offers that include Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio State. Tennessee, who Is also in the mix, visited him today. I briefly mentioned him in the Top 2027 defensive linemen breakdown. I'll hold back on giving my full evaluation of him until he puts together his 2025 season highlights.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JrSaunders8/status/2009287976468001111?s=20 </div></figure>   No. 3 [player_tooltip player_id='1695821' first='Carter' last='Jones'] — Poquoson — OL — 6'6”, 280   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/carterjonesfb/status/2009358996634014200?s=20 </div></figure>   Jones is one of the more sough-after offensive linemen in the nation. His 20-plus offer list includes Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, and Virginia. Tennessee, who visited him today in school, is also in the mix. It's obvious that he has a physical advantage against everyone he goes against. It's his nasty demeanor, short area quickness, physicality, and violent initial punch that puts him at that elite level. Jones is a great run-blocker on the edge.   No. 20 [player_tooltip player_id='1311622' first='Brody' last='McNeel'] — Godwin — OL — 6'5”, 260   McNeel committed to Ohio State late last year (Nov. 18). He might be one of the more athletic looking offensive tackles I've evaluated over the past few months on film. The way he attacks at the point of attack is impressive. McNeel has a fast first step out of his stance and is great at blocking targets in space and at the second level. His lateral movement is so smooth. McNeal's pass-blocking is impressive is well. He definitely uses his reach to disrupt timing and keeps rushers off his chase. Just a dominant player.   No. 23 Q'Mari Hudson — Western Branch — OL — 6'4”, 290   Hudson's 10-plus offers include West Virginia, Syracuse, NC State, Wake Forest, and Cincinnati. He looks great on both sides of the football based on a quick look at his junior-year highlights. He's no different from the last two players I evaluated. The physicality, athleticism, agility, and technique stand out when watching his highlights.   No. 26 [player_tooltip player_id='401056' first='Ethan' last='Lawson'] — Rye Cove — OL/DL — 6'6”, 300   Lawson earned 1st team All-Region offensive and defensive line honors and earned 1st team All-State offensive and defensive line honors. His offer list includes Liberty, Syracuse, ETSU, Eastern Kentucky, and UVA-Wise. It's a blessing to get offers. However, I'm surprised there aren't more P4 schools on this list. He's a force on both sides of the football. Cove's explosiveness off the ball stands out whether he's blocking of defending against the run and pass. With his frame, his ceiling is on the offensive side.   No. 42 [player_tooltip player_id='1311655' first='Jaxon' last='Manning'] — Liberty Christian Academy — OL — 6'4”, 295   Manning earned 1st team All-Region 3C offensive lineman honors. He's a strong run-blocker who sustains his blocks through the whistle. Showcases good agility as he's able to make blocks on the move and at the second level. His ability to stay under control helps him hit his targets in space. Manning is either going to move the defender or seal the lane for anyone running behind him.   No. 74 [player_tooltip player_id='1631223' first='Samuel' last='Twyman'] — Highland Springs — OL/DL — 6'3”, 340   He is a big-body in the interior that clears the running lanes with ease for the backs. Twyman is hard to get around or push back. He's going to win most of the time at the point of attack. I think if he improves his lateral movement and quickness off the football, his stock will go up even higher. l   No. 96 [player_tooltip player_id='1312032' first='Bowen' last='Gottselig'] — Episcopal — OL/DL — 6'6”, 265   I like the fact that he has a nice mix of pass and run blocking highlights at the beginning of his 2025 film. When he's pass-blocking, his highlight show him not over-setting or chasing and being patient. Gottselig has nice footwork, as shown in ability to be effective on down blocks and climbing to linebackers cleanly. I think more interest will be coming his way in the upcoming months as more colleges get a chance to watch his junior-year highlights.

In the recently updated Virginia Class of 2027 rankings, the Offensive Line position had the second-most representation. With at least 70 players from these positions represented in the rankings, this group also dominated the Top 50 and Top 100.