Top 10 high school offensive linemen for 2016 football season
They are the protectors, the pavers, the football equivalent to the gate keepers, keeping quarterbacks on their feet and helping create holes for running back to get loose.
Arizona has gotten bigger and better in the trenches, and there is no shortage of the big men for the 2016 high school football season.
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Top 10 offensive linemen:
No. 1 Austin Jackson, Phoenix North Canyon, 6-5, 260, Sr.
He is azcentral sports’ top prospect in the 2017 class, after making All-Arizona his junior year. A three-sport athlete, he has more than 20 major-college offers, including Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, Arizona State and Arizona. He is a freakishly athletic left tackle who has taken on the leadership role of a young team in Jose Lucero’s first year as head coach.
No. 2 Jonathan Nathaniel, Chandler Basha, 6-5, 265, Sr.
He will be the main man counted on to protect the blind side of the state’s top-rated quarterback, Arizona-State commit Ryan Kelley. Nathaniel likes being a vocal leader who also leads by example. He has an unquenchable desire to be the best. He takes great pride in not only being a pass protector but a guy who can create big holes in the running game.
No. 3 Corey Stephens, Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-3, 285, Sr.
This guard emerged as Saguaro’s top offensive lineman last season, helping the Sabercats capture their third consecutive state championship. He is back, stronger and hungry and settled in with a college. He quickly committed to Arizona State this summer after receiving an offer from his dream school. He will likely be converted to center with the Sun Devils.
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No. 4 Jax Wacaser, Saguaro, 6-5, 260, Sr.
He has made huge strides since May, putting himself in elite class of linemen in the state. He is lean, long and runs really well. Coach Jason Mohns calls him the most athletic offensive lineman since he has been at Saguaro. He runs 40 yards in 4.75 seconds and has surpassed 1,000 combined pounds in three major lifts – the bench, squat and power clean. Watch college coaches line up to see him play this season, as he puts himself on the radar of major programs in the nation.
No. 5 Joey Ramos, Glendale Deer Valley, 6-4, 270, Jr.
He has ramped up since last season, improving his footwork and strength. That will be on display during what should be a big junior season, leading the Skyhawks running game. Colleges already have taken notice. He received offers from Nebraska, Utah, South Alabama, Fordham and Central Florida already. He has an insatiable work ethic and won’t turn 18 until spring of his senior year.
No. 6 Max Wilhite, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-4, 280, Jr.
He made azcentral sports’ All-Arizona team at center last season when he helped the Scorpions capture their first state football championship. He has been starting on varsity since his freshman year, and will lead one of the biggest and best offensive lines in the state in the 5A Division. These next two seasons should separate him among the best Arizona has seen in the trenches in a long time.
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No. 7 Ben Thomas, Phoenix Pinnacle, 6-3, 300, Sr.
Heart and soul of Pinnacle’s big, talented offensive line. Thomas possesses a swagger, a nasty streak that separates him among the best guards in the state. He’ll have a tremendous season leading a team that could be one of the more dangerous in the state with sophomore quarterback Spencer Rattler now a year stronger, faster and better.
No. 8 Creston Cooledge, Surprise Valley Vista, 6-5, 270
He has made a physical transformation since last season when an injury set him back. He has lost 10 pounds while increasing strength. He has shown no signs of missing the last four games last season because of a fractured foot. He is faster and more athletic and should give Valley Vista much improved offensive production.
No. 9 Eddie Rivas, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Rivas will lead a very strong, talented offensive line with his drive. He attacks as well as any linemen in the state. Rivas was a leader in the trenches last season when the Pride ran wild on its way to a perfect regular season in Division I. He has grown as a leader and player since then.
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No. 10 Ralph Frias, Safford, 6-6, 310
He had minor knee repair that slowed him during basketball season, but he is ready to unleash his fury in rural Arizona as a must-see recruit for major colleges. He has an offer from New Mexico State. He has been a towering figure on the varsity line since his freshman year. He is on a mission to make this his most impactful season yet, as colleges’ curiosity grows.
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-460-1710. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.
