By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
There are many talented linemen across our coverage area that features more than 60 teams. Below are some of the top offensive and defensive linemen to watch this season. This list is in alphabetical order.
Quarterbacks to Watch – CLICK HERE
Receivers to Watch – CLICK HERE
Running Backs to Watch – CLICK HERE
Linebackers/Defensive Backs to Watch – CLICK HERE
Breakout Players to Watch – CLICK HERE
NOTE: Some worthy players may appear on one of our other five football watch lists. A player can only appear on one list.
JAMBOREE PHOTOS – CLICK HERE
ALL FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS – CLICK HERE
Kyle Fritts, Fair Grove Senior
His athleticism as a 6-foot-1, 265-pound interior lineman is nothing short of impressive. Defensively he totaled 67 tackles, 15 TFL and forced three fumbles, which earned him All-Region honors. Offensively, from his center position, he earned All-State honors. He’s the cousin of Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner, and clearly the football ability is genetic.
John Gholson, Nixa Senior
It’s hard for defensive linemen to have a larger impact than Gholson did as a junior. He finished with 80 tackles and three fumble recoveries, with his crazy motor and ability to play inside or out forcing teams to double or triple team him. The All-State and All-COC pick will have schools lining up for his services.
Jaylon James, West Plains Senior
Mount James is the most imposing figure on Highway 60, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 300lbs. Despite his size, freakish athleticism gives him positional versatility on both the offensive and defensive lines. Every elite D2 has offered, as well as Iowa State and Ball State and several elite JUCOs. He’ll play on Saturdays next year.
Garrett Lilienkamp, Carthage Senior
His dad was a standout on the old Lockwood dynasty teams and Lilienkamp is cut from the same cloth. Entering his third year as a starter, he can play either tackle position and also sees time on the defensive line. He’s an All-State pick and that’ll likely be the case again. If he were two inches taller you’d see D1s beating down his door. They probably should anyway…
Harrison Merriman, Monett Senior
If No. 56 gets his hands on you on either side of the line it’s over. Merriman was an All-Region and All-Big 8 OL/DL and an All-State offensive lineman that just made a living on mauling people. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound nightmare is also a state champion wrestler.
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Cooper Roy, Glendale Senior
Roy continues to stack offers after a record-breaking junior season saw him tally 98 tackles and a Missouri-record 26 sacks. Naturally he was an All-Everything pick in 2020. Kansas, Buffalo, Bowling Green, Ball State and Army have all offered the 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end.
Tucker Torbeck, Lamar Senior
There’s a reason Lamar rushed for 4,114 yards and 61 touchdowns on its way to yet another state championship and much of it comes in the form of 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior Tucker Torbeck. He’s physical and mean, just how Lamar develops its linemen and that’s why he was an All-State selection last year. He’s one of several Lamar linemen on either side of the ball that was worthy of this honor.
Eddie Swisloski, Cabool Senior
If you ever want to see a 6-foot-4, 340-pound lineman run stride for stride with his running back or block a man for 25 yards, just watch 30 seconds of Eddie Swisloski’s junior tape. He’s an absolute mountain of a man, but impressively agile for his frame. He also takes care of Cabool’s kicking duties on the side.
Caden Wiest, Reeds Spring Junior
He’s considered one of the top tight end prospects in Missouri, but right now his impact at defensive end is scary. To get an idea of just how insanely gifted he is, Wiest went to state in the shot put, open 200 and 4×100. His explosiveness is too much for high school kids to handle; there aren’t many 6-foot-4, 240-pound athletes walking around. He’ll be a headache for both offensive and defensive coordinators this year and has long-term pro potential as an H-back.
Tristan Wilson, Lebanon Senior
A consensus 3-star prospect, Wilson has all the tools to be a future pro. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Wilson has a frame to play anywhere on the offensive line, as well as a crazy skillset that includes great feet and hands. That’s why Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Miami, Kentucky, Illinois and several others courted him before he ultimately committed to Mizzou.
ALL AREA FOOTBALL SCHEDULES – CLICK HERE
OTHERS TO WATCH
Kyle Anderson, Aurora Senior
Kadyn Barnes, Fair Grove Senior
Buddy Belcher, Webb City Senior
Sam Brower, Nixa Senior
Brian Bullard, Ozark Senior
Isaac Burks, Mt. Vernon Senior
Tate Crawford, Marshfield Senior
Hayden Crider, Rolla Junior
Ethan Crouch, Rolla Senior
Ryan Davis, Lamar Junior
Dominic Dawson, Mount Vernon Senior
Marcus Duncan, Neosho Senior
Micah Erickson, Republic Senior
Eric Gracia, Marionville Senior
Garrett Gricks, McDonald County Senior
Jacob Lakey, Ava Senior
Joe Don Kirkland, Branson Senior
Micah Lindsey, Carthage Senior
Azlen Metscher, Skyline Junior
Josh Rose, Hillcrest Senior
Donovahn Watkins, Joplin Senior
Trace Willhite, Lamar Senior
