Meet the 18 best offensive linemen in Polk County for the 2023 high school football season
We are in an era in which teams like to throw the rock around — a fun-and-gun offense.
But at the end of the day, running the football still proves to be the best kind of offense when it comes to keep away and ensuring that the best offensive players stay off the field.
There are a handful of Polk teams that can run with the rest of the state. Below are the area's best blockers that make the engine run.
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George Dietrick, George Jenkins
A rising junior, Dietrick at 5-11, 260 pounds has a great football IQ and will anchor the Eagles' offensive line at center. He had significant playing time last year, which means he will bring experience.
Robert Newman, George Jenkins
A returning starter at offensive tackle, the junior is a whopping 6-3, 290, which means he is strong. Several colleges are interested, and he is already invited to the Army All-American Combine in Texas.
Leo Gamez, Ridge Community
Gamez is a 6-4, 330-pounder who is getting better every day, which makes him a reliable source to run the rock behind.
Matt Garmen, Ridge Community
Garmen is a 6-6 280-pounder, and he is also getting better each day. Garmen moves the toughest defensive linemen out of the way for the Bolts.
Parker Peacock, Lakeland Christian
Peacock is a two-year starter. And thanks to his 6-4, 280-pound frame, the junior is athletic enough to play any position up front for the Vikings. Parker has a huge upside at the next level.
Tristan Black, Lake Gibson
’The senior stands stout at 6-5, 258 pounds, returning as a senior starter. He is violent, athletic and already has multiple offers.
Ben Padget, All Saints
Padget, a newcomer, is going to be a tremendous addition to All Saints. In the spring, he picked up the All Saints offense quickly, embracing his role as a blocker right away. He has the complete package of mental acuity for the game: size, strength and quickness. Padget is a physical player and sacrifices for the team.
Ethan McArthur, Kathleen
McArthur, a 6-foot, 210-pound junior, started at offensive last year for Kathleen. He's physical, relentless, and plays with an edge. He's primed for a breakout year and will help Kathleen achieve its first winning season since 2018.
Caleb Stokes, Lakeland
Stokes also started at center on last year's undefeated state championship team (15-0). The senior is a smart and a physical player for the Dreadnaughts ― a team that won its eighth championship in school history in 2022.
Riley Cooper, Santa Fe
Just a sophomore, Cooper at 6-1, 280, is a big, strong, fast, aggressive, and possessive. He is explosive and has quickness in both his feet and hands. Cooper led the team in pancake blocks last year as a freshman. The Santa Fe coaching staff expects him to have a monster season this year. He also plays right guard and is a dominate puller, while competing at right tackle.
Joseph Sanchez, Santa Fe
Sanchez is a returning senior at offensive tackle. Just last year (2022), he was second in pancake blocks. Additionally, the blocker has put on good size since last year, but he still has a high motor. This year, Sanchez will also see time at Mike linebacker. Santa Fe's coaching staff projects him being a dominate run stopper.
Rusty Watts, Lake Wales
Returning as a junior for the defending state champions, the burly blocker is physical and knows how to move the defensive line around thanks to his 6-2, 285-pound frame.
Trenton Turner, Lake Wales
Anchoring the offensive line for the Highlanders will be Turner, who stands tall at 6-2, 260 pounds as a junior. He will look to lead Lake Wales on the follow-up year to 2022, which resulted in a state championship for the first time in school history.
Nate Gabriel, Auburndale
As a 6-3, 300-pound senior stud, Gabriel is primed for great things in the 2023 season. He works relentlessly at his craft. He can move the defensive line with the best of them thanks to his sound mechanics and solid hand action. What helps Gabriel immensely is the fact that he is a recent wrestling state champion. Working arduously on this craft has assisted him in becoming a more than solid blocker on the offensive line.
Damian Silva, Fort Meade
Silva is primed to do great things thanks to his solid work ethic, which has been evident playing center since the age of 7. All this experience has led to starting varsity as a true freshman, earning a plethora of accolades along the way to becoming a solid senior this year.
Michael Brown, Fort Meade
Brown is ready to have a breakout year thanks to his ability on the offensive line. He will help the Miners have another successful year, which will follow up a 7-4 season (2022).
Garrett Davis, Frostproof
Davis is a top returner for Frostproof thanks to his solid blocking skills. He will look to anchor a team and continue success from the 2022 season, which ended with a 10-3 record.
Chris Bellew, Jordan Christian Prep
Bellew is a top returner for Jordan Christian Prep. Standing 5-11, 220 pounds, the senior will look to use his skills to direct the offensive line at the center position.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County offensive linemen for the 2023 football season
