Arkansas' top high school football players: Meet the state's best offensive linemen

Some of the top offensive linemen in Arkansas prep football

With a new football season approaching, SBLive will be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Arkansas high school football. This list focuses on the offensive linemen. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are many standout offensive linemen in Arkansas, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. With multiple athletes competing at different positions, some might be listed at their secondary spot. You can discuss other offensive linemen worthy of fans’ attention in 2023 by connecting with us on Twitter at @SBLiveARK or by emailing nate@scorebooklive.com.

Photo of Bryant's Tate Settle by Jimmy Jones

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Aqeelo Allen | Marion | 6-3, 220 | SR

Assuming everyone stays healthy, the strength of the Patriots in 2023 will be their offensive line. Allen earned a starting spot last season after transferring from Earle, finishing the year as an all-conference selection. 

Cooper Anderson | Fort Smith Southside | 6-5, 270 | SR

The three-year starter earned all-state honors after a successful junior season at left tackle. Anderson has received college attention and can continue to up his stock during his final prep run. 

Collin Andrews | Walnut Ridge | 6-2, 300 | JR 

Both sides of the trenches should be a strength for the Bobcats with Andrews leading the way offensively while also serving as one of the top guys on defense. He earned 3A-3 all-conference honors as a sophomore. 

Braxton Bentley | Cedarville | 5-10, 300 | SR 

It all starts up front and Bentley will surely be one new head coach Spencer Adams looks to for leadership. He is a three-year starter who expects to shift from left to right guard. He also starts at defensive tackle. 

Carter Benton | Marion | 6-4, 275 | SR

Benton is a three-year starter and hoping to take the Patriots to new heights as he remembers when the team finished in the 6A semifinals two seasons ago. He can play all five positions up front. 

Caleb Bettis | Pocahontas | 6-3, 270 | SR

A three-year starter, Bettis was the only returner up front for the Redskins in 2022 and was an all-state selection. 

Matt Boyles | Lonoke | 6-3, 270 | JR

It is no easy task to earn a starting role on a variety squad as a freshman, but Boyles has checked that box for the Jackrabbits. He has received plenty of in-state college attention and his stock expects to keep rising. 

Kobe Branham | Fort Smith Southside | 6-5, 320 | SR

The Mavericks’ three-year starter committed to Arkansas on June 26. Branham is the 10th-ranked prospect for the Class of 2024 per On3 and also holds Power 5 offers from Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

Parker Brown | Greene County Tech | 6-4, 300 | SR

Greene County Tech struggled after moving up to Class 6A last fall, but Brown thrived individually as the team’s lone all-state selection. He is a three-year starter and plays guard as well as tackle.

Brandon Bryant | Little Rock Southwest | 6-3, 270 | SR

Bryant was one of the positives last season for the Gryphons earning all-state honors at left tackle for a Southwest team that should be much improved this year and will look much different offensively.

Jack Bulhoes | Malvern | 5-10, 235 | SR

Bullhoes mans the middle of the front as center where he has contributed in some way since the end his freshman season. He helped pave the way during the Leopards run to the 2022 4A state title.

Peyton Carney | Pea Ridge | 6-2, 250 | JR

Carney will be relied upon to help the Blackhawks continue building on the program in year three under head coach Brey Cook after starting since his freshman season. 

Kaleb Chandler | Bentonville West | 6-0, 275 | JR

Chandler has been ultra consistent throughout his career for the Wolverines having started every game as sophomore, as well as half of the varsity games his freshman season. 

Michael Collins | East Poinsett County | 5-11, 230 | SR

Collins helped lead the Warriors to the 2A semifinals, their best finish in a decade, and is a three-year starter at left guard. With the departure of two key guys up front, he is the the unquestioned leader on what will be a young bunch on the o-line.

Kellen Combs | Elkins | 6-4, 260 | SR

Combs earned all-state honors while leading the way up front for the Elks’ offense in 2022 and looks to do more of the same with multiple other key contributors returning.

A.J. Craig | El Dorado | 6-5, 300 | SR

Craig is one of the last remaining starters from the 2021 6A state championship squad and will be a valuable asset for new Wildcats head coach Chris Hill. He is back at left tackle for the second straight year. 

Jackson Cunningham | Carlisle | 5-11, 205 | SR 

Carlisle will once again have one of the better fronts in Class 2A on both sides in 2023, including Cunningham who is a three-year starter. He helped the Bison their first trip to the state finals since 2011.

Carius Curne | Marion | 6-5, 300 | JR

Curne's stock has been one of the fastest rising of any prospect in the state, earning offers from Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss along with multiple other Division I programs. He has the skill to play either side of the line at a high level. 

Morgan Dagley | Gravette | 5-8, 275 | JR 

Dagley is the perfect example of 'big things come in small packages' as the heart and soul of the Lions' offensive front, consistently bullying the guy in front of him. He was tabbed 4A-1 all-conference as a sophomore. 

R.J. “Tank” Davis | Parkview | 5-10, 330 | SR

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff commit is a bull at guard and was a big reason the Patriots boasted such a strong offense in 2022 to win the 5A state championship. Davis graded out at 81% with 88 knockdowns as a junior. 

Cole Dedman | Rison | 5-11, 235 | SR

Dedman helped pave the way to an 11-win season blocking for the devastating Wildcats' rushing attack. He was tabbed 3A-6 all-conference. 

Jason Dougan | Mount Ida | 5-10, 190 | SR

The Lions only return five total starters, two of them on offense. Dougan is not only the top returning lineman after earning all-2A-3 honors, but will be looked too heavily for guidance with the majority of the front being underclassmen. He also expects to start on defense.

Matthew Elder | Bryant | 5-10, 280 | SR

Elder anchors the middle at center for the five-time defending state champions and has proven to live up to the expectations as the quarterback up front. He has contributed on two of the Hornets' five consecutive state championship teams. 

Parker Glaze | Benton | 6-5, 285 | JR

Benton had a Division I signee last season when Walker Davis signed with Arkansas State and Glaze is due to be the next in line, likely at the Power 5 level. He is one of the top players in the 2025 class, able to play either guard or tackle and owns an offer from Memphis. 

Makyrin Goodwin | Pine Bluff | 6-2, 275 | SR 

Pine Bluff made some incredible strides in 2022 and expect to be one of the better teams in Class 5A in year two under head coach Micheal Williams with Goodwin leading the way up front. He consistently displayed the ability to lock up and drive opponents down the field from his right tackle spot. 

Jackson Grubb | Hamburg | 6-3, 270 | SR

The Lions' top college prospect, Grubb is quietly one of the more impressive offensive linemen in Class 4A. He is a three year starter, was an all-state selection in 2022, and also starts at defensive tackle.

Bryson Harris | Warren | 6-1, 295 | JR

Warren is known for producing top-level skill players, primarily wide receivers, but they have been known to have consistent players in the trenches, too. Harris could be one of the next great ones having contributed to the varsity squad since ninth grade, while also starting on defense. 

Cash Hays | Quitman | 6-7, 340 | SR

Hays is one of two legit college prospects on each end of the offensive front and moves piles for the Bulldogs. He has received multiple offers and also plays nose guard defensively. 

Tanner Holden | Benton | 6-2, 275 | SR

The ultra-strong Holden solidified a starting spot as a junior and helped Benton rush for 2,400 yards. Benton head coach Brad Harris includes him when talking about the Panthers' top senior leaders. 

Trason Hunt | Bentonville | 6-5, 265 | SR

The Tigers lost two Power 5 guys up front and Hunt could be their next one to do it as he owns offers from Colorado and Missouri State, along with plenty of other interest. 

Ethan Hurst | Van Buren | 6-1, 265 | JR

Also a wrestler for the Pointers' back-to-back state championship teams, Hurst started most of the season protecting the quarterback's blindside at left tackle and his success has earned him the attention of coaches at the next level. 

Lane Jeffcoat | Bentonville West | 6-9, 300 | SR

The Rice University commit is one of the most imposing linemen in the state and will start up front for the fourth consecutive season having already compiled a decorated prep career. 

Kasen Jewell | Dierks | 6-3, 265 | SR

Jewell has had a highly successful career with the Outlaws and this year's squad feels that 2023 could be special. Jewell owns a Division I offer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and will move over to right tackle after earning all-state honors on the left side as a junior. He also excelled on defense collecting 61 total tackles, four forced fumbles and four sacks.

Adam Johnson | Catholic | 6-2, 290 | SR

Johnson is a three-year starter at right tackle and played a major role in Catholic being one of the biggest turnaround teams in the state. He was tabbed 6A-East all-conference and should have plenty of opportunities to play at the next level. 

Chauncey Johnson | Lonoke | 6-4, 295 | SR

The Oklahoma State commit proved to be a dominant tackle but also plays inside at guard where he has been equally effective. Other Division I offers for Johnson include Arkansas State and Missouri. 

Damien Johnson | Crossett | 6-1, 270 | SR 

Johnson looks to help Crossett continue to turn the corner after winning three of the team's final four contests in 2022. He protects the quarterback's blindside at left tackle and has unique athleticism for his size.

Wyatt Jones | Ashdown | 6-2, 270 | SR

Ashdown has the potential to be one of the better running teams in Class 4A with Jones as the leader of the offensive front. He is a three-year starter for the Panthers and can play either tackle or guard. 

Bradyn King | Gurdon | 6-2, 290 | JR

Playing at a small school may have him a bit under the radar still, but King is one of the strongest overall prospects in the state. He was the first freshman in school history to earn a starting position and was all-state as a sophomore. He can play all positions. 

Zaylon Lewis | West Memphis | 6-0, 240 | SR

Lewis returns as the leader up front for the Blue Devils after helping them turn the corner in 2022 following a struggling 2021. He is a three-year starter at center.

Josh Luallen | Harding Academy | 6-3, 230 | JR

Luallen has started for the Wildcats' varsity squad since his freshman season when he helped them win the 3A state championship. He is without question one of the better pulling guards in the state and earned 4A-2 all-conference honors in 2022. 

Drake Lussier | Maumelle | 6-3, 225 | JR

Lussier will also contribute for the Hornets on defense, but is without question one of their top guys along the offensive front. Following an all-conference season, Lussier will be even more relied upon during his final prep season as the Hornets' offense breaks in a new quarterback.

Hunter Marshall | Farmington | 5-8, 250 | SR

What the three-year starter lacks in size, he makes up for with maximum effort and leadership for the Cardinals as he makes the transition from center to guard this year. His recruiting has picked up this summer as he has been offered by Hendrix College and Graceland (Iowa).

Lucas McCain | Lake Hamilton | 6-3, 260 | SR

Lake Hamilton is known for producing strong offensive lines on a yearly basis and McCain is one of the more experienced interior players on the team. He helped the Wolves eclipse over 4,000 yards of offense in 2022, including 2,900 on the ground. 

Mason Medlock | Fort Smith Northside | 6-3, 290 | SR

The three-year starter also excels in the classroom and has earned the attention of multiple Ivy League schools to play at the next level. 

Landon Meredith | White Hall | 6-4, 300 | SR

Prior to his tragic passing, former Bulldogs head coach Ryan Mallett raved about Meredith’s continued progression and mentioned he expected a huge senior season out of the left tackle. Meredith has a Division I offer from Southeast Missouri State.

Landon Morgan | Camden Fairview | 6-1, 270 | SR

The three-year starter leads a highly experienced offensive line after earning all-state honors as a junior and helped the Cardinals to the 5A semifinals. Morgan recorded 28 pancake blocks and finished with an exceptional 95% blocking grade.

Jonas Nantze | Shiloh Christian | 6-5, 245 | SR

Nantze has helped pave the way for a Saints team that has finished in Little Rock for the past four seasons. He put on over 30 pounds during the offseason and is a three-year starter. 

Matt O’Bar | Booneville | 6-2, 250 | SR

Booneville advanced to the program's second state finals appearance since 2018 a season ago and will once again be one of the top contenders in Class 3A led by O'Bar up front. The three-year starter excels on both sides of the ball can play both guard and tackle, while defensively he lines up at tackle, recording 30 stops as a junior. 

Sam Paladino | Catholic | 6-3, 260 | JR

Paladino looks to have a bright future after earning the starting spot at center as a sophomore. He is one of eight returning offensive starters for one of the state's better stories of 2022. 

Connor Painter | Salem | 5-9, 255 | SR 

The three-year starter may be a bit undersized, but his production speaks for itself. Painter is one of 16 returning starters for the Greyhounds on offense and defense, thriving at center and on the defensive line. 

Nathan Parrish | Manila | 6-4, 255 | SR

The 3A-3 all-conference selection led the Lions in pancake blocks and is the heart and soul of their flexbone attack. He is one of seven starters returning and hopes to help turn the Lions around following a three-win season. 

Caleb Perdue | Mountain Home | 6-4, 280 | JR

Mountain Home has shown some flashes of taking that next step under Steve Ary, winning a playoff game in each of Ary's first three seasons. Purdue earned a starting job during his sophomore season and can contribute at multiple spots in the offensive trenches.

Luke Petrus | Carlisle | 6-3, 250 | SR

Many possessing the name "Petrus" have shined for Carlisle through the years, and this one is no exception. Petrus has proved he can play at the next level as a three-year starter on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Petrus compiled 57 total tackles with seven sacks, an interception and blocked a punt.

Daniel Quiroz | Quitman | 6-2, 280 | SR

Quiroz is one of the more consistent lineman in Class 3A as he hardly lets anything past him. He also fills up space on the defensive line and collected 29 total tackles (eight for loss) and a sack. 

Logan Reed | Glen Rose | 5-9, 245 | SR 

Reed has been as important as any player on the roster to the Beavers' success over the past couple of seasons as a four-year starter on the offensive line, while also wreaking havoc on the defensive front. He was tabbed all-state in 2022. 

Terence Roberson | Warren | 6-4, 305 | SR

Roberson has taken advantage of playing for a program in Warren that consistently produces players for the next level and he fits that mold. He plays right tackle and owns college offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Arkansas-Monticello.

Landon Seaton | Atkins | 6-1, 260 | JR

The Red Devils struggled through a winless 2022 campaign, but Seaton is one of the bright spots of the squad having started since his freshman season. He can play at multiple spots, but will likely settle at guard for the foreseeable future. 

Tate Settle | Bryant | 6-3, 290 | SR

Settle is a key returnee for this Hornets offensive line that looks to be dominant once again with four returning starters. He certainly has next level potential, already possessing multiple Division II offers. 

Kayden Sherman | Maumelle | 6-1, 250 | JR 

Sherman will possibly start both ways, but arguably his best work is done playing the offensive line. He is known to cause problems on either side of the ball and was a 5A-Central all-conference selection. 

Ryan Shortes | Greenwood | 5-11, 280 | SR

Shortes is one of the three returnees on what should be one of the state's more successful offensive lines. He not only possesses an extremely high IQ of the game, but can also play all five positions. 

Conner Simermon | Rogers | 6-3, 290 | SR

Rogers expects to have some of the state's better collective groups of skill players, but they will also return the majority up front. Simermon was tabbed all-state in 2022 after helping the Mounties win nine games. 

Hunter Smith | Hazen | 5-10, 250 | JR

One of the stronger and more consistent trench players in Class 2A, Smith is part of an impressive returning group with four starters back up front where he earned all-conference honors while helping the Hornets win the program's first state title. He also starts on the defensive line.

Cody Taylor | Greenwood | 6-3, 280 | SO

Taylor will go as far as he wants following a unanimous all-state freshman campaign. He has already received a plethora of Division I offers including Power 5’s from Kentucky, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech.

Ryan Taylor | Searcy | 6-2, 260 | SR

Searcy does not return much experience up front, but the ones they do bring back are crucial, Taylor included. He will flip over to the left side after playing right tackle a year ago.

Cairo Terry | Bryant | 6-3, 275 | JR

The 2022 SBLive all-underclassmen selection helped Bryant win a fifth-consecutive 7A state championship as the only sophomore starter up front for the Hornets.

Caleb Turner | Bigelow | 5-10, 220 | SR

The three-year starter has experienced immense success with the Panthers, helping the team win 20 games over the past two seasons. Along with that, he can line up at multiple spots defensively in the front seven.

Charlie Vandenberg | Ozark | 6-4, 295 | SR

Despite having to sit out the first part of his junior season, Vandenberg did not skip a beat throughout the whole season earning 4A all-state honors. He has the ability to play every position on the offensive front. 

Jaden White | Sylvan Hills | 6-2, 290 | SR

Sylvan Hills' offense will look much different as it shifts to multiple formations after lining up in the flexbone for the previous three seasons. White, an 6A-East all-conference selection in 2022, will move over to left guard after previously playing left tackle.

Qauayaser Whitehead | Conway | 6-3, 330 | SR

New Conway head coach Buck James has built a reputation on having dominant offensive lines and Whitehead is where it starts up front for the Wampus Cats. He has received a plethora of attention from Division II programs.

Kason Willard | Nashville | 6-2, 250 | SR

Nashville was on a mission last year after not making the postseason for the first time in three decades in 2021. However, they rebounded finishing in the 4A semifinals with Willard being a key contributor earning all-state honors.

Cache Williams | Parkview | 5-11, 250 | SR

A three-year starter, Williams is the heart and soul of the Patriots' offensive front. He helped them win the program's first state championship since 1978. 

Vinny Winters | Malvern | 6-4, 300 | SR

Winters has been a mostly well-known prospect since earning an offer from Memphis in late January of his freshman year, followed by Arkansas a week later. Since then, the mammoth left tackle has earned eight additional Division I offers and helped the Leopards win their first state title in 30 years last fall.