Oregon’s top high school football players: Meet the state’s best offensive linemen

Who are the top offensive linemen in Oregon in 2021?

By René Ferrán, Mike Wilson, Bob Lundeberg, Paul Valencia and Rockne Andrew Roll

Over the next week, we'll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school football. Our fifth list focuses on the offensive linemen.

There are hundreds of standout football players in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Use the comments section to discuss the other linemen worthy of fans’ attention in 2021.

Find our team-by-team previews for every 6A, 5A and 4A team in Oregon at this link

Declan Quillin (Jesuit) photo by Taylor Balkom

—

Aden Murphy, Sr., Tigard

With all-state center Edward Beglaryan out with an injury, Murphy’s experience as a second-team all-league selection up front carries even more importance with four new starters around him. He received all-Three Rivers honorable mention at linebacker last season with 46 tackles (4½ for loss) and 2½ sacks. “Aden has taken on a leadership role in our offseason workouts,” Tigers coach John Kemper said. “He was someone who was definitely looking for that senior film to help propel him to the next level.” 

Ajani Jones, Sr., Grant

It would be hard to miss Jones just based on his 6-3, 310-pound body, let alone his standout performance. Jones made the all-PIL first team last season at offensive tackle. "I think he's one of the best linemen in the state," Generals coach John Beck said. "He has great feet, good athleticism, and he's a tough guy." 

Angelo Martinez, Sr., Reynolds

Martinez was second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference at center last season. "We have asked him to play a role offensively for us that you don't find many 5-foot-7, 180-pound players play," said Raiders coach Ryan Aldred, who added that center is the team’s second-most important position behind quarterback. "He does it to an unbelievable level, allowing us to expand our offense in ways we could not do without him." 

Armondo Rios, Sr., Bend

Rios was a first-team all-Mountain Valley center last season who helped the Lava Bears amass more than 3,400 yards of total offense in qualifying for the 6A state playoffs.

Austin Leykam, Jr., Lake Oswego

Leykam is the only returning starter on Lake Oswego’s offensive line and is a player Lakers coach Steve Coury projects could play at the Ivy League or FCS level. “He really understands what we’re doing on offense,” Coury said of his starting center. “I expect him to be a good, solid player.”

Barrett Bevacqua, Sr., Lakeridge

Bevacqua garnered all-Three Rivers honorable mention on both sides of the ball last season. He started at right tackle in 2019, but new coach Spencer Phillips plans to move him to center for his senior season. “He’s one of the smartest kids I’ve been around,” Phillips said. “He’s our best lineman, a big, strong kid who will be an absolute stud for us. If he gets film on him, he’s a Big Sky-type player.”

Barrett Bevacqua (Lakeridge) photo by Taylor Balkom

Bobby Vanek, Sr., Scappoose

First-team all-NWOC West at offensive tackle as a junior, Vanek has speed that belies his 6-4, 260-pound body. "He's one of the faster guys on the team," Indians coach Sean McNabb said, adding that if Scappoose had enough offensive linemen, Vanek probably would play tight end or H-back. 

Brody Marler, Sr., Jesuit

Marler is the latest player to join “The Franchise,” the Crusaders’ nickname for the offensive line that has been the foundation of the program’s extended run of excellence under coach Ken Potter. He’ll take over for all-league center Jimmy Ray in the middle of the line.

Bryan Cuthbertson, Sr., Sherwood

Besides being the state leader in tackles as a junior, Cuthbertson was a first-team all-conference guard for the Bowmen. “He’s everywhere on the field,” Sherwood coach Greg Lawrence said. “It’s fun to watch him because he makes cringing hits.”

The Sherwood Bowman football team practices Friday, Feb. 19, 2020 in Sherwood, Ore

Bryan Cuthbertson (Sherwood) photo by Rockne Andrew Roll

Camryn Biegel, Sr., Kennedy

Biegel last season made the all-state team on both sides of the ball — first team on offense — and helped the Trojans reach the 2A state championship game for the second consecutive season.

Carson Endacott, Sr., Klamath Union

Endacott received all-Skyline first-team recognition on the offensive line last season. He has worked hard in the weight room in the offseason and added about 15 pounds in preparation for his senior year. “I think he’s going to be a solid player for us,” Pelicans coach Tom Smith said.

Charlie Pickard, Sr., Jesuit

Pickard eschewed several scholarship offers, including one from Mountain West champion San Jose State, to accept a preferred walk-on offer from Oregon, where the two-way all-state selection (second team on offense) hopes to become the next walk-on to earn a scholarship in Eugene. Don’t bet against him. “He is a leader on our team,” Crusaders coach Ken Potter said. “Very strong and talented.”

Charlie Pickard (Jesuit) photo by Taylor Balkom

Conner Moore, Sr., West Salem

Moore has good size at 6-foot and 260 pounds and brings experience to West Salem’s lineman room. He was a first-team all-MVC selection on offense as a junior and projects to be one of the Titans’ top blockers again this season. 

Connor O’Bryan, Sr., Newberg

O’Bryan is a member of Newberg’s state champion wrestling team who puts his skills on the mat to good use on the gridiron. He placed third in the heavyweight division last year after earning second-team all-league honors on the offensive line.

Connor Rankin, Sr., North Eugene

At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Rankin is a dominant force at the line of scrimmage, with athleticism that translates well to the basketball court in normal winters. Southern Oregon University is recruiting him aggressively, and it’s not just for his physical gifts. “He’s one of our vocal leaders in everything. Always has a smile on his face,” Highlanders coach Rick Raish said. “He’d be the kid I’d put on a billboard for North Eugene.” He’ll play left tackle this season. 

Cutter Sandstrom, Sr., Scappoose

Sandstrom, who is 5-foot-11 and 265 pounds, is one of the anchors on the lines for Scappoose. He was second-team all-NWOC West at guard and on the defensive line as a junior, and he is a standout wrestler. "He's low to the ground, knows how to use his leverage," Indians coach Sean McNabb said. "He's incredibly strong. … If he gets his hands on you, you're in trouble."

Cyrus Markowitz, Sr., Liberty

Markowitz has earned all-conference honors on the offensive line each of the past two seasons, making the second team as a junior to go with receiving honorable mention on defense. “A technically sound, tough lineman who loves to compete and finish blocks,” Falcons coach Eric Mahlum said.

The Newberg Tigers football team practices Friday, Feb. 19, 2020 in Newberg, Ore

Connor O’Bryan (Newberg) photo by Rockne Andrew Roll

Dawson Davis, Sr., Crater

At 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Davis had scholarship offers as an offensive and a defensive lineman, ultimately signing with Southern Oregon. “He works his tail off; he works out with us, works out with his personal trainer,” Comets coach Berk Brown said. “He is just committed to the game of football.” Expect him to dominate in the trenches.

Declan Quillin, Sr., Jesuit

Quillin battled injuries during his junior season and was hoping to make an impact during summer camps and put up strong senior film to bolster his college chances. Crusaders coach Ken Potter calls him “a very good lineman” who should still play on Saturdays somewhere next fall.

Dominic Hankins, Sr., Mazama

Hankins is the team’s top returning offensive lineman, earning first-team all-conference recognition as a junior. “Dominic is our best lineman on both sides of the ball,” Vikings coach Vic Lease said. “He is physical, smart, and knows when and how to adjust to what is given to him.”

Emilio Castaneda, Sr., Hood River Valley

Castaneda is a third-year starter who was second-team all-NWOC East at guard last season. "He's a big, strong kid who is kind of maturing late but is really physical and has a relentless motor," Eagles coach Caleb Sperry said. "He gets after it. He likes to mix it up in the trenches and be a tough guy." Sperry foresees the 6-foot-1, 255-pound Castaneda playing in college.

Gavin Anderson, Sr., McNary

An honorable mention all-MVC offensive selection a season ago, Anderson likely will be moving to tackle after playing guard as a junior. “He can get out and block in the open field and he’s got a mean streak to him,” Celtics coach Jeff Auvinen said. “He is definitely a lineman that will block to the whistle every time.” 

Gavin Russell, Sr., Newberg

The Tigers amassed nearly 3,000 yards on the ground last season thanks in large part to an offensive line that had three all-leaguers and returns four starters, led by Russell, a first-team all-league pick in the middle. “He’s extremely cerebral and understands the game really well,” Newberg coach Kevin Hastin said. “He gets on blocks at the second level really quickly. Having him return is very reassuring.”

The Newberg Tigers football team practices Friday, Feb. 19, 2020 in Newberg, Ore

Gavin Russell (Newberg) photo by Rockne Andrew Roll

Gideon Osborne, Sr., Lebanon

Osborne was a strong two-way performer last season, earning second-team all-MWC honors on offense. The Warriors are traditionally a run-first team, and Osborne played a major role in opening holes for ball-carriers. “Gideon is the nucleus of our front,” Lebanon coach Ty Tomlin said. “He’s been pretty consistent for us."

Henry Buckles, Sr., Hood River Valley

The 6-foot-2, 285-pound Buckles, ranked as the No. 7 recruit in Oregon's class of 2021 by 247Sports, signed with Oregon State in December's early signing period. "He does a really good job of getting his hands on guys and then getting them on the ground," Eagles coach Caleb Sperry said. Buckles was first-team all-NWOC East at offensive tackle and voted co-lineman of the year as a junior, earning all-state honorable mention. "He's pretty relentless," Sperry said. "He's got good feet, good strength, good power." A fourth-year starter at left tackle, Buckles is a team captain with plenty of athleticism: He won the 5A state title in the shot put as a sophomore. 

Henry Rankin, Jr., Siuslaw

Rankin was one of four sophomores to make the all-state team last season, earning honorable mention as he helped the Vikings go from zero wins to six and their first playoff berth since 2014. “He is a stud for us,” Siuslaw coach Sammy Johnson said. “At right tackle, we run behind him a ton in the veer offense. He will be an all-state player this year and next. Without him on the line, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do with half the success.”

Holden Whipple, Sr., West Salem

A two-star prospect according to 247Sports, Whipple is an imposing 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman who signed with Division I Northern Arizona in October. Whipple missed a large chunk of his junior season with an MCL sprain but is healthy and raring to go as a senior. “He is very athletic,” Titans coach Shawn Stanley said. “A 4.0 student and an awesome guy.” 

Aden Murphy (Tigard) photo by Taylor Balkom

Hunter Hampl, Sr., West Albany

Hampl is West Albany’s most experienced returning offensive lineman. He was an all-MWC honorable mention recipient on offense last season in his second year starting. “We will totally depend on him to secure that offensive front,” Bulldogs coach Brian Mehl said. “He’s played a lot of meaningful football for us and has an understanding of what we want to do.”

Jacob Barnes, Sr., McMinnville

An athlete who could have signed collegiately in two sports, Barnes was a first-team all-conference lineman last season and won a national championship in wrestling. He signed with Oregon State’s wrestling program in November. “He was dominant at times on the line last year,” Grizzlies coach Ryan McIrvin said. “I believe he is one of the best linemen in the state.” 

Jacob Hannah, Sr., North Bend

A beast of a lineman at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Hannah made the all-league first team on offense and defense last season and recently signed with Southern Oregon. He’s agile and strong and, more important, he’s taken on a leadership role in a critical position group. “He and his teammates are really spending a lot of time together, which we hope will translate into a very close group of guys on the offensive line,” Bulldogs coach Gary Prince said. “(He) is going to create problems up front for both offensive and defensive coordinators alike.”

Jacob Strand, Jr., Canby

Cougars coach Jimmy Joyce called the 6-5, 245-pound Strand the "perfect kind of left tackle." Honorable mention all-Three Rivers at offensive tackle last season, Strand brings strong athleticism and long arms to the position and is part of what Joyce calls an overall big offensive line.

Jake Moore, Sr., Wilsonville

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Moore was first-team all-NWOC West on both interior lines last season. "He's quick off the ball and can pull from the guard position," Wildcats coach Adam Guenther said. Moore is the strongest player on the team, the coach said, able to do 28 bench-press repetitions of 185 pounds. Moore has committed to NAIA College of Idaho, where he also intends to compete in track and field. 

Zach Holmes (West Linn) photo by Taylor Balkom

Jake Robitz, Sr., Ashland

The starting center, Robitz is among the Grizzlies big men who have gotten their work in any way they could during the pandemic. He will play both ways most of the time. Ashland coach Beau Lehnerz is impressed with how much Robitz has improved his explosiveness, which should be a big boost. 

Jake Wright, Sr., Baker

Wright last season was a first-team all-league selection on the offensive line and a second-teamer on defense. He will walk on at Oregon State. “He’s a long, rangy offensive tackle who will be playing at the next level,” Bulldogs coach Jason Ramos said.

Jax Cummings, Sr., Redmond

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Cummings, a four-year starter, will anchor both lines for the Panthers. As a junior, he was first-team all-MWL North at guard. "He's a big, strong, athletic kid who will cause a lot of problems for offenses and defenses, wherever he's at," Redmond coach Seth Womack said.

Josiah MacPherson, Sr., Marist Catholic

MacPherson has been the starting center for two seasons. Spartans coach Frank Geske said he took his lumps as a sophomore and has become a leader among Marist Catholic’s big men. “He grew up a lot last year,” Geske said, and MacPherson was recognized for it with an all-league first-team nod.

Kai Perez, Sr., Grants Pass

A first-team all-Southwest offensive lineman last season, Perez is a two-way difference-maker who recorded 23 tackles and six sacks as a junior. He signed with Southern Oregon over offers from Western Oregon, Pacific and George Fox. “Kai is relentless,” Cavemen coach John Musser said. “He is a vocal leader who is our best lineman.”

Kanen Rossi, Sr., Sunset

The second-team all-Metro selection started all 10 games at guard last season but might move to center this year. “He will be a huge part of our success with both front groups on both sides of the ball,” Apollos coach Damien Merrick said.

Kanen Rossi (Sunset) photo by Taylor Balkom

Keenan O’Donnell, Sr., Thurston

The Colts graduated all five offensive line starters, three of whom received all-state recognition. There’s another group of big men waiting to take their place — even bigger than last season’s crop, and with no drop-off in technical skills. The headliner is O’Donnell, a 6-foot-5, 315-pounder who made the all-state second team as a defensive tackle last season and signed with Western Oregon this month. He’ll play both ways this season, and coach Justin Starck is downright excited. “The linemen are the key,” he said.

Kobe Hubbard, Sr., North Salem

Hubbard was second-team all-MWC at offensive line as a junior and will be a third-year starter. At 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, he's an athlete — he plays on the basketball team — not just a large body. "Athleticism is something that we don't have to worry about with him," Vikings coach Jeff Flood said. "He moves really well. He's got really good feet. Combine that with his size and strength, that's a pretty good combination for us." Hubbard is No. 30 in 247Sports' Oregon class of 2021 rankings. 

Liam Brown, Sr., Sunset

Brown was a two-way all-Metro performer last season, garnering third-team honors on offense. He recently signed with Montana as an offensive lineman. “Liam is a big-frame kid that can play multiple positions on our offensive front,” Montana coach Bobby Hauck said. “He’s big, he’s strong, and he comes from a real football family. He’s a big-time weightlifter, he loves to train, and he’s just what we’re looking for in our offensive line group.”

Liam Brown (Sunset) photo by Taylor Balkom

Logan Vinyard, Sr., Grants Pass

A two-time second-team all-Southwest Conference selection on the offensive line, Vinyard is 6-feet tall and weighs 280 pounds. He has started 20 consecutive games and signed with Western Oregon this month. “He is an athletic, smart lineman,” Cavemen coach John Musser said. 

Luke Basso, Sr., Lakeridge

Basso’s greatest value to the Pacers comes on special teams, where he is one of the top long snappers in the nation, having signed a preferred walk-on offer with the University of Oregon. He’ll also play linebacker and as a backup center and occasional tight end this season. “He’s one of the most humble kids we have,” Pacers coach Spencer Phillips said. “He’s always positive and has a smile on his face.”

Mario Hernandez, Sr., Hillsboro

A third-year starter on the offensive line, the 6-3, 250-pound Hernandez was honorable mention all-NWOC West last season. "He knows football, knows the game, knows what we need to do up front," Spartans coach Dan Shuff said. "He's super coachable. He'll be an anchor for the offensive line."

Matt Arritola, Sr., Vale

A first-team all-league selection on offense last season, Arritola can play all three interior positions, although Vikings coach Jeff Aldred anticipates he’ll play mostly at center this season.

Luke Basso (Lakeridge) photo by Taylor Balkom

Matt Iwamizu, Sr., Hidden Valley

Iwamizu started last season at tight end but when the need arose for a replacement at center, he stepped up and immediately took to the position, earning co-lineman of the year honors for the league and first-team all-state recognition. He signed with Western Oregon this month. “He’s a super team guy, a super smart kid,” Mustangs coach James Powers said. “He’s worked tirelessly in the offseason and become more mobile and athletic.”

Nathan Horsey, Sr., Roosevelt

Horsey was second-team all-PIL at offensive tackle as a junior after being a first-team pick as a sophomore. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder brings a high motor. "He loves to work, loves the game of football," Roughriders coach Ryan McCants said. "He's going to be another anchor on the line for us." McCants said some of the local small colleges are looking at Horsey. "He's a real hard worker, and he's going to do whatever he can to prove that he can play at the level that he'd like," McCants said. 

Noah Culbertson, Sr., Sherwood

Culbertson signed with Idaho to throw the shot put and discus, but he easily could suit up for the Vandals football program after being named the Pacific Conference offensive lineman of the year and earning second-team all-state honors as a junior. A third-year starter on both lines, he was a second-team all-conference pick on defense. “He’s a technician with good size and does things the right way, which makes him a fantastic blocker,” Bowmen coach Greg Lawrence said.

The Sherwood Bowman football team practices Friday, Feb. 19, 2020 in Sherwood, Ore

Noah Culbertson (Sherwood) photo by Rockne Andrew Roll

Owen Magill, Sr., Silverton

Magill is an impact two-way player who received first-team all-MWC accolades on offense and defense as a junior. He is likely to play both ways again for Silverton. “He’s just your old-school, blue-collar, gritty kid,” Foxes coach Josh Craig said. “If you ask the kids who the toughest guy on the team is, almost all of them will probably say Owen.”

Ryan Dirksen, Sr., Central Catholic

The 6-6, 290-pound offensive tackle has wowed on the recruiting circuit, reaching No. 53 on the 247Sports list of Oregon class of 2021 prospects, with interest from Holy Cross, Idaho and Montana State. He’ll get the chance to show his stuff this spring after sitting behind four all-Mt. Hood selections last season. “Ryan is very athletic for his size,” Rams coach Steve Pyne said. “He has worked very hard over the extended offseason and looks to have a productive senior season.”

Sam Irwin, Sr., Warrenton

Irwin last season keyed the Warriors offense as a 3A all-state first-team offensive lineman while also making the all-state third team on defense. In the winter, he won a state title at 195 pounds in only his third season as a wrestler. “Sam is an incredibly versatile athlete and the leader of our program and our school,” Warrenton coach Ian O’Brien said. “Sam most certainly is a guy coaches love to have on their team.”

Seth Colton, Sr., Madras

When Madras goes double tight end, look for Colton to be there. Otherwise, he will be one of the offensive tackles, where he’ll play for George Fox in the fall. “One of the hardest workers on our team,” White Buffaloes coach Kurt Taylor said. “He wreaks havoc on the defensive side. He’s big, strong, and he moves really well, especially laterally.”

Shane Schwake, Sr., Sheldon

A second-team all-Southwest Conference selection on the offensive line as a junior, Schwake has signed to play college football at Eastern Washington. The 6-foot-8, 300-pound offensive tackle is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports. “Shane is big, large and massive, and you can't teach that size,” said EWU coach Aaron Best. “He had multiple opportunities to see where his fit was but chose Eastern. Shane was excited about the tradition and legacy of our offensive line over the years. The vision here has been in place for a long time, and the reality was that Shane was intrigued. He'll play outside as a tackle for us and is a player who has ability and some good raw talent.”

Ryan Dirksen (Central Catholic) photo by Taylor Balkom

Ty Delgado, Sr., Parkrose

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Delgado should be the anchor of both lines for the Broncos. He was first-team all-NWOC East last season on both sides of the line of scrimmage and co-lineman of the year (an honor he shared with Oregon State-bound Henry Buckles of Hood River Valley). "We're really looking for him to help set the tone," Parkrose coach Brian Jackson said. Delgado, an all-state honorable mention selection as a junior, is the No. 49 prospect in 247Sports’ Oregon class of 2021 rankings.

Tyler Voltin, Sr., Regis

The Rams struggled to a 2-7 record last season, but Voltin’s contributions could not be ignored — he made the all-state first team on offense and third team on defense. He is one of the busiest people on the Stayton campus — he plays three sports (football, basketball and baseball), serves as a stage manager for school plays, is on the student council and is a member of the National Honor Society. He will walk on at Oregon State. “Tyler is willing to do the hard, unselfish work in the trenches,” Regis coach Jeff Wiltsey said. “He has been a cornerstone for all three programs here at Regis. He has a strong growth mindset and pushes those around him to be their very best.”

Zach Holmes, Sr., West Linn

Holmes, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers League pick on both sides of the ball as a junior, eschewed offers from Air Force and FCS schools Georgetown, Penn, Bucknell and Sacramento State to accept a preferred walk-on spot at Oregon State, where he’ll play guard. “Zach loves football and is a relentless worker,” Lions coach Chris Miller said. “He is a very good athlete and will be a dominant force on both sides of the ball.”

—

Find our team-by-team previews for every 6A, 5A and 4A team in Oregon at this link