It’s been a few weeks since my preseason rankings, as I wanted to let things marinate a little with the offensive line. All the preseason hype is over and it’s time to start talking about some of the big guys up front that are helping their programs reach success in either the passing game or running game.
Who’s been winning the battle of the trenches?
Ten young men have stood out within the first few weeks, with some that are right there. Let’s talk about them all with an updated offensive lineman Top 10.
1. Matthew Wiginton, Carroll
Wiginton remains at the top spot for offensive lineman in the area. Watching him win reps against programs like Center Grove and Hamilton Southeastern was more than enough to prove to me that he needs to stay at the top spot. His blocking highlights through the first couple of weeks have been extremely impressive. He has contributed to Carroll’s dominant offensive output to start the season. He’s got a huge test against Bishop Dwenger this week.
2. Henry Shaw, Homestead
Shaw climbs up a couple spots from the preseason rankings. He has been doing a phenomenal job leading the way for what has been an impressive start by the Spartans. Shaw has continuously won reps in the first few games, including showing solid footwork and held his own strength wise against Noblesville and Westfield. Because of his leadership and the rest of the Spartans’ offensive line, both Shane Bardwell and Brandon Pinkston have had solid performances on the ground to go along with Frieden. Shaw has also stepped up in the absence of Carson Powell, who is expected to make his Homestead debut this week.
3. Adam Kline, Carroll
It is no surprise that Carroll’s offensive line has been stellar through the first few weeks. Kline has made the argument to jump up a spot or even claim the No. 1 position as he continues to improve. Fresh off his offer from Valparaiso right before the season started, Kline has been on a mission to polish his footwork and hands as much as possible and he did really well against Center Grove. He isn’t afraid to be physical, and his core strength has allowed him to win many reps.
4. Zachary Lehrman, Bishop Dwenger
We’ve got a new name cracking the Top 5. I love watching how centers help run the offense since their role is so important, and Lehrman has emerged as a top center in the area. It’s no secret that the Saints had to replace the majority of their offensive line from a year ago. But Lehrman has really surprised not only me, but his own coaching staff. “He has stepped up and solidified the middle for us,” said Coach Jason Garrett. Keep an eye on this senior. He’s got a tough task this upcoming week against Carroll.
5. Adrian Montoya, East Noble
One of the hottest teams and offenses in the area is in Kendallville. The East Noble Knights have been able to have their way on offense through the first few weeks and much of it is credited to their offensive line. At left tackle, I got to watch the 6-foot-4. 275-pound sophomore win many battles against a tough Snider defensive front two weeks ago. “He has been playing at a very high level. He had a great offseason in the weight room after getting a good amount of playing time as a freshman last season,” Coach Stewart told us. He is only getting started in his development, which is scary.
6. Wyatt Holmes, Bluffton
Bluffton is loaded with a talented offensive line and has multiple guys to credit for its undefeated start to the season. So far, the most impressive of the bunch has been the sophomore Holmes, who leads the team in pancake blocks. At 6’4″, 315 pounds, he is a nightmare for opposing defensive lines as they try to get in the talented Tigers’ backfield. “We tend to run to the right when we need a yard or run to the left with him pulling through,” Bluffton coach Brent Kunkel said. “He has great feet, nasty, extremely coachable and is just scratching the surface.” A new name to know for offensive linemen in the area.
7. Miles Brockhouse, DeKalb
Brockhouse continues to help lead the way for the Barons, who have been a positive surprise in the first few weeks. Both the running game and passing game have been efficient for DeKalb, which is 3-0 going into this Friday against East Noble in a battle of NE8 undefeated teams. A lot of credit should go to the offensive line, led by Brockhouse, that has made new quarterback Bracen Staley very comfortable in the last couple of weeks.
8. Zach Furthmiller, Columbia City
Furthmiller keeps his spot in the Top 10 as he has been great to start the season for the Eagles. He even had a solid showing in the team’s loss to Northridge in Week 2. He is one of the biggest and most talented offensive linemen in the NE8 and with matchups against Huntington North and DeKalb coming up, we will get to see where he stands compared to the other O-linemen in the conference.
9. David Fisher, Adams Central
It feels like forever ago already, but Week 1 against Bishop Luers, Fisher really surprised me with his dominating performance. He recorded a few pancakes in that game and helped create a ton of space for Barrett Collier and provided Jamison Roach a lot of time to throw, which is why the Flying Jets were victorious. Since then in the loss to Eastside and a victory over Tippecanoe Valley, Fisher has continued to look the part up front. He was already a player I was watching, so with his great start to the season, he made his way on the list.
10. Reid Kilby, Northrop
The 6’5, 300-pound junior is still learning how to play football, yet has already showcased his potential and talent. Last week against North Side, he was extremely impressive and immediately caught my eye. He stood out even more after I caught up with Northrop offensive line coach Connor Stout and found out he is new to offensive line. “Reid is still developing as it’s his first year playing O-line, but his fundamentals and mentality to play left tackle spot have been great,” Stout said. Kilby makes his debut in the Top 10 after impressive performances against North Side and Warsaw.
On the watch list
Dorian Bunn, Columbia City
Jayden Bryant, Northrop
Zane Betz, Bluffton
Nehemiah Sewell, South Side
Josh Morken, Bishop Luers
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