2024 Top 10 East Texas Preseason Offensive Linemen

The toughest and most important job on Friday Nights belongs to these guys. Without a good O-Line you have nothing, and East Texas is full of dogs up front. These 10 guys balled last year, and these 10 guys I'm expecting to make the top 100 this year. 

10. Sr. Johnathan Bateman - Henderson

The biggest mobile guy in East Texas, Bateman is a true mauler. At about 6'1 320, Bateman can move, and when he gets his hands on you it's a wrap. He was an effective puller last season, and plays with a mean streak to finish opponents into the ground. Henderson has talent, and I expect Bateman to lead a turnaround in 2024 for them.

9. Sr. Nick Wallace - Daingerfield

Nick Wallace is a dominant 2 way player in Daingerfield. He's got a great punch, and he's mean. He's going to stay on the block until he punishes you into the ground. He's got a great first step and his hands seem like they stick to defenders extremely quickly. He plays both sides of the ball for the Tigers and will be a critical piece if they're going to go all the way in '24. 

8. Sr. Fernando Longoria - Longview

Longoria saw his first start in round 2 of the playoffs his sophomore year. He went out and balled, and started the next 3 games at left tackle for the Lobos. Last season as a junior he played well, earning 2nd Team All-District. He's weighing about 255 pounds now, up from the 230 he played at in 2023. He's got the experience, he's well coached, and I'm expecting a huge jump from Longoria in 2024. 

7. Sr. Baylynn Williams - Palestine

Baylynn Williams is a big dude. He's 6'5 290 and mobile. He punishes smaller defenders, and in high school football he's bigger than 95% of the defenders he plays. He can pull, he's got good feet. I'm expecting his strength to be much improved, and I believe he's going to take a huge jump from his junior to senior year. Athleticism can be improved; strength can be added. You can't teach size.

6. Jr. Brandon Allison - Carthage

Brandon Allison was the best center in East Texas this past season. He graded out at 92, and just barely missed the top 100. Allison snaps with a long arm that allows him to move his feet faster. He accelerates in the run game, and with his long arms he's dominate in pass blocking. Carthage is well coached, and Brandon Allison is great athlete at the center position. 

5. Jr. Damien Chisum - Texas High

Chisum is a dog. He's old school hat and hands and is trying to deliver an ass whipping on every play. He's big and mobile. At 6'3 275, he's offered up as a youngster, and the list and attention will only grow in the following days. Chisum is a dominant guard blocking for 2 very good running backs at Texas High. I expect Texas High to be the best offense in East Texas in 2024.

4. Sr. Johnathon Bush - Whitehouse

Johnathon Bush is one of the strongest guys in East Texas, and it shows in his play. He's 6'3 290 pounds and he's offered up as well. He's not as mobile as some of the other players on this list, but he does have functional athleticism. He plays tackle for Whitehouse, but would benefit to moving on the inside at center or guard, because of his strength. He touches people and they fly. With improved athleticsim, Bush could score in the Top 50 in 2024.  

3. Soph. Qua Ford - Texas High

At 6'4 250, Qua Ford stepped right on the varsity field as a freshman, and he played like a 6'4 250 pound junior. He's got great ball get off, and he fits right in with the nasty play style that is the Texas High Offensive Line. Ford's gonna be able to throw a dart on a map and pick his school in the next 3 years, and he's about to make a huge jump between his freshman to sophomore season.

2. Sr. Kash Courtney - Cathage

Kash Courtney is a Baylor commit that is big and nasty. He's about 6'4 275 pounds and can get instant movement. He's got long arms and gets his mitts on defenders quickly in pass protection. Kash is a real baller and will be a part of a hungry group of Carthage Bulldogs who didn't win state last year. Look out.

1. Jr. Cameron Griffin - Lindale

Cameron Griffin is nasty. At 6' 250 pounds, Griffin has unique athleticism for an offensive lineman and is mean. He destroys opponents when he pulls, and is not stopping until he can get you on the ground. Lindale has been one of the best places in East Texas for offensive line play for the past 3 seasons, and Griffin was the next special guy to join their Top 100 OL alum: Casey Poe (21-23), Will Hutchins (21-22), Trey Mazratian (21-22), Christian Pettway (2023)