Vote: Who is the best offensive lineman in Central Florida in 2023?
Offensive linemen may not get the appreciation that skill position players do, but they are the heart and soul of a football team, the guys who go to battle in the trenches.
Whether playing guard, center or tackle, offensive linemen across Central Florida have pushed their teams to big accomplishments, including winning records, playoff berths and more. That dedication has earned many of them offers from colleges, or the opportunity to commit to playing college football.
We took a look at schools in eight counties (Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Indian River and Hernando) and came up with 42 candidates that we nominated for Best Offensive Lineman in Central Florida.
We ask you, the fan, to decide who should be the top kicker selected. Voting will conclude November 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m..
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. The poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Here are the nominees:
Damian Seymour, Senior, Cocoa: Physical right guard (6-5, 300) has been a key part of the Tigers’ success this season. His play has helped the defending Class 2S state champ to a 7-1 record and national recognition.
Messiah Robinson, Senior, Cocoa: Strong left tackle (6-3, 275) has helped protect stellar sophomore quarterback Brady Hart and a stable of running backs.
Joshua Raymond, Senior, Lake Mary: Tremendous left tackle (604, 290) has powered the Rams to an 8-0 start and into position for a big playoff run. He has committed to Vanderbilt, but also has an offer from Stanford.
Ben Bankowitz, Sophomore, Edgewater: This elite, versatile lineman (6-3, 295) has played all five positions on the offensive line, per head coach Cameron Duke. He has never a missed a game in two seasons as the Eagles try to finish the regular season unbeaten for the second straight year. He has generated a lot of interest from Power 5 schools and Cincinnati was the first to offer. He has been invited to play in the U.S. Army All-American Combine in Dallas, the All-American Bowl by NBC Sports in San Antonio, and the Offense-Defense All-American Game at IMG Academy in Bradenton in December.
Madden Santiago, Senior, Mainland (Daytona Beach): Physical left tackle (6-5, 305) and Harvard commit has steered the defending Class 3S state runner-up Buccaneers to an unbeaten season through eight games.
Christian Hudson, Junior, Mainland (Daytona Beach): Powerful three-star left guard (6-2, 270) also starts at defensive tackle and has approximately 12 offers, including UCF, Penn State and Iowa State, per head coach Travis Roland.
Elijah Walker, Senior, Mainland (Daytona Beach): Talented three-star right guard (6-5, 320) already has offers from Purdue and Troy, among others.
Max Buchanan, Junior, Seminole (Sanford): Powerful and athletic four-star lineman (6-5, 290) is a big reason why the Seminoles are in the hunt for another state championship. One of the area’s top recruits with another season to go.
Dallas Hudson, Senior, Seminole (Sanford): Strong lineman (6-1, 255) has played a pivotal role in the Seminoles’ balanced offensive attack.
Shawn Andrews, Senior, Jones (Orlando): Physical lineman (6-1, 265) has the Tigers primed for another playoff run in Class 3M.
Camden Rethwisch, Senior, Eau Gallie (Melbourne): Versatile athlete plays center and guard for the Commodores, who have raced to a 7-1 record and are preparing for a Class 3S playoff run.
Zyon McRae, Senior, DeLand: Scrappy lineman has helped the Bulldogs power to a 6-2 start and win the Class 4S, District 9 title.
Nico Duett, Junior, University High (Orange City): Powerful left tackle (6-2, 250) is considered the Titans’ top lineman, per head coach Justin Roberts.
Austin Rosser, Senior, University High (Orange City): Roberts also is high on this left guard (6-0, 225), who has helped the Titans plow over most of their opponents this season. He has interest from Warner and Gardner Webb.
Aden Smith, Senior, Winter Park: Elite left tackle (6-3, 275) has graded out at 91 percent this season for the unbeaten Wildcats (7-0). He has committed to Bryant University (Smithfield, R.I.).
Jacob Schooley, Senior, Rockledge: Versatile athlete (6-3, 240) plays long snapper, guard and center, and has led the Raiders to a winning record (5-3) and a likely spot in the playoffs.
Tye Hylton, Senior, Oviedo: Powerful lineman (6-5, 272) has more than 39 offers from schools across the country. He led the Lions to the Class 3M-2 title and a playoff berth.
Nathan Tviet, Junior, Oviedo: Physical athlete (6-3, 290) already has six offers with another season to go.
Dante Devine, Senior, Olympia (Orlando): Strong right guard has multiple Division I offers for the Titans (6-2), who are playing very well in Class 4M-5.
Kamal Harris, Senior, Olympia (Orlando): Powerful left guard (6-5, 300) has multiple Division I offers while competing in one of the toughest districts in Central Florida.
Chancellor Barclay, Sophomore, Lake Minneola: Stellar left tackle (6-4, 290) has multiple Power 5 offers, including Duke, Iowa State and Florida. The second-year starter has helped the Hawks power to the Class 4S, District 5 title.
Noah Devine, Junior, Lake Minneola: Through games as of Oct. 21, this athletic center (6-2, 280) has combined with Barclay to allow no sacks. A two-year starter, he has helped the Lake County power remain one of the best teams in the area.
Alex Oats, Junior, Bishop Moore Catholic (Orlando): Physical center (6-3, 295) has helped the Hornets get into position for a playoff run.
Aleks Freyman, Junior, Bishop Moore Catholic (Orlando): The talented tackle (6-5, 300) already has a preferred walk-on invitation from the University of Florida.
Jarvis Williams, Junior, Leesburg: Massive two-way lineman (6-4, 275) already is garnering interest after helping the Jackets roll to an 8-1 start.
DreVaun Webster, Junior, Leesburg: Massive guard/noseguard (6-1, 320) has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of the Yellow Jackets.
Truth Moody, Senior, Spruce Creek (Port Orange): Coach Andy Price calls this monster athlete (6-6, 310) the best lineman on the team. He has offers from Bethune-Cookman and Alabama A&T.
Thomas Gearity, Senior, Osceola (Kissimmee): Versatile lineman (6-4, 295) has played both tackle spots, as well as guard, for the Kowboys, who are poised to earn another playoff berth. He has offers from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall.
Evan Lusher, Senior, Hagerty (Oviedo): Physical right tackle has muscled the Huskies to a 6-2 record.
Luke Thomazin, Senior, Hagerty (Oviedo): Strong left tackle (6-3, 235) has helped the Huskies battle for a Class 4M playoff berth.
Rontavius Washington, Senior, Lyman (Longwood): The monster University of New Hampshire commit (6-6, 320) has played a key role in the resurgence of the Greyhounds (6-3).
Coby Wallace, Freshman, Viera: Dominant ninth-grader (6-3, 250) has started all season for the Hawks (4-3), who have won four of their last five games.
Finn Goldfinger, Junior, Viera: Talented center (6-0, 260) is in his third year as a starter for the Brevard County school.
Shadiel Torres, Sophomore, Mount Dora: Only a sophomore, this dominating right tackle (6-3, 262) has helped the Hurricanes storm to a 6-2 record and compete for a playoff berth in Class 2S.
Evan Wassom, Junior, Mount Dora: Tough guard (6-2, 232) plays hard for the Lake County school.
Javeion Cooper, Sophomore, Melbourne Central Catholic: Powerful right tackle (6-4, 295) already has offers from UCF and Pitt.
Jayden Jordan, Freshman, Melbourne Central Catholic: Talented left tackle (6-3, 285) has powered the Hustlers to a 7-2 record late in the 2023 season.
Liam Sweeney, Senior, The First Academy (Orlando): Athletic lineman (6-2, 265) plays interior offensive line and at defensive tackle for the Royals, who are off to another winning record (5-3) this season. He has an offer from Washington and Lee University.
Drew Flournoy, Senior, Foundation Academy (Winter Garden): Assistant coach Gabe Walker said this lineman (6-2, 240) is playing at an all-state level since recovering from a knee injury two years ago. The Lions are playing well (5-3).
Chase Murray, Senior, Nature Coast Technical High School (Brooksville): Tough center (6-0, 280) has dominated this season for the Class 2S Sharks, per coach Robert Kazmier. He has an offer from Maryville and drawn interest from Pioneer League schools.
Carson Yates, Junior, St. Edward’s School (Vero Beach): Physical player has played well for the Pirates this season.
Rex Herrman, Sophomore, St. Edward’s School (Vero Beach): Up-and-coming lineman has shown grit for the Indian River County school.
-- Jeff Gardenour | jgardenour1962@gmail.com | @JMarkG1962
