Pennsylvania's top high school football players for 2023: Meet the offensive linemen
The 2023 high school football season is finally here.
SBLive set out to find the best offensive and defensive players in the state at each position.
We started with the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, linebackers, defensive backs and defensive linemen. Now we go back to the trenches to take a look at some of the top offensive linemen in Pennsylvania entering the 2023 season. Players from all classifications received consideration.
There are plenty of standout football players in Pennsylvania, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Tag us on X or Instagram at @SBLivePA to discuss the other offensive linemen worthy of fans’ attention in 2023. You can also submit player nominations to ryan@scorebooklive.com.
(Note: These lists were compiled prior to the first week of the season)
(Photo of Imhotep Charter offensive lineman Zafir Stewart by Paul Burdick)
Adham Abouraya, sr., Downingtown East
Abouraya was a lead blocker last season for star tailback Bo Horvath, who rushed for 2,315 yards and 32 touchdowns. A starter since his sophomore season, Abouraya committed to Pittsburgh earlier this year.
Kevin Brown, so., Harrisburg
Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia were among the Division I schools to offer Brown following a dominant freshman season for Harrisburg. Brown played both ways last year at offensive and defensive tackle.
Michael Carroll, jr., Central Bucks East
Carroll already holds double-digit Division I offers, including Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin. He projects as an offensive tackle at the next level with an 82-inch wingspan.
Joe Collins, sr., Central Bucks East
Central Bucks East will have one of the state’s best offensive lines this fall with Michael Carroll and Collins, who was a first-team all-Suburban One League performer on both sides of the ball as a junior. He set a single-season school record with 49 pancake blocks and didn’t allow a sack last year.
Jiavani Cooley, sr., Cathedral Prep
A three-star Pittsburgh commit, Cooley plays right tackle and defensive end for Cathedral Prep. He has a good mix of speed and power within his 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame.
Ryan Cory, sr., Pine-Richland
Cory was a key blocker for last year’s Pine-Richland team that captured the Class 5A state title. The Wisconsin commit made the 5A all-state team.
Cooper Cousins, sr., McDowell
A two-time Class 6A all-state selection, Cousins committed to Penn State way back in January 2022. The imposing 6-foot-6, 315-pounder is a physical four-star recruit who could play guard or tackle for the Nittany Lions.
Jack Dendall, sr., Wilson
Entering his fourth season on varsity, Dendall is a versatile senior lineman who can play on both sides of the ball. He is a strong run blocker and is continually improving in the passing game.
Andrew Erby Jr., sr., Steelton-Highspire
The twin brother of quarterback Alex Erby, Andrew Erby also holds a slew of Division I offers. He was a Class 1A all-state offensive lineman as a junior who recorded more than 30 pancake blocks.
Kevin Heywood, sr., Pope John Paul II
Heywood, a transfer from Archbishop Wood, should be a factor on both sides of the ball for Pope John Paul II, but the four-star prospect will play offensive tackle for Wisconsin in college. Heywood is already an elite pass blocker who is steadily growing in the run game.
Ryan Howard, sr., Downingtown West
At 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds, Howard is a prototypical offensive tackle prospect who was voted Class 6A all-state a season ago. He is committed to Kansas State where his older brother, Will Howard, is the starting quarterback.
Peter Jones, sr., Malvern Prep
Jones is a physical drive blocker who also excels in pass protection. A four-star recruit, Jones also plays on the defensive line for Malvern Prep. He committed to Notre Dame last year.
Sean Kinney, sr., Nazareth
Kinney earned Class 6A all-state honors on the offensive line as a junior and is also a standout at defensive end. Not limited to football, Kinney is a two-time state wrestling champion who had a 35-0 record last winter at 285 pounds.
Andrew Kirlin, sr., Marple Newtown
Kirlin has ideal size to play offense tackle at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds. He is still searching for his first Division I offer, but Kirlin is a proven performer who earned Class 5A all-state honors last season.
Michael McMonigle, sr., William Penn
McMonigle is a prototypical offensive tackle at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds who had a terrific junior season blocking for current West Virginia running back Jahiem White. The three-star recruit committed to Maryland in June.
Tyler Merrill, so., Cumberland Valley
A starter at offensive tackle for Cumberland Valley, Merrill is one of the top sophomores in Pennsylvania. The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder’s early offers include Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Pittsburgh.
Anthony Robsock, sr., Central Dauphin
Robsock is another versatile big man who is capable of playing guard or tackle. The rising senior has put on more than 30 pounds since the end of last season and is committed to Maryland.
Rico Steele, sr., West Mifflin
The anchor of West Mifflin’s offensive line, Steele already looks like a Division I lineman at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds. He holds several Group of 5 offers and projects as a guard or center in college.
Kahlil Stewart, jr., St. Joseph’s Prep
A transfer from Roman Catholic, Stewart brings experience and tenacity to St. Joseph’s Prep’s offensive line. The three-star athlete is one of the top uncommitted blockers in Pennsylvania.
Zafir Stewart, sr., Imhotep Charter
Stewart was a key lineman for an Imhotep Charter squad that reached the Class 5A state championship game a season ago. The talented senior committed to Illinois in June.
