LAKELAND – It’s hard to believe that a new football season has begun in Polk County.
The players are in the middle of training camp and fighting for their position. And of course everyone is fighting for their position for the coming season. But nothing is more important than the offensive line.
In 2023, Lakeland and Lake Wales dominated the offensive line, which is why they were among the top teams with some strong offenses in Polk County last season. Lakeland won its second straight state title, adding another to its collection of 10 titles, while Lake Wales lost just one of 13 games last season.
But teams like Haines City, Frostproof and Mulberry also had some powerful attacks, which is a direct reflection of the offensive line.
In 2024, players will try to emulate the tendencies of the best offensive linemen.
Here are some of the best offensive linemen in Polk County.
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Bryton Cox, Bartow, Senior
Cox, who stands 6’2″ and weighs 290 pounds, was a key contributor to a team that won seven of 12 games, and he continued to improve over the summer.
Hunter Brantley, Frostproof, sophomore
Brantley was a solid player on Frostproof’s offensive line in 2023 and is 6’1″ and 205 pounds in just his second season.
Jaden Gammage, Frostproof, Senior
Gammage has been a key contributor to a solid Frostproof offense in 2023. At 6’1″ and 255 pounds, Gammage uses his athleticism to produce key blocks in key spots.
Robert Newman, George Jenkins, Sr
Newman, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior, is the leader of a very good offensive line for the Eagles. He is a long left tackle with great feet. He is also tough and physical in the running game. Newman has started at every OL position.
George Dietrick, George Jenkins, Sr
Dietrick is 5’10” and 250 pounds. He was a center last year and will play guard this year, bringing physicality and a high football IQ. He has good feet and hands when making contact, creating gaps for the running back.
John Schambach, George Jenkins, Senior
Schambach, a 6-foot-1, 295-pound senior, is expected to start at center for the Eagles. He is consistent on the snaps and his A-gap protection has helped solidify the Eagles in the middle. He is also strong in the weight room.
Genovian Smith, George Jenkins, Sr
Smith, 6’4″ and 260 pounds, has moved from defensive line to offensive tackle and has come into his own. He is exceptionally good in coverage as a right tackle, allowing him to take on more one-on-one blocking.
Yajece Cobb, Haines City, senior
Cobb is 6’3″ and weighs 230 pounds. He has been great in the weight room this offseason and has shown his explosiveness. He will be a great addition to a Haines City team that is on the upswing.
Ethan McArthur, Kathleen, Sr
At 6’1″ and 250 pounds, he is an exceptional offensive player and was selected to the FACA All-District first team. He is tireless, aggressive and has an excellent ability to get rid of the ball.
Ayden Thomas, Kathleen, Junior
A 6-foot-4, 295-pound sophomore starter, Thomas’ size and skill make him a Division I prospect. He’s expected to shine this year and become a rising star.
Bo Miller, Kathleen, Senior
Miller is a 5’10”, 220-pound third-year starter. He’s a seasoned veteran who plays above his size. He’s good at releasing the ball and he has a strong drive. His experience will pay off for Kathleen this year.
Rusty Watts, Lake Wales, Sr
Watts is back at 6-2 size. Last year he made key pancake blocks for a stellar Lake Wales team. He’s expected to do the same this year.
Ben Beymer, Lakeland, Senior
Beymer was a key player in this potent Lakeland attack last year. At a gigantic 6-foot-8, Beymer is poised to have another great season for the Dreadnaughts.
Trent Turner, Lakeland, senior
Turner is 6’2″ and weighs 290 pounds. He is a new offensive lineman for Lakeland, having just transferred from Lake Wales on the first day of practice. He was a key part of Lake Wales’ potent attack last year and is undoubtedly one of the county’s best offensive linemen.
Parker Peacock, Lakeland Christian, senior
Peacock is 6’4″ and 295 pounds and has been a starter for three years, earning him multiple Division I offers. He’s an athletic big guy who will dominate up front this season.
Mike Pollard, Lakeland Christian, senior
Pollard stands at a whopping 6’4″ and weighs 300 pounds. This is his first year at Lakeland Christian. He has done a great job so far and with Peacock on the same side, Lakeland Christian will have a game-changing combination for the Vikings this season.
Truman St. John, Lakeland Christian, senior
Truman is 6’3″ and weighs 250 pounds. He has been a three-year starter at left tackle. He is athletic and a very smart lineman.
Maddox Glass, Mulberry, Senior
At 1.80 m tall and 120 kg, Glass is the strongest player on the team and returns to the starting lineup.
Christian Martinez, Mulberry, junior.
Martinez is a 6’0″, 240lb junior who will play both guard and tackle and is a repeat starter.
Matt Garman, Ridge Community, Sr
At a stout 6’6″ and 270 pounds, Garman is a force to be reckoned with. He’s a returning starter who added size and strength in the offseason.
Marc Michel, Ridge Community, Sr
Standing at 1.90m tall and weighing 125kg, Michel is a returning starter and is bigger and stronger as he is fully operational.
Tristen Allman, Ridge Community, Sr
At 6’1″ and 215 pounds, Allman is a physical blocker.
Riley Cooper, Santa Fe Catholic, junior
Cooper is back to help Santa Fe Catholic improve on its three-win streak in 2023. Cooper will use his experience to showcase his skills in 2024.
Gabriel Millman, Tenoroc, Junior
Millman will return to help Tenoroc improve in the 2023 season. Things can only get better for Tenoroc’s offensive line.
Gavin Priest, Victory Christian, Sr
Priest, 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, will use his solid base to help support Victory Christian’s offense, which boasted a respectable running attack in 2023.
Tyron Everts, Winter Haven, senior
At 6’4″ and 235 pounds, Everts is a big, physical guy. Although he’s new to the Winter Haven program, he’s already made an immediate impact in the team’s offensive front five. This year, he’ll play left tackle and use his physical presence.
